Additional Information for Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Plant Life
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Matanzas River, also known as the Intracoastal Waterway. Within this coastal hammock you will find magnificent live oak trees. These trees offer shade as you walk through this tranquil and peaceful gardens. The gardens will take you on a journey down footpaths that lead you to enjoy the many varieties of plant life. Each season yields a new experience with the flowering of annuals, perennials, combined with exotics and native vegetation complimenting a beautiful natural setting. The gardens are well known for azaleas, camellias and roses. The rose garden features many different types including Don Juan, Tropicana, Kentucky Derby, Sweet Surrender, Sun Flare, Double Delight , Madellion and the wild Cherokee Rose. Upon stepping out of the rose garden many couples unite at the octagon, located next to one of the many reflection ponds, to recite their wedding nuptials. While strolling along the pathways, bordered with carpets of mondo grass, labels identify the wide variety of ornamental and exotic plants throughout the gardens. One of the highlights at the park are the many citrus trees along the outer perimeter of the garden.
A walk in the formal gardens will provide an atmosphere of tranquility. Many visitors spend several hours wondering and relaxing in the formal gardens located within the park. The garden makes remarkable use of exotic and native species all nestled within a picturesque oak hammock. Within the gardens you will find everything from azaleas and camellias to the more exotic bird of paradise.
Wildlife
Although the park is most known for the formal garden, the majority of the parks 425 acres exists in a natural condition. The beach dune areas of the park provide nesting places for endangered sea turtles. The loggerhead sea turtle is a frequent visitor to the beaches of the park.
The coastal scrub is home to several endangered and threatened species. Due to aggressive resource management practices, the endangered scrub jay is starting to once again be seen at the park. The Gopher Tortoise also makes his home in the scrub.
The endangered Florida Manatee is frequently seen along the western boundaries of the park in the Matanzas River. This gentle giant can be seen frequently swimming and feeding in the shallows along the parks seawall.
There are excellent bird watching opportunities at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Well over one hundred (100) species of birds have been observed in the park and surrounding waters. The hammock forest is active during the spring (April-May) and fall (Sept.-Oct.) migration when many species of songbirds, including the colorful wood warblers, move along the Atlantic Flyway. The bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and northern harrier are seasonal inhabitants of the Matanzas river basin (fall and winter months are best for birds-of-prey) and a variety of wading birds, including egrets, herons, wood stork and white ibis, feed in tidal creeks and marshes.
Area Geography
Along the beach can be found a most unique rock outcrop. These rocks are believed to be formed from either a submerged offshore bar or from a beach ridge similar to the present barrier beach at Washington Oaks.
It is believed that the offshore bar was formed approximately 100,000 years ago during the last interglacial period of the Ice Age. At that time, sea level was about 25 to 30 feet higher than at present. When the sea level dropped during the following glacial period, the bar was exposed to air and weather. Rain water percolating down through the layer of sediment, dissolved calcium carbonate from the shell material, forming a matrix or cement, binding the loose sediment into coquina rock.
Once raised from the ocean, the bar stood above sea level for many thousands of years. It was not until about 5,000 years ago that the rising sea would have started wearing away the rock to produce the beautiful formation we see today.
Pets
Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
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