Size
1,286 acres
Location
Highlands County, south of Sebring
About the Property
The unique habitat found on this property includes bay swamp, cutthroat grass seeps, sand pine scrub, hardwood hammock and pine flatwoods. These habitats are rich in natural beauty. The bay swamp habitat dominates the property with abundant red bay, sweet bay and red maple trees. Jack Creek tract has significance because it protects a large stand of Lake Wales Ridge scrub. This rare community provides habitat for one of the densest concentrations of endangered communities in the world. Cutthroat grass seeps are another endangered community that is restricted almost exclusively to Polk and Highlands counties.
Two key features of the property are Josephine and Jack creeks. Josephine Creek runs along the northern boundary of the property and intersects with Jack Creek, which runs along the eastern boundary. Josephine and Jack creeks and their surrounding swamps serve as the outlet for surface runoff from the Lake Placid West Chain-of-Lakes watershed. Overflow discharge from this watershed travels into Jack Creek, then into Josephine, and ultimately into Lake Istokpoga.
Public ownership of the property helps to preserve the floodwater conveyance characteristics of Jack and Josephine creeks and associated swamp lands. The adjoining upland scrub areas will remain free from development and continue to retain natural water recharge characteristics.
Access and Parking
- Grand Concourse Road — walk-thru with parking
- Northern Boulevard — walk-thru with no parking
- Black Booger Road (unmarked) — two walk-thrus with no parking
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
No restrooms or water available.
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking
7 miles of unmarked interior roads.
Nearby Recreation Lands
- Lake June-In-Winter Scrub State Park
- Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
