Overview: One might wonder why we bother preserving these tiny patches of nature in urban settings. The answer for me came one early summer evening at this place, Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub, when I crossed paths, literally, with a gray fox. This was why, that he was here, calling this place home long before we humans took the first bulldozer to scar this land. We need to preserve this place and others like it, for him, for us, so that our children and our children's children may have the privilege of encountering him just like I did.
Crystal Lake sits just south of Sample Road on the east side of I-95 in Pompano Beach. There are about 3,200 feet of paved and unpaved trails cutting through it. It is 24 acres of scrub and scrubby flatwoods dominated by sand pines. These are rare habitats in Florida, rarer still this far south.
The History: Broward County owned the land at the time that it began creating a network of "urban wilderness" preserves, but had no plans for developing the tract. Crystal Lake Sand Pines became part part of that network in 1989, making it among the oldest "natural areas" in South Florida.
What You'll See: Unfortunately we can't guarantee you'll see a gray fox — they tend to be shy and relusive animals — but you might encounter a gopher tortoise, the iconic animal of Florida scrub, or various songbirds, warblers, cardinals, bluejays, mockingbirds, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit or black racer snake. Plants your might find include pawpaw, pricklypear, feay's palafox, powderpuff lichen, staggerbush, whitemouth dayflower, gopher apple, greenbriar, and a variety of butterflies. Sand pines provide upper-story cover. The trails are well marked and maintained. All in all, it's an easy hike.
Amenities: There is plenty of parking, a covered seating area, an accessible trail called the Sand Pine and a natural surface trail called the Gray Fox that meander through the preserve. There are benches and interpretive signs along the way. There is no drinking water or restrooms.
In the neighborhood: Within a few miles of Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub are Military Trail, Highlands Scrub and the Tivoli Sand Pines Preserve. Farther north along Military Trail, you'll find Blazing Star Environmental Preserve and to the east, Deerfield Island Park
Other Links: For a list of plant species in Crystal Lake check out the Institute for Regional Conservation.
Crystal Lake sits just south of Sample Road on the east side of I-95 in Pompano Beach. There are about 3,200 feet of paved and unpaved trails cutting through it. It is 24 acres of scrub and scrubby flatwoods dominated by sand pines. These are rare habitats in Florida, rarer still this far south.
The History: Broward County owned the land at the time that it began creating a network of "urban wilderness" preserves, but had no plans for developing the tract. Crystal Lake Sand Pines became part part of that network in 1989, making it among the oldest "natural areas" in South Florida.
What You'll See: Unfortunately we can't guarantee you'll see a gray fox — they tend to be shy and relusive animals — but you might encounter a gopher tortoise, the iconic animal of Florida scrub, or various songbirds, warblers, cardinals, bluejays, mockingbirds, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit or black racer snake. Plants your might find include pawpaw, pricklypear, feay's palafox, powderpuff lichen, staggerbush, whitemouth dayflower, gopher apple, greenbriar, and a variety of butterflies. Sand pines provide upper-story cover. The trails are well marked and maintained. All in all, it's an easy hike.
Amenities: There is plenty of parking, a covered seating area, an accessible trail called the Sand Pine and a natural surface trail called the Gray Fox that meander through the preserve. There are benches and interpretive signs along the way. There is no drinking water or restrooms.
In the neighborhood: Within a few miles of Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub are Military Trail, Highlands Scrub and the Tivoli Sand Pines Preserve. Farther north along Military Trail, you'll find Blazing Star Environmental Preserve and to the east, Deerfield Island Park
Other Links: For a list of plant species in Crystal Lake check out the Institute for Regional Conservation.
