'Ancient Islands'
Harbor Rare Species

Highlands County occupies the southern portion of the 100-mile-long chain of ancient sand hills known as the Lake Wales Ridge. Long known to geologists as one of North America's oldest land forms, these hilltops remained as islands during Florida's long history, when most of the state was submerged by the sea.

While fish swam among the coral reefs of present-day Orlando and Miami, these ancient islands offered a desert-like habitat to gopher tortoises and other emigrants from the American Southwest.

Archbold Biological Station Today the remaining fragments of these ancient habitats are threatened by the continuing development of Florida, but important peices of the puzzle are now protected in isolated preserves. Visitors can learn more about the rare species that live in Highlands County by visiting the Florida's Ancient Islands website of the Archbold Biological Station, located near Lake Placid in south Highlands County.

Some of the remaining fragments of this unique environment have recently been protected in a scattered network of preserves, owned and managed by Polk County (the CLASAC program), The State of Florida (Preservation 2000), and the US government (the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge), as well as private groups like The Nature Conservancy, and the Green Horizon Land Trust.

Ridge Rangers volunteers Most of the sites in this preserve network are already open for visitation. Recreational opportunities offered include passive recreation such as hiking, birding, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, and in some areas, active recreation like fishing and hunting. The dedicated volunteers of the Ridge Rangers provide essential service in maintaining the unique resources of these properties.

Highlands County is home to more than 100 significant lakes, which provide rich habitat for a wide variety of species.

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'Ancient Islands'Harbor Rare Species

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'Ancient Islands'
Harbor Rare Species