Florida's Ancient Islands

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.

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.

Florida Scrub jay
Copyright: Erick Blackmore, used by permission

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.