Archbold Biological Station - Highlands County, FL
Posted by: 
hykesj
N 27° 10.988 W 081° 21.118
17R E 465136 N 3006767
Biological research institute located on about 20,000 acres of Florida scrub land near the headwaters of the Everglades in the central part of the state.
Waymark Code: WM19DBH
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 02/01/2024
Views: 2
The Archbold Biological Station was established in 1941 by Richard Archbold, grandson of John Dustin Archbold, one time president of Standard Oil. The property was donated by John A. Roebling II, grandson of the Brooklyn Bridge designer, after he was unable to sell it in the late 1930s. The Roeblings had intended to build an estate named Red Hill, but Mrs. Roebling’s untimely death put an end to those plans.
In the 1930s, Richard Archbold led several zoological expeditions to New Guinea in association with the American Museum of Natural History in New York. With the outbreak of World War II, further expeditions seemed unlikely, so he set his sights on the Florida scrub. He repurposed the buildings left behind by the Roeblings and, over time, expanded the station’s land holdings. In addition, he made the station his home for the next 35 years.
The Florida scrub is an ecosystem consisting of sandy soil, dwarf oaks, shrubs and palmettos among others. It’s rather arid because the rainfall is very seasonal and the soil drains quickly. It is also home to many endemic species such as the gopher tortoise, the Florida scrub jay and the sand skink. These scrubs occur in many parts of Florida including the Lake Wales Ridge area where the Archbold Biological Station is located.
Today, scientists at ABS conduct research on the biodiversity of the surrounding scrub lands and collect data in support of conservation efforts and local land management. Archbold was named a National Natural Landmark in 1987 and, in 2007, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is a learning center with small exhibits on the history and mission of the biological station as well as a half-mile nature trail. Both are open to visitors from Thursdays to Sundays.
Predominate Feature: Florida scrub land
Parking/Access Location: N 27° 10.994 W 081° 21.138
Ownership: Private - Open Access
Terrain Rating: 
Admission Charged: no
Landmark's Website: [Web Link]
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