Additional Information for Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Plant Life
The tidal marsh is dissected by numerous tidal creeks and is dotted with isolated islands of hydric hammock inhabited by semi-tropical and temperate plant species. The common plant life of the coastal hammock areas are needle palm, cedar, live oaks, winged elm, long leaf pines, salt bush, spanish bayonette, coontie, and many more. Some of the less common, to rare, are orchids, cork wood, cedar elm, red mangrove, black mangrove, and giant leather fern.
Wildlife
Endangered and threatened wildlife sighted in the preserve include the Florida panther, manatee, bald eagle and black bear. The preserve serves as a breeding area for deer and turkey. The salt marsh and tidal creeks are breeding and nursery areas for saltwater fish, crabs and shellfish. Migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds feed in this rich sanctuary. In the spring, otters, raccoons and other animals often are seen foraging along the shore.
Area Geography
The preserve’s upland areas are primarily hammock. The hammock is only a small portion of the once vast Gulf Hammock. It is being preserved in its natural condition as a reminder of the expansive hardwood forest that was unique among Florida’s outstanding natural areas.
The preserve has unique geologic features as this area serves as a discharge area for the Florida Aquifer. Numerous "solution chimneys" or artesian springs have been found which help form many of the creeks within the preserve.
During low tide the mollusk reefs can be seen Oyster colonies form the bulk of this community. Their extent is unknown but they commonly occur as shoals in tidal creeks. The Department of Agriculture advises when harvesting of oysters in the park area is permitted.
Resources
There is currently no public land access to the site and recreational activities are focused on the water resources of the preserve. The Waccasassa River provides freshwater fishing as well as saltwater fishing. It also provides access to the preserve for the canoeist, nature enthusiast and camper. A primitive campsite located on the river is accessible only by boat.
Pets
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
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.
