Sand Pine Ridge

Located twenty to twenty-five feet above Turkey Creek is the sand pine ridge.  This classic scrub area is found only in Florida and is named for its dominant tree, the Sand Pine (pinus clausa).  Sand pines flourish in the sugary sands of ancient dunes.  Since they usually copy a high dry site,  these dune areas are much sought after as construction or agricultural sites.  Unfortunately, the sand pine is very susceptible to foot and vehicular area is sparse as the soil lacks many nutrients.  Most  of the plants have wax-coated or succulent leaves to aid in water retention.  This community is habitat for the indigo snake, gopher tortoise, quail, rattlesnake, and the endangered Florida mouse.