Hammock Park

This park is almost 90 acres of bayheads and hydric hammock, plus pine groves, a mangrove swamp, tidal creeks, canals, a lake and a remnant section of sand pine scrub. Five miles of nature trails, boardwalks, an observation deck and well-placed benches make this park family friendly, fun and easy to explore. Wading birds, Osprey and Barred Owl occur year round, and winter brings ducks, rails, sandpipers and a multitude of sparrows. The hammock’s hardwoods and sabal palms attract numerous resident and migratory species; watch and listen for Brown Thrasher, White-eyed Vireo and, be sure to stop by in spring and fall to look for wood-warblers. Golden-winged, Bay-breasted, Kentucky, Blackburnian, Canada and Cerulean Warblers have been seen here, along with Baltimore Oriole, Black-billed Cuckoo, Veery, Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanager. The Fern Trail in particular is known for having banner days in fall migration. Be sure to check the butterfly garden near the main entrance, behind the chapel on the west side of the park; more than 35 species of butterflies have been recorded including giant swallowtail, American snout, orange barred sulphur, and tawny emperor. Gopher tortoise occurs in the southeastern portion of the park; walk the new Lake Trail to Lake Suemar to look for waterbirds. Educational program schedules, bird and butterfly checklists are available; call ahead for details.