Lignumvitae Key

Lignumvitae Key BSP https://www.floridastateparks.org/LignumvitaeKey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignumvitae_Key_Botanical_State_Park Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is located on Lignumvitae Key, one mile west of U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) at mile marker 78.5, and can only be reached by private boat or tour boat. In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought this tiny island and built a caretaker's home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. Today, his hideaway is the visitor center for this island forest. Ranger-guided tours are given December through April. Tours are available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

LIGNUMVITAE KEY BOTANICAL STATE PARK HISTORY & NATURE Hundreds of thousands of years ago when sea level was higher than its present level, the Upper Keys were a living coral reef. As the sea level fluctuated, coral reefs were alternately submerged and exposed, allowing the coral polyps, the small animals that build the reef, to create large structures. When sea level dropped, the coral was exposed, forming the islands of the Florida Keys. Over time, the island was colonized by plants from the Bahamas, Caribbean and West Indies as seeds were transported by wind and sea and in the intestinal tract of migrating birds, most notably the white-crowned pigeon. The tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on Lignumvitae Key was once common on the highest elevations in the Keys. In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought the 280-acre island and built a caretaker’s home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. The hardwood hammock supports 65 species of trees and woody shrubs, including 10 species that are threatened or endangered. These include the West Indian mahogany, Florida thatch palm and lignum vitae. The island is named for the endangered lignum vitae tree that can be found in great numbers throughout the hammock. Lignum vitae translates to “wood of life.” The tree was targeted by early loggers for its dense resinous wood for use in building bearings for ships and for its medicinal properties. Offshore Island Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-2540 PARK GUIDELINES • • • • • • • • • Hours are Thursday through Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An entrance fee is required. Park visitors can pay at the self-service iron ranger located on the island. Price is $2.50 per person. Tours are offered from December to April, Friday through Sunday, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The guided tour includes the historic home and costs $2 per person. Visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes from June through November. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. Pets are not permitted. Snorkelers must stay 100 feet from the dock. Please use/observe diver-down flags. For information about joining the Friends of the Islamorada Areas State Parks, Inc., contact us at 305-664-2540. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access for visitors to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact Windley Key’s Education Center at 305-664-2540. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks LIGNUMVITAE KEY BOTANICAL STATE PARK Serenity in a tropical forest Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Directions Matheson Nature Trail ail e Tr r u t Na itae v m u Lign N Docks W E Lignumvitae Key is accessible only by boat. Several local charter companies offer tour boat service and kayak rentals; a list of tour operators is available online. Tours are offered from December to April, Friday through Sunday, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. These one-hour ranger-guided tours lead visitors through the tropical hardwood hammock to observe species such as the strangler fig, poisonwood, pigeon plum, lignum vitae and gumbo limbo. Access to the nature trails is by ranger-guided tour only. Shell Key Ra ce Ch an ne l The Matheson House, a caretaker’s home built in 1919, serves as the Visitor Center and offers visitors a glimpse of how island people lived during a time when most of their needs were met by the land and sea around them. Upper Matecumbe Key Lignumvitae Key Visitor Center Boating Channels Snorkeling Seagrass Beds Teatable Key el nn ha yC Ke Mooring Buoys ble ata Te Paddling Lower Matecumbe Key l ne an Ch Trail y Ke Hiking an di In Lig nu mv ita eK ey Ch an ne l Yello w Sh ark Cha nne l itae mv u n Lig a Are nt e gem na a yM Ke She ll Ke yC han nel Lignumvitae Key Lignumvitae Key, pronounced “lig-nem-Vl-te,” is a relatively undisturbed tropical hardwood hammock that supports numerous species of butterflies, dragonflies, birds and tree snails. 00236_Rev_10.18 Visitor Center S EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES The Lignumvitae Key management area also includes 10,000 acres of submerged land surrounding Lignumvitae Key, Shell Key and Indian Key. Here, anglers fish for a variety of species including bonefish, tarpon, snapper and barracuda. Fishing is not allowed within 100 feet of the dock. Care must be taken when navigating the shallow seagrass flats in the vicinity of the island so as to not damage the valuable seagrass beds. Boaters should reference a navigational chart for combustible motor exclusion areas. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is located one mile north of U.S. 1 at mile marker 78.5. The island is accessible by boat, canoe or kayak. Indian Key Lignumvitae Key Management Area Not for navigational use. San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c