Flat Island Preserve

Cross-trail junction in Flat Island Preserve

At Flat Island Preserve south of Leesburg, Dr. Rexford Daubenmire, a noted botanist, and his wife and fellow botanist Jean explored the lush hardwood hammocks and uplands on this island surrounded by the Okahumpa Marsh. A significant expert in plant ecology, Dr. Daubenmire was a professor of botany at both the University of Idaho and Washington State University, and wrote two notable books: Plants and Environment (1947) and Plant Communities (1968). In their later years, the Daubenmires lived in Lake County and found this particular site fascinating for its botanical diversity. They successfully lobbied the county to create this 2,300-acre preserve. A memorial near the beginning of the loop gives thanks for their determination.

Although it’s quite a beautiful hike, this isn’t a one-note trip. In addition to enjoying an easy day hike, the preserve offers a primitive campsite along the loop—a great destination for families introducing their children to backpacking. If you love to canoe, check in with the caretaker and plunk down a security deposit to pick up paddles and safety gear, as there’s a canoe launch a mile down the trail—if you return the gear, your trip is free. And scout groups can make use of the group campsite at the trailhead. Anyone camping overnight must first obtain a free permit from the Lake County Water Authority: contact 352.343.3777 or email for details.

Start your hike at the trail kiosk next to the group campsite. Sign in, and follow the orange blazes. The trail turns into a causeway, up above the lapping tannic waters of the surrounding hydric hammock. The Island Hammock Trail starts at Signpost A, where a memorial pays homage to the late John Weary, a tireless trail maintainer responsible for many of the Florida Trail Association’s best efforts in Central Florida. Veer right, away from the service road, following the well-established treadway into a forest of southern magnolia and young laurel oaks.

Look up and down—greenfly orchids cling to the trees, and collybia mushrooms grow in crowded groups, like miniature forests. Crossing the service road, the trail continues through an area of younger oaks along the edge of a palm hammock. Roots break through the hard-packed dirt of the trail. Monkeyflowers crowd the sides of the footpath.