Florida's Desert: Lake June Scrub State Park

One of the newest state parks in Florida is one that is quietly tucked away amid some of the rarest species in Florida, perhaps even in the world. Although its claim to fame is the many types of endangered plants and animals, its scenic views are the first thing you will notice when you visit. Blue lake waters reflect bald eagles flying overhead, and tiny herbs dance in the breeze over snow-white sands. Now and then, a fleet-footed lizard scurries among marching ants and wandering ground wasps. This is the Florida scrub, a fire-dependent plant community found only in central Florida.

One of the newest state parks in Florida is one that is quietly tucked away amid some of the rarest species in Florida, perhaps even in the world. Although its claim to fame is the many types of endangered plants and animals, its scenic views are the first thing you will notice when you visit. Blue lake waters reflect bald eagles flying overhead, and tiny herbs dance in the breeze over snow-white sands. Now and then, a fleet-footed lizard scurries among marching ants and wandering ground wasps. This is the Florida scrub, a fire-dependent plant community found only in central Florida.

This 845-acre state park borders the sparkling 3500-acre Lake June in Winter of Lake Placid. This jewel of natural, nearly untouched beauty is nearby one of the most attractive communities in central Florida. Known nearly worldwide for its extensive collection of murals that adorn many historic buildings, this town also has a reputation for its production of beautiful caladium plants. The peaceful small-town feel of this community is echoed at this intriguing park.

Now in the "starter kit" phase of development, at Lake June Scrub you will find a place of serenity, wildlife and nature. Purchased by the State of Florida in the summer of 1997, this property was earmarked due to its pristine condition and the abundance of endangered and threatened species. Additionally, it was determined to be an integral "piece of the puzzle" for the Lake Wales Ridge acquisition project, which seeks to purchase and protect what little remains of the rare scrublands of Florida. These "scrubs," as they are fondly called, are actually remnants of ancient beaches and sand dunes that marked Florida's shoreline many years ago when the ocean levels were 100 feet higher.

With the desert-like habitat of nutrient-poor soils and the cycles of catastrophic fires, only certain species flourish here. Amazingly, the endangered plants store seeds and secrete chemicals to reduce competition by neighboring plants. Tortoises burrow deep underground, providing cool resting and nesting tunnels for hundreds of species of freeloaders and "friends." And perhaps the most popular resident, the Florida scrub jay, offers the most interesting family life of all. Known as a cooperative breeder, the older nestlings remain at home to assist the parents in bringing up successive broods. These gregarious and overtly friendly sentinels of the scrub will treat you to a gracious, if not overt, introduction! Watch for them at the $2 honor fee pay station as you enter the park. While you pause, you may find a new friend nearby.

Proceeding to the parking area, the evidence of past fires is apparent to all. Stunted, low-growing trees bear char marks, as do the towering pines. Scrub is a barren, brushy landscape devoid of the rich soils of the hammocks and swamps. Fires race through this ecosystem, encouraged by oils and waxy coatings on the leaves of various species. All is consumed, left to return to the cycle of life in the form of ash. From seeds buried deep in the blinding-white sands, new life springs forth—even during times of drought. This is truly a desert community, one best enjoyed early in the morning or in the evening hours.

You can explore the park's variations of scrub communities via fire lanes of deep sand and little shade. Taking your own drinking water, sturdy shoes, hat, compass and perhaps a cell phone is in order. Lanes are well marked and easy to follow, but keep in mind that you are truly out in the wild, so bring a buddy to share the experience. The Bobcat Trail affords the exuberant adventurer with a glimpse of a bald eagles' nest and views of another section of lakefront during this 3-mile return hike. For the less adventurous, a short walk (approximately 1/3-mile) is available right from the parking area. This trail offers the additional treat of the music of trickling water from one of the tannin-stained blackwater creeks that run through the park. Needless to say, this is a favored spot due to the shady cover of bay trees, comfortable rustic benches and abundance of songbirds.

Additional species of birds may be spotted by the shoreline of the lake, just 100 yards or so from the parking, restroom and picnic facility. This small, unobtrusive cluster of amenities is known as a "starter kit." This ingenious plan allows you to visit a park while it's undergoing planning and development stages. An interpretive kiosk offers various informational topics, changing to reflect the seasons, species or questions that the park receives.

This is truly a piece of "the Real Florida" and perhaps something rarer still: It is a natural place that you can experience without the presence of other people. The lack of facilities is more than made up for by the gentle stillness and peace that pervades in these woods. This park, like all Florida state parks, is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sundown. It is also a convenient 30 minutes from Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, which does offer additional amenities, including camping, a restaurant and additional nature trails.

How to get there: Locate Lake Placid on your map, located about 2 hours south of Orlando, or about 1 hour north of Lake Okeechobee. From US Highway 27, turn west on County Road 621, and follow approximately 4 miles to Daffodil Road. (There is signage along CR 621.) Travel south on Daffodil Road to the park entrance (about 2 miles). Park admission is a $2 honor fee per vehicle. Park information is available at the pay station, or call or write to Highlands Hammock State Park, 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872 (863-386-6094).

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