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Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 12 - 16, 2003 in Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
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Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival November 12 - 16, 2003 in Brevard County, Florida A celebration of birds and wildlife. |
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When European explorers first arrived in Florida over 400 years ago, they experienced a vast wilderness made up of long stem grasses, flowering plants, towering pines and majestic oaks. As they pushed through the interior of the state they discovered meandering blackwater rivers, clear springs and streams. They found the forests rich with a variety of wildlife, particularly birds. But most of all, in this vast unchartered territory they found themselves fairly much alone, except for isolated pockets of native Indians, who knew the value of space, solitude and self-reliance.
In contrast, Florida today has become a mecca for tourism and development. With ribbons of highways crisscrossing the state, connecting urban cities with rural towns and theme parks, anything that a person wants or desires is no further than a shopping mall or cell phone call away. Modern conveniences, such as cars, air conditioners, and telecommunications have all but removed the challenge to experience nature as early inhabitants and explorers had once preferred. Though many modern day adventurers seek to experience the values of space, solitude and self-reliance, most have to settle for preplanned hand-holding programs on public lands to insure they won't wander too far off the beaten path. However, there are places in Florida, not known by many and therefore only enjoyed by few, where people can experience and immerse themselves in these age-old values while viewing Florida's vast and rich population of wildlife. These places are Florida State Forests.
Space
Florida's state forest system is made up of 31 individual state forests that proliferate the entire peninsula from the Alabama state line to the Everglades. Overall, Florida's state forests consist of over 950,000 acres of managed forests comprised of almost every biological community found in Florida. Just west of Crestview you will find Florida's largest state forest, Blackwater River. This 185,000 acre forest is home to numerous pristine meandering streams, open pine land, pitcher plant bogs and several endangered species, such as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. There are at least two other state forests, Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville and Tate's Hell State Forest in Carrabelle, whose acreage exceed well over 150,000. They provide unparalleled space for wildlife, as well as people, to roam freely.Solitude
Visitation in Florida's state forests last year was approximately 550,000. If everyone had arrived at the same state forest, on the same day, each person would still have nearly two acres to experience for themselves. The majority of visitors, however, are dispersed throughout the year at all of the state forests. A person can hike, ride horseback or, in some cases, mountain bike a state forest trail and never meet another human. This makes a state forest a great opportunity for viewing birds and other wildlife.State forests are also known for having few facilities. When visiting a state forest you generally arrive at a trailhead, park your vehicle and commence to using a bike, horse, or your own feet to explore the forest. Information kiosks are generally located at each trailhead and provide the visitor with needed information, such as trail maps and birding check lists, before taking off to enjoy their own personal experience with nature. Since human interaction may be minimal, the solitude helps to heighten one's senses to a whole host of experiences, such as the loud rustling of a lumbering gopher tortoise, the lonesome coo of a mourning dove or the smell of pine straw warmed by the midday sun.
Self-Reliance
Florida state forests provide a visitor with the opportunity to experience nature on nature's terms without having their hand held. Informational kiosks at the trailheads, trail maps, and color trail blazes on posts or trees provide visitors the basic tools needed to guide them on their journey through the forest along miles of abandoned roads, trails and fire lines. In many forests, primitive campsites are provided for those who want to spend more than a day hiking, horseback riding or even canoeing in the forest. An overnight stay under the forest's stars opens one's senses to a variety of new sights, sounds, smells and even tastes that are sometimes not experienced during daylight hours. With few facilities and creature comforts, forest visitors need to plan their trip, whether hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Hiking trails vary in length from one to twenty-two miles.When out in the forest, There are no concession stands out in the forest, so bring sufficient drinking water and food, insect repellent, maps, bird guides and wildlife identification books. Include camping gear if you're planning to spend a night, and wear proper footwear. Spending a night may require a State Forest Use Permit, which can be obtained by contacting a state forest office.
For those who don't feel as adventurous, there are a few developed campgrounds and recreation areas which offer visitors a chance to reintroduce themselves to the outdoors without being too far away from a helping hand. But in most instances, state forests offer people experiences that can not be easily duplicated in any of today's theme parks: a sense of space, solitude and self-reliance. A trip to one of Florida's state forests can create a feeling of wonderment and adventure that early explorers may have experienced over 400 years ago.For more information on Florida state forests and birding opportunities call 850/414-0871 or visit our website at www.fl-dof.com.
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