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Scrub
Morning Glory, one of the listed rare species on the Ridge |
Florida’s Ancient Islands stretch for over 100 miles down the
middle of central Florida. These relic sand dunes created over
thousands of years by the dynamic movements of sea, ice and wind now
provide refuge for rare and endangered plants and animals. Glacial changes and
the rising and falling of the oceans caused dramatic transformations on
the Florida peninsula. Covered almost completely by water two million
years ago, only a series of small islands existed in an expansive
ocean. It is these islands that make up today’s Lake Wales Ridge.
Wildlife and plants once isolated on these islands evolved extremely
unique characteristics. Although these waters have receded, these islands still continue to support these
distinctive life forms.
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Although consisting of a variety of habitats from low and wet bayheads
to high and dry sandhills, the ridge is most famous for its scrub
habitat. This forest in miniature consists of clusters of shrubs
scattered between patches of open sand. The lack of canopy cover and
very deep porous sands create a hot, dry, desert like habitat. Life in
the scrub can be tough, and its inhabitants have developed a variety of
unique adaptations in order to survive. One of the scrubs best known
residents (pictured at the right) is Florida’s only endemic bird the
Florida scrub-jay. |
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Many challenges face the future of these ancient lands. By becoming a
Ridge Ranger you can help ensure the protection of these fragile and
special environments.
To learn about this rare landscape visit:
Florida’s Ancient
Islands: The Lake Wales Ridge
with a variety of links about the ridge.
Why Save Species
to discover the endangered, threatened and rare species the region.
Dr. Steve Christman’s Web site
with Floridata to discover the Florida scrub. |
