Tree Islands

South Florida Water Management District

Tree islands comprise less than two percent of the area but are an integral part of the Everglades ecosystem. These islands vary in size from less than an acre to several hundred acres. Distant tree islands can be seen from I-75 at mile marker 38 to mile marker 42.

Eighty percent of Everglades plant diversity is found on tree islands. They are also critical habitat for deer, Florida panther, bobcat, raccoon, marsh rabbit, river otter, snakes, migratory songbirds, small mammals, and butterflies, and nesting sites for wading birds, alligators, turtles, and raptors.

Within Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area are different types of tree islands distinguished by species composition and topography. In the extreme southwestern portion of the area, species composition is more tropical, and many of the islands are dominated by cypress. The tear-shaped islands that are generally oriented north-south following the flow of water were formed on outcrops of limestone. On most of the area, cabbage palm, dahoon holly, red bay, sweet bay, and red maple are the dominant species.

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