Bradwell Bay Wilderness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bradwell Bay Wilderness |
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IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
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 Bradwell Bay Wilderness
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wakulla County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Sopchoppy, Florida |
| Area | 24,602 acres (9,956 ha) |
| Established | 3 January 1975 |
| Governing body | US Forest Service |
The Bradwell Bay Wilderness is a special wild area in the United States. It's part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which protects natural places. You can find it in the Florida Panhandle, right next to the Apalachicola National Forest. This wilderness is huge, covering about 24,602 acres (100 square kilometers). It was created on January 3, 1975, by a law called the Eastern Wilderness Act. The word "Bay" here doesn't mean a part of the ocean. Instead, it means a low area of land, often wet, that is partly surrounded by higher ground. In Bradwell Bay, this means lots of titi swamp and standing water. The Sopchoppy River flows along its eastern side.
A part of the Florida Trail goes through this wilderness. If you walk on this trail, be ready to wade through some swampy areas!
What Plants Grow Here?
This wilderness is home to many interesting plants. You'll find lots of titi trees, which are common in swamps. There are also tall longleaf pines and loblolly pines. The ground is often covered with wire grass.
Bradwell Bay also has a special area of very old trees. This 100 acres (40 ha) section is an old-growth swamp. It's filled with slash pines and swamp black gum trees that have been growing there for a very long time.
What Animals Live Here?
The wilderness is a great place for wildlife. If you visit, you might spot some amazing animals. Some of the creatures that call Bradwell Bay home include white-tailed deer, large black bears, and alligators.
