Florida State Parks 75th Anniversary Logo
White top pitcher plant flowers bloom out in pink and yellow. White bog buttons and a small pond are in the background. White top pitcher plants emerge out of the grass. This small lake is surrounded by brown grasses and evergreens. An open view of rare prairie with tall brown grass, pine trees and a pond in the distance.
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
A congregation of pitcher plants pops up out of the grass.
Tall, white-topped hatpins grow along a small lake. Hatpins
Brown-topped juncus, or rushes, growing in the wetland. Wetland
A close-up view of the purple flower pitcher plant. Purple Pitcher Plant
A lone kayaker makes his way along the waters of East Bay. Kayaker
A wild turkey stands amid grasses at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park. Park Wildlife

History and Culture

This 835-acre preserve protects one of Florida's last remaining tracts of wet prairie, including the largest community of pitcher plants in the state. The carnivorous plants flourish here, passively trapping insects in specialized tube-shaped leaves and absorbing nutrients from their decomposing prey. The preserve is located in Santa Rosa County on Garcon Point, which separates Escambia Bay from Blackwater Bay. Nearly 20 rare and endangered species of plants and animals make their homes along the bay and its wet prairies, dome swamps, and flatwoods. This land became a state park in 2000.

Tall, white-topped hatpins grow along a small lake.

Hatpins

Hatpins occur along the wet edges of the lake.

Brown-topped juncus, or rushes, growing in the wetland.

Wetland

Juncus, or rushes, grow in the wetland on Garcon Point.

A close-up view of the purple flower pitcher plant.

Purple Pitcher Plant

The purple flower pitcher plant produces some of the most colorful flowers of the pitcher plant genus, sarracenia.

A lone kayaker makes his way along the waters of East Bay.

Kayaker

Yellow River Marsh State Park helps protect the water quality of East Bay where water activities are very popular.

A wild turkey stands amid grasses at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park.

Park Wildlife

The park is home to many different wildlife species, including wild turkey.