Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park is one mile north of intersection of the C. R. 191 and the C. R. 281. This is where the Blackwater Bay and the Escombia Bay are separated by Garcon Point.
This area was occupied for centuries by the Native AmericanS known as the Creek Indians. The explorer called Diego de Maldonado joined the settlement when he landed with Hernando de Soto. He was the navigator for the expedition and while De Soto travelled south, Diego remained here.
Later settlers farmed the land, raised cattle and produced turps.
This is a park you would visit to see the rare plants. The most significant of which is pitcher plant (of which more later) there are also around 20 other rare species to look for and photograph.
This is one of the last tracts of wet prairie in Florida and the Parks Department are doing their usual great job of preserving it.
The terrain is formed of flat woods, dome swamps and the afore mentioned wet prairie.
Now a little about the fascinating pitcher plant: The pitcher plant is a carniverous plant and there are 6 varities in all in Florida.
The pitcher plant has hollow leaves all the better to trap its unwary prey. They flourish in wet land area (such as is found in this park)
The best time to visit is in early spring when the normal dull colouring of the plants burst into a brilliantly coloured bloom. These flowers sway in the breeze which attracts the bees and insects to come and their job of pollination.
During the summer there are no flowers but they leave behind a wart like capsule which eventually splits open to reveal some brown seeds.
These plants are prone to catch fire but mother nature has come to the rescue and the plants have developed a thicker under growth which means it re generates more easily if it gets burned.
There is no fee to enter this park which is accessed from the car park on Dickerson City Road. Here you will find a small gazebo to offer some welcome shade while you eat your pic nic. This is another of those parks where you will need to take all you require with you.
There are several near by parks to visit during your day and they include Big Lagoon State Park, Perdido Key State Park and Tarklin Bayou Preserve.
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
c/o Blackwater River State Park
Florida 32564
Phone: 850-983-5363
This area was occupied for centuries by the Native AmericanS known as the Creek Indians. The explorer called Diego de Maldonado joined the settlement when he landed with Hernando de Soto. He was the navigator for the expedition and while De Soto travelled south, Diego remained here.
Later settlers farmed the land, raised cattle and produced turps.
This is a park you would visit to see the rare plants. The most significant of which is pitcher plant (of which more later) there are also around 20 other rare species to look for and photograph.
This is one of the last tracts of wet prairie in Florida and the Parks Department are doing their usual great job of preserving it.
The terrain is formed of flat woods, dome swamps and the afore mentioned wet prairie.
Now a little about the fascinating pitcher plant: The pitcher plant is a carniverous plant and there are 6 varities in all in Florida.
The pitcher plant has hollow leaves all the better to trap its unwary prey. They flourish in wet land area (such as is found in this park)
The best time to visit is in early spring when the normal dull colouring of the plants burst into a brilliantly coloured bloom. These flowers sway in the breeze which attracts the bees and insects to come and their job of pollination.
During the summer there are no flowers but they leave behind a wart like capsule which eventually splits open to reveal some brown seeds.
These plants are prone to catch fire but mother nature has come to the rescue and the plants have developed a thicker under growth which means it re generates more easily if it gets burned.
There is no fee to enter this park which is accessed from the car park on Dickerson City Road. Here you will find a small gazebo to offer some welcome shade while you eat your pic nic. This is another of those parks where you will need to take all you require with you.
There are several near by parks to visit during your day and they include Big Lagoon State Park, Perdido Key State Park and Tarklin Bayou Preserve.
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
c/o Blackwater River State Park
Florida 32564
Phone: 850-983-5363