Exploring a Coastal Oasis
The marsh in Savannas State Park, Port St. Lucie, Florida, is nearly 1,000 acres and rich in plants and wildlife. Click to enlarge.
Swamp lily is a showy wildflower found along the shores of the marsh. Click to enlarge.
At Port St. Lucie, Florida
Pickerelweed in bloom in the marsh. Click to enlarge.
Along the densely settled Florida coast between Route 1 and the Atlantic Ocean is a remarkable natural remnant, Savannas Preserve State Park, which stretches 10 miles from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach.
The park is 5,400 acres, and includes a marsh of nearly 1,000 acres, with a launch area for kayaks and canoes. I put my kayak in the marsh the other day and paddled happily for nearly two hours. I’d hiked in the park before; there are several excellent trails through representative Florida habitat, including sand pine scrub, described as globally imperiled. My son, Scott, and I hiked through the sand pine habitat only a week ago. But this was my first time on the water.
Paddling the marsh I came upon several dozen American coot, wary as always. Managed to get some photos, though nothing very good because I could not get close. They spend winters here, but I expect they are due to migrate north any day.
Among the aquatic plants were the showy swamp lily and pickerel weed, both in full bloom.