By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government
Flagler County Land Management is in its third walk of the year, hosting its limited guided tour series called a “A Walk in the Park in the Woods” on March 14. Walkers will explore “Hominy Branch” at Princess Place Preserve.
This tour begins at 9 a.m. sharp – safety briefing at 8:45 a.m. – on March 14 at Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Road. It is limited to eight (8) registrants, and participants are asked to arrive a little early for additional details about the two-hour hike – which is described as “easy” – on flat, level terrain with wide and well-maintained sandy trails.
Forestry Supervisor Ralph Risch will guide the walk.
“We will look at overgrown sandhill habitat that has become upland hardwood hammock, as well as some in the process of restoration,” Risch said. “Sandhill is a unique and increasingly rare Florida habitat due to fire suppression and conversion to citrus. We will examine the plant species typical of sandhill, such as wiregrass and turkey oak and longleaf pine, and discuss some of the animals that can be found there.”
Included in the list is the striped newt, a threatened amphibian, that Princess Place Preserve and the adjacent Pellicer Conservation Area have the distinction of having the third largest population worldwide based on the number of breeding ponds in the area.
Participants who register (an account must be created) – and sign the two waivers: liability and photo/video release – will meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Hominy Branch Trail Head. Registration is open through March 13.
“We will also look at the floodplain swamp forest of Hominy Branch Creek,” Risch said. “Many spring migrant birds will be there as they stop to forage on their way north. A bonus feature is the three species of carnivorous plants that we are likely to see.”
Those who are participating should:
- Expect a two-hour hike
- Bring a water bottle
- Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent as preferred
- Bring binoculars for enhanced bird watching
- Dress for the weather – could be cold and rainy or warm and sunny
Directions:
- Go north along Old Kings Road from Palm Coast (currently, the exit to Old Kings off U.S.1 is closed, so take Old Kings from the south instead). Or take the Matanzas Woods Parkway east from U.S. 1 and then head north on Old Kings Road.
- At the Princess Place Preserve sign, turn east into the preserve.
- Drive east about one mile to the open gate through the wooden fence, but DON’T DRIVE THROUGH. There will be a wooden sign on the right pointing to the Hominy Branch Trail Head to the right (south).
- Drive 2/10 of a mile to the parking area.
