Alafia River Reserve

Purchased jointly by the District and Polk County to preserve the natural wetlands (90 percent) and uplands along the upper corridor of the Alafia River, this property is home to many species of wading birds and amphibians that require seasonally flooded areas free of predators to complete their life cycles. Forested hardwood wetlands are the primary natural community. Common trees include sweet gum, laurel oak, ironwood, hickory, sabal palms and bay. Ground cover is sparse due to extended periods of flooding.