Deep Creek Preserve

Deep Creek Preserve is a 2000 acre Slash Pine Flatwood  belonging to the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

It's main purpose is to protect the watershed along the Peace River,

and it is also open to the public as a multiuse recreational area.

It has 9 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, river access, and campsites.

Deep Creek Preserve

Located adjacent to our development, this wonderful preserve is a great spot for an afternoon hike.

Deep Creek Community

We have the best of both worlds here....a well-kept suburban, deed restricted neighborhood next to a 2000 acre preserve and a beautiful river flowing gently into Charlotte Harbor.

Deep Creek Property Owners Association

 

Flatwoods Paw Paw (Asimina reticulata)

Paw Paw link

Pine Flatwoods Ecosystems

Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicirollis)

Eastern Pondhawk on BugGuide.com

Southern Dewberry (Rubus trivialis)

Dewberry link

Wild HoneyBee (Apis mellifera)

Wild bees are better pollinators!

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Florida Forest Plants

We found a reminder that this Flatwood had once been cattle country...there is even an old working pen tucked way back in the preserve.

Cow Hunters and Cattle Barons

Wild Bachelor's Button or Candyroot (Polygala nana)

Candyroot

Sachem Skipper (Atalopedes campestris)

Sachem link

Deep Creek Preserve Trail Map

Common Tickweed (Coreopsis spp)

Flordia's State Wildflower

 Slash Pine Seedling (Pinus elliotti)

Slash Pine link

Primrose Willow (Ludwigia peruviana)

Primrose Willow data

The highlight of the hike was seeing and photographing this beautiful butterfly.

Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)

Another lovely afternoon here in Southwest Florida!