Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park, Salt marsh state park in Levy County, Florida.
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a salt marsh protected area along Florida's Gulf Coast that spans thousands of acres of coastal wetlands. The land consists mainly of marshes, shallow waterways, and areas where freshwater and saltwater meet naturally.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection established this protected area in 1976 and designated it as a National Natural Landmark. This recognition honored its ecological importance for Florida's coastal ecosystems.
The preserve serves as a living laboratory where researchers study native species and monitor the health of coastal wetlands. Visitors can witness how science works to protect and understand these delicate ecosystems.
Visiting this park requires a boat, as it is only accessible by water from nearby launching points. Plan to explore mainly by water, as trails and walking paths are limited throughout the preserve.
The salt marsh here is the only known home of the Florida salt marsh vole, a small rodent found nowhere else in the world. This tiny creature makes this preserve one of the most important places on earth for protecting this species from extinction.
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