The Nature of Florida

So, I’ve established two things about Florida so far (1) the Florida Keys can be a destination for hikers, and (2) this state has a lot of forts. As much as I love Disney, I didn’t see a single theme park while I was there. So, yes, there are a lot of off-the-beaten-path destinations in Florida, and there is hiking to be had for those us of that love seeing nature. But just what IS nature like in the home of Disney World? I imagined lots of swamps, with beaches on the edges, but it turns out (unsurprisingly), that the nature of Florida is really complex, with a variety of ecosystems (or groups of plants and animals associated with certain environmental conditions) to enjoy. Here are some of the ecosystems that I got to explore in Florida.

Ecosystems of Florida

Sea Island Flatwoods in Fort Caroline NM, Jacksonville

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Palmetto Forests in Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Hardwook Hammock on Windly Key, Florida Keys

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Sandy Beaches in the Dry Tortugas NP

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Cypress Forest in Big Cypress National Preserve

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Bay Head in a Grass River of the Everglades NP

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Pinelands of the Everglades NP

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

Mangroves of the Everglades NP

(c) ABR 2016

(c) ABR 2016

nature of florida

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42 Comments

  1. I love this! I’ll definitely be back. My boyfriend is from Florida and we’re going to visit in October and I can’t wait to see more of it!

  2. We’re heading to the Everglades next month. Thank you for getting me excited for our trip!

  3. This post is a great reminder about how important it is to get away from the tourist spots, so you can experience the true beauty of a destination. I took a tour of Everglades NP, but it looks like there’s a lot more of Florida that I need to explore.

  4. My daughter loves nature and all those places in FL look amazing for her to explore, thanks for sharing 😀

  5. Ivonne

    How beautiful! Certainly a place I would love to discover!

  6. I lived in Florida all my life and last year was the first time I went to the Everglades. I did the airboat. However, I plan to do more nature walk. Next time you are back, check out Oleta Park. I think you will like it

    • That’s pretty common, I think. My husband had never been to the Grand Canyon until after we met even though he lived in AZ his whole life. XD And thanks! If I get the chance to visit again, I will definitely check that out.

  7. Meg

    Love the pics – I love visiting Florida – last time I was there we visited the Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale beaches – so many pretty sights!

  8. I grew up in s. Fl only a few minutes from the Everglades. My family still lives there, and it is a great place to visit. The Keys are one of my favorites to visit too. Thanks for taking me down memory lane:)

  9. chavamazal

    This looks beautiful. I’ve only been to Jacksonville, but I want to return to Florida and see the more beautiful spots.

  10. Amber

    This are pretty photos! I’ve only been to Orlando so far.

  11. Lulle.Beaumiroir

    Wow, I had no idea that Florida was so diverse in terms of ecosystems. I kind of thought it was all wetlands…

    Beaumiroir

  12. It is so nice to see other things about Florida besides Disney World. Florida is such a beautiful state! Great pictures that you took and you captured the beauty of the nature in Florida.

  13. I have lived in Jacksonville all my life and ha enjoy been to the Sea Island flatlands. I will put it on my list for a summer outing. Thanks

  14. Florida is great. I was lucky enough to live there for 2 years.

  15. I thought Florida is all about beaches, but these are beautiful! And more exciting I believe 🙂

    -blairvillanueva

  16. Beautiful photos. I’ve been to Florida a few times and always love it there.

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  17. I’d love to visit Florida again! I’ve only been to Tampa and Orlando but I’d love to see the nature side of the State.

  18. I love all these ideas! Like you, I always try to find the off the beaten path activities and you really inspired me to check those out next time I’m in Florida.

  19. M

    I first read about this in a Nancy Drew book. The Florida Keys are indeed so beautiful and I love that it is untouched by any new structures. Perfect work of nature.

  20. I love Florida and live there for six months in the winter. It has so much history to learn and see. Lots of adventures to explore.

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