Circus Hammock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Circus Hammock |
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| Circus Hammock Preserve | |
Entrance of Circus Hammock
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 Circus Hammock
Location in Florida
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| Location | Sarasota, Florida |
| Area | 22.14 acres (0.0896 km2) |
| Established | June 5, 2006 |
| Owner | Sarasota County |
Circus Hammock is a special natural area in Sarasota, Florida. It's a preserve with about 22 acres of land and has unpaved paths for walking. It's a great place to explore nature!
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What is Circus Hammock?
Circus Hammock is a protected piece of land. It's like a natural park where plants and animals can live safely. The name "Circus Hammock" comes from the famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The circus used to have its winter home very close by.
A Special Kind of Forest
This preserve is home to a unique type of forest. It's called a "hydric hammock." This means it's a wet, shady forest with lots of trees and plants that love water. It's a perfect habitat for many different creatures.
Protecting the Land
Sarasota County bought this land in June 2006. They bought it through a special program. This program is called the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). Its main goal is to protect important natural places. This helps keep Florida's beautiful environment safe for everyone.
Who Lives There?
Many cool animals call Circus Hammock home! If you visit, you might spot some interesting wildlife.
- Birds: Look up to see woodpeckers tapping on trees. You might also hear songbirds singing. Keep an eye out for red-shouldered hawks soaring overhead. If you're lucky, you might even see a barred owl!
- Reptiles: On the ground, you could see box turtles slowly moving through the plants.
Where to Find It
The entrance to Circus Hammock is easy to find. It's right next to the 17th Street Paw Park. It's also just north of the larger 17th Street Park.
