The Florida scrub and related perched lakes and wetlands habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge are consistently being reduced and fragmented by never-ending development expansion. Presently the preserved native components of the Lake Wales Ridge are arranged as an archipelago of parcels down this old sand ridge of Florida.  Unfortunately, spreading development are progressing down the Lake Wales Ridge and surrounding these islands” of precious scrub habitat and making harder requisite land management functions such as regular burning, keeping out exotic plants and limiting bird and lizard eating and chasing cats and dogs. 

More of these “islands of scrub need to be conserved and developments nears these areas need to be planned and designed to allow the proper long-term management objectives to be met.  The appreciation of scrub areas is very much like that of fine wines, it has to be taken-in and experienced – the aromas (rosemary, pines, lichens) , the spectacular but often small plants and flowers, the fine sands, the play of the sun and heat during various times of the day.   These are very special Florida habitats that need careful attention.

Currently, more Lake Wales Ridge development is being planned near Lake Hatchineha

See recent (September 2, 2007) Orlando Sentinel article covering the possible development of regional impact DRI proposal “5,200 homes near preserve? Critics say 'do not disturb' By Amy L. Edwards Sentinel Staff Writer at: OrlandoSentinel.com

Related links

• Park Service specialist Patrick Mitchell talks about Lake Wales ridge scrub Video
• Panther paw mold Photo
• Gopher tortoise Photo
• David Hitt Photo
• National Public Radio Report -  The Lake Wales Ridge, 'Florida's Attic'
  Exploring a Protected Habitat on ESA's 30th Anniversary
• Archbold Biological Station
• The Endangered Species Program
• Plants of the Florida Scrub