Osteen Hammock is a 69-acre tropical hardwood forest within Long Pine Key, Everglades National Park. The firebreak trail to Osteen Hammock passes through diverse pineland, hammock, and marl prairie ecosystems. The pineland surrounding the hammock has many unique species not found in other areas of ENP like the pineland deltoid spurge and Havana skullcap; this is because the area was measured to be 13 feet in elevation, making it one of the highest measured points in Everglades National Park! Like the other tropical hardwood hammocks embedded within the pineland, it has experienced fire within the forest. Interestingly, there was once a sawmill located on the north side of the Long Pine Key Road at Osteen Hammock Glade.
It’s a holiday weekend and full moon date … and the first day of National Park Week, thus free entrance!
Leader: Lydia Cuni, Secretary for DCFNPS and Miami Blue Chapter, North American Butterfly Association. She is a botanist with a soft spot for insects such as butterflies, since they rely so closely on plants.
Directions: To the park entrance: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/coedirections.htm
Stop at the Coe Visitor for restrooms if needed. Then drive 10 minutes to the 9 AM meeting place (Gate 2 on Research Road). Drive into the park, in 2 miles take the first left toward Royal Palm, first right toward the Daniel Beard Center, first right onto Research Road toward the Nike Missile site. Gate 2 is in 1.1 mile. Google Maps directions to Gate 2 Trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, generally along firebreak until we go off-trail to Osteen Hammock, but you can choose where to walk or remain at the edge. Up to a 3-mile hike, round-trip.
Bring/wear: Sturdy closed shoes, long pants recommended, sun protection, water for drinking, bug spray (just in case). A walking stick may be helpful to some for extra stability. Binoculars are handy for viewing wildlife.
Note: Restrooms are available at Long Pine Key campground. Field trips are for the study of plants and enjoyment of nature - collecting is not permitted. Children are welcome with a parent. Pets are not allowed.
COVID safety: As always, even in the open air, please be aware of others when gathering in groups.