DK Travel : Miami : The Keys : Nature Preserves

Top 10 Nature Preserves

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1. Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site

The largest remaining stand of tropical West Indian hardwood and mangrove is a refuge for protected indigenous flora and fauna.
2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Most famous for its stunning offshore coral reef, where snorkeling, scuba diving, and glassbottom boat rides are great favorites.
3. Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

A safe haven for recovering Keys birds of all types. Healed ones are set free, if they like.
4. Windley Key Fossil Reef State Geological Site

Nature displays in the center, and trails into the railroad’s old quarries, where you can see fossilized brain coral and sea ferns.
5. Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site

Access is by boat only to this virgin hardwood forest home and gardens built by William Matheson. Call the Long Key Recreation Area to arrange a tour.
6. Long Key State Park

Features include a boardwalk through a mangrove swamp next to a lagoon where you can see water birds. Snorkeling is good in the shallow waters off the beach.
7. Crane Point Hammock Museums and Nature Center

Walk the nature trails to Florida Bay and check out the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and the Adderly Town Historic Site.
8. Bahia Honda State Recreation Area

Very heavily forested, with great nature trails. Fascinating snorkeling, too (see Bahia Honda State Park).
9. National Key Deer Refuge

Fewer than 50 of these diminutive creatures were left until this refuge was established in 1957. Now there are estimated to be about 800. Drive very slowly.
10. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Looe Key Reef is one of the Keys’ most spectacular coral reefs and is great for snorkeling and diving. Call for information about boat trips to the best spots.