OBSERVE
NATURAL RESOURCES
A regionally unique feature from which the site derives its
name is the slightly elevated pine flatwood "island"
that directly adjoins the open waters of the Indian River Lagoon
(typically, pine flatwoods in the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem
slope gently into hydric hammock or marsh habitats joining the
water’s edge). Visitors can also observe freshwater wetland
and impounded salt marsh habitats. The series of natural shallow
water ponds and channels embedded within the salt marshes reflect
depressions in the subsurface limestone—an ancient seabed
which underlies this area. Known as the Anastasia Formation,
the limestone layer was shaped over the millennia by erosional
forces of groundwater that resulted in the irregular topography
of collapsed sinkholes and channels.
Mining of the Anastasia Formation
for sand and marl production in the 1960’s altered the
natural landscape along the eastern portion of the property—creating
the North and South Borrow Lakes, and the dredging of a natural
channel (locally referred to as Sam’s Creek) to form Rinker
Canal. Spoil material deposited on site during the mining operations
created a disturbed substrate subsequently exploited by the
invasive exotic species, Brazilian pepper.
The diversity of habitats for many species
of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds
is a prominent feature of the conservation area. Reptiles and
amphibians including alligators and aquatic turtles are common,
as are mammals such as bobcats, river otters, raccoons, and
opossums that seek food and refuge on the site. |
