At Florida Bay Forever, our commitment to environmental education and habitat stewardship continues to take root – quite literally. During the first quarter of 2025, our team partnered with a local naturalist to survey the native trees along the North and South trails in the hammock area.
This collaboration led to a detailed mapping of native tree species throughout the property’s lush hammock trails. By identifying and documenting the diverse flora, we’re not only deepening our ecological knowledge, but also laying the groundwork for educational programming that helps visitors connect more deeply with the natural world around them.
This survey will serve as a valuable tool in our mission to protect and interpret the unique ecosystems of the Florida Bay region. Visitors can look forward to guided walks and educational materials that showcase the critical role these native species play in sustaining local biodiversity.
In addition, Florida Bay Forever has procured 40 new tree signs for installation along the trails. These signs highlight key native plant species and important ecological features, offering trail-goers a self-guided learning experience. So far, 15 signs have been installed along the South Trail and 12 along the North Trail. The remaining 13 signs are set to be mounted in the coming weeks – completing a network of knowledge that transforms a simple walk in the hammock into a journey through Florida Bay’s living classroom. Each sign is numbered and connects to additional information available at the Eco-Center – just ask our team to learn more!
Stay tuned as we continue to grow our efforts—sign by sign, tree by tree.
Tree sign showcasing a blolly (Guapira discolor)
Tree sign showcasing a gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba).