Long Key State Park

Long Key State Park is a state park in Monroe County in the U.S. state of Florida. The 390 -acre State Park is located along the Overseas Highway at Mile Marker 67.5 on the island of Long Key, an island in the Florida Keys.

Geography

Especially in the western part of the island itself Hammocks are called higher ground, large parts of the island are, however, only just above sea level and be inundated by high tides or storms. These seagrass beds contain numerous tide pools, inside the island extends a series of flat, about 56 hectares of lagoons.

Flora and Fauna

The tree islands Hammocks mentioned are covered with subtropical vegetation, including rare plants such as Opuntia triacantha, Bursera simaruba, Thrinax radiata and pseudo Phoenix sargentii.

In extensive actions were to the invasive casuarina and Portiabäume who had for years shaded the campsite, precipitated and replaced with more than 500 native trees and shrubs.

The vegetation of the low-lying parts of the island consists of seagrass beds and mangroves. The long coastline, the Hammocks, lagoons and seagrass meadows provide habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies and land crabs. The island is situated on the Great Florida Birding Trail, in addition to the native birds, the island is also a resting place for migratory birds. Ibis, fish and egrets are often seen, rarely are bald pigeons and Roseate Spoonbill. In the lagoons and in the shallow sea around the island horseshoe crabs, starfish, loggerhead turtles and green turtles live.

History

In 1961 the land was acquired for the park, to the State Park was officially opened on 1 October 1969.

Hurricanes Georges and Irene destroyed in 1998 and 1999 the campsite, so this had to be rebuilt.

The island is supported by the Friends of the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks.

Activities

The park is open all year, the usage is chargeable. During the winter season a week from Rangers guided walks and canoeing several times offered.

To the west of the park, a campsite with 60 pitches situated on the banks of the Straits of Florida. The island has several beaches and locations where swimming and snorkeling. The island further offers good opportunities for canoeing or kayaking. A canoe trail passes through several inland lagoons. About the island lead two a total of 3 km of roads, of which the gold Orb Trail, named after an indigenous spider, over a boardwalk to a wooden observation tower leads, which offers a panoramic view of the island, while the Layton Trail to the shore at Florida Bay leads. For anglers, the island is one of the best sites of the Florida Keys to fish for bonefish.