Guest Column/Highlands Hammock State Park
Dorothy L. Harris, Park Services Specialist
“Where there’s downed trees, there’s dirt…..in a hundred years or so”
As I recently led a morning nature walk, I was struck by the participants’ combined disbelief over the appearance of the park’s “Loop Drive.”
This of course inspired me to lead them to the Ancient Hammock trail, where their disbelief began to turn to dismay over the abundance of torn, broken and fallen trees.The clusters of hickories, oaks, and maples, twisted and wrapped with Sabal palms seemed nearly too much for them
As we discussed the history of destructive storms, it was not immediately clear why I had chosen this trail for our hike. But I knew it was here, on the Ancient Hammock Trail, that past hurricane damage would be easy to see and experience.
View these ancient, crumbling limbs, filled with ferns, epiphytes, and seedling trees.
Hickories that had twisted and snapped or broken in half revealed their shredded insides, offering a glimpse into hidden rotten pockets. Here we discussed this hollowing effect found in many large hardwood trees and yet marveled how some, merely shells, were left standing. We combed over airplants, resurrection fern and mosses, once found high above our heads, but relinquished to the ground when these giants fell.
We walked with stunned caution under a group of netted trees that at first seemed to be ready to fall at any moment. It was only when I pointed out how they were locked in together that the full details were revealed. Later, a pile of hickory nuts belied the location of some creature, tucked deep inside a massive section of fallen oak, also hollowed out over time.
Ripe wild oranges scented the air as we passed a huge old tree, fallen, uprooted and yet still attempting to produce the glowing fruit. Several were sampled, then tucked away for use in a homemade wild orange pie. Others opted to take the easy route and made plans to pick up a pie at the Hammock Inn on their way home.
Later under a cluster of blowing palm leaves, the porcupine-like trunk brought remarks of surprise as I pulled out a long, sharp spine. Gingerly touching this needle-like tip, we agreed this would deter all but the hungriest browser lurking in this forest.
“Here, touch this and tell me what you feel”, I urged. As all but the most squeamish participant immersed their fingertips into the grainy black substance, one exclaimed, “it feels just like coffee grinds!” Indeed it did, and looks similar to them as well.
“This”, I explained, “is our debris problem in 50 to 100 years or so. All that you see that appears so unsightly is what gives the Hammock its life. Each of these immense oaks, stately hickories, and soft red maples will decay on their own timetable. As they do, thousands of pounds of nutrients will be released back to the forest floor and sustain whole new generations of various plant life.”
The catch of course, is that this slow, steady process is one that won’t happen in our lifetime, but rather on the timeline of the forest. Seasons and cycles of rain and drought, wind and fire, foraging and growing will encourage the process, but nevertheless, it will be a long and languid one.
When you enjoy the park and walk the trails, keep this thought in mind. This is the young seedling oaks’ future in hundreds of years, even as it too consumes those that grew before it. View these ancient, crumbling limbs, filled with ferns, epiphytes, and seedling trees.
“Here, touch this and tell me what you feel”,
Did you realize that the Florida State Parks are just 69 years old? As pristine lands are added to our “REAL Floridasm” park system, it ensures they will be protected and preserved as time passes. Enjoy your local state parks, make them part of your memories.