Additional Information for Oscar Scherer State Park
Resources
The biological features of this park consist of two significant plant communities, pine flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods. Both communities provide a home for many unique plants and animals, which are present in the park. The park is particularly noted for its population of Florida Scrub-Jays, which are a threatened species. Bald eagles, bobcats, river otters and alligators can also be seen in the park.
The most significant plant community in the park is the scrubby flatwoods. Sometimes referred to as "Florida’s Desert", the scrubby flatwoods are found on elevated well-drained Pomelo fine sand with widely scattered pines, saw palmetto and a variety of scrub oaks. Besides the Florida Scrub-Jay, several other species, which are declining in numbers in Florida, inhabit this vital area. These species include the gopher tortoise, gopher frog and indigo snake. Previously, the scrubby flatwoods were in poor condition due to past suppression and exclusion of natural fires. However, through active management of the scrubby flatwoods by mechanical cutting and the use of prescribed burning the condition of the scrubby flatwoods has been greatly improved. This unique habitat is becoming increasingly more valuable as it rapidly disappears from Florida due to the land being high, dry and easily cleared for development. Of the original 10,000 or so acres of scrubby flatwoods once found in Sarasota County, approximately 800 acres remain. We are fortunate to have 400 of those acres found within the boundaries of Oscar Scherer State Park.
The second major plant community in the park is the pine flatwoods. This plant community grows on poor to moderately drained Eugalie fine sand over an organic hardpan of clayey subsoil. Slash pines, widely spaced longleaf pines, saw palmetto, gall berry and wire grass make up the dominant plant species. This area is home to a variety of birds including warblers and woodpeckers. The gopher tortoise and white tailed deer may also be found making the pine flatwoods their home. The turpentine industry was very active in Florida during the early 1900’s. Select pine trees throughout the pine flatwoods were slashed to reveal the inner layer causing the resin to flow. The slashes were made using a tool called a hack and were made in such a way that the marks resembled a "cat face". Once the resin began to flow, metal channels diverted the resin into a clay cup nailed to the base of the cat face. This process did not kill the trees and one tree could be used over and over. Many of these trees are still alive today and can be identified by looking for the slash marks (cat face) left behind. For more information be sure to visit our turpentine display next to the Nature Center.
Are you interested in learning more about the State Parks in Southwest Florida?
District 4’s biology staff continually monitors the biological aspects of our State Parks. Their effort includes scientific reports on flora and fauna found in our area and impacts on the environment from "civilization".
The reports are an excellent source of scientific information for school projects, or more advanced studies.
You can access all of the District 4 reports via the following link:
District 4 Biology Reports
Once there the reports are listed by year. After selecting the year group the reports are listed by title. Example: Select 1997 Annual Reports. Then select a report (they are titled by park and subject). Example: Oscar Scherer SP –Gopher Tortoise Burrow Survey.
Then open the attached report.
Links
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks neither endorses links nor approves of links to external sources. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks takes no responsibility a link's operation or content. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the State.
