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
Palmetto Forests in Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville
Hardwook Hammock on Windly Key, Florida Keys
Sandy Beaches in the Dry Tortugas NP
Cypress Forest in Big Cypress National Preserve
Bay Head in a Grass River of the Everglades NP
Pinelands of the Everglades NP
Mangroves of the Everglades NP