Seabranch Preserve
N 27° 07.830 W 080° 10.173
17R E 582299 N 3001161
Come and explore Seabranch Preserve State Park a beautiful example of “…the Real Florida.”
Waymark Code: WM7ERD
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 10/15/2009
Views: 16
Ancient oceans shaped the physical landscape of this park, which allowed a variety of habitats to develop over time. Today, this preserve provides a unique opportunity to experience several different natural communities in a relatively short distance. In less than one mile, visitors can see rare sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, a baygall community, and a mangrove swamp. Hikers can explore these natural communities over miles of trails. A small picnic shelter is also available. Future recreational development is planned for this preserve, including the addition of interpretive displays and an elevated boardwalk. Located near Hobe Sound in eastern Martin County about 10 miles south of Stuart. Access to the park is from State Road A1A(these are the coordinates given) near the VFW parking lot.
There is no drinking water available at the trailhead, so plan on bringing drinking water, sunscreen and insect repellent
Nature Trails
8 miles of hiking trails are available to visitors to explore some of "the Real Florida."
Plant Life
Several protected species of plants (listed by Federal, State or the Florida Natural Areas Inventory) may be found within the boundaries of the Seabranch tract. Hand fern, Curtiss’ milkweed, yellow bachelor button and golden polypody are among those found.
Wildlife
The park offers habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species including the gopher tortoise, Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub-jay, bobcat and the Florida sandhill crane. A great many species of birds may be seen in the park including eighteen species listed as endangered or threatened. Some of these listed species include the Florida scrub-jay, white ibis, little blue heron and Cooper’s hawk. Several species nest within the park; greater numbers utilize it for feeding and resting. During the fall, the park is a very important resting stopover point for migrating birds. The portion of the Indian River Lagoon that forms the eastern boundary of the park is an important movement corridor for the West Indian manatee.
The mangroves and sea grasses along the Indian River and Manatee Creek are important habitat and nursery areas for a large number of estuarine invertebrates and fish, including the common snook.
***Collect your stamp at either Jonathan Dickinson SP or Fort Pierce Inlet SP.**
JDSP N 27° 00.206 W 080° 06.078
FPSP N 27° 29.045 W 080° 18.109
**Information gathered from the Florida State Park web site**
Name of Park, Protected Area, or Cultural Location: Seabranch Preserve
Name of System or Passport Program: Florida State Parks Passport Book
Passport Available: No
Parking or Entrance Fee: Not listed
Park Website: [Web Link]
Address of Station:
4810 SE Cove Rd.
Stuart, Florida United States
34997
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Visit Instructions:
No special instructions, but a picture of yourself or of something unique to that place would be a nice touch.