Dr. Howard A. Kelly Park facts for kids
Dr. Howard A. Kelly Park, often called Kelly Park, is a special outdoor area in Orange County, Florida. It's a protected place, meaning its natural beauty and wildlife are kept safe. This park is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) northwest of the big city of Orlando. It's a great spot for families and nature lovers to explore!
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Dr. Howard A. Kelly Park
Kelly Park is a popular spot for people to enjoy nature. It's owned by Orange County, Florida, and is carefully looked after. The park is known for its beautiful natural spring, Rock Springs, which flows into a clear stream.
Location and Surroundings
This park is located in Florida, not too far from Orlando. It shares its borders with two other important natural areas: Wekiwa Springs State Park and Rock Springs Run State Reserve.
A stream called the Rock Springs Run starts near the northern edge of Kelly Park. This stream is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) long. It flows into the Wekiva River, adding fresh water to the area.
Plants and Trees in the Park
Much of Kelly Park is covered by shady trees. You can find trees that like cooler weather, like red maple and American sweetgum. There are also different kinds of hickory and oak trees. You might even see a tulip tree, which is rare to find so far south.
Many plants that like warm, humid weather also grow here. The cabbage palmetto is a very common tree in the park. The ground in the park is often wet because the soil doesn't drain water very well. This soil formed from old ocean sands and clays.
The top layer of soil is usually dark gray or black sand. It's a bit acidic, which means it has a low pH level. The soil underneath can be gray or brownish-gray. It can range from sandy to sandy clay. Some parts of the soil are even a bit alkaline, meaning they have a higher pH, and contain calcium carbonate.
Animals You Might See
Kelly Park is home to many different animals. The largest animals you might spot are alligators and white-tailed deer. It's also possible that black bears live in the area, though they are shy. Many smaller animals, like birds, reptiles, and insects, also make their home in the park.
