Wild Places of Olustee

Not just known for the history of the famous battle, visitors to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park can see abundant animal and plant life in this wild and wonderful place.

Species of special concern, including the Sherman’s fox squirrels and red-cockaded woodpecker colonies call the mesic flatwoods and mature longleaf pines their home. This park adjoins the 266,000 plus acres of the Osceola National Forest and a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail travels through the park.

Hiking, biking and bird watching opportunities are abundant in the park and forest, which provides a refuge to many other species of wildlife such as the Florida Black bear, bobcat, pileated woodpecker, gopher tortoise, deer and more. It is not uncommon to see at least a few different species on the 1-mile interpretive trail.

Rare flora can also be found including the white fringed orchid and hooded pitcherplant. The white fringed orchid, one of the showiest orchids in Florida, is another threatened species. It may be encountered while strolling along the trails, but not in the shady tree canopy as it enjoys sinking its roots in sunny, open and boggy areas. It is most noticeable when it blooms in late summer with clusters of white flowers perched atop tall spikes.

The hooded pitcherplant is one of the carnivorous species of plants found at Olustee. It  grows in wet prairies and along the marsh edges. Unlike most plants, it is not the flower that makes this plant so interesting. The top of each elongated tubular leaf curls over to create the hood, providing a sweet, cool, shady spot for insects to escape to. The unsuspecting insects are trapped by fine hairs inside the leaf and have their last meal of nectar before providing nourishment to the plant. Finding these predatory organisms is a must-do on the bucket list of any amateur naturalist.

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is a prime example of how one park may provide for many uses and purposes- although many come here to see the famous battlefield of the Civil War, others come to witness a beautiful example of premier Florida habitat. So whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, there is something for everyone.