Google Rating
4.4 / 5
About Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park protects one of Florida's most distinctive and threatened ecosystems—the coastal ridge scrub. Located in Martin County, this park preserves an important remnant of native vegetation and natural habitats that once characterized much of Florida's Atlantic coast. The park offers visitors a chance to experience Florida's natural heritage in a relatively undeveloped setting, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and nature study.
Wildlife
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is home to wildlife specially adapted to scrub habitats, including gopher tortoises, scrub jays, and various lizard species. The plant community features native scrub vegetation adapted to sandy, nutrient-poor soils, with palmetto, saw palmetto, and sand pine among dominant species. These interconnected habitats support a delicate ecological balance, making the preserve an important refuge for species dependent on this increasingly rare coastal ridge ecosystem.
Visitor Tips
- Check park hours and any seasonal closures before your visit by contacting Florida State Parks.