Steinhatchee Falls facts for kids
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Steinhatchee Falls and Steinhatchee Rise are two special areas in Florida that are protected to keep nature safe. They are named after water features nearby. Steinhatchee Falls covers about 1,766 acres (715 hectares), which is like 1,300 football fields! Steinhatchee Rise is even bigger, covering about 3,559 acres (1,440 hectares). Steinhatchee Falls is located in southeastern Taylor County, Florida, while Steinhatchee Rise is found in southwestern Dixie County, Florida.
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What Makes These Places Special?
These protected lands are home to many different types of natural environments.
Types of Land at Steinhatchee Falls
The area around Steinhatchee Falls has several kinds of habitats:
- Floodplain swamp: This is a wet, forested area that often floods.
- Bottom land forest: Forests found in low-lying areas, usually near rivers.
- Pine plantation: Areas where pine trees are grown, often for timber.
- Mixed hardwood forest: Forests with many different kinds of trees, not just pines.
Types of Land at Steinhatchee Rise
Steinhatchee Rise shares some of these habitats but also has unique ones:
- Floodplain swamp
- Bottom land forest
- Pine plantation
- Mixed hardwood forest
- Mesic woods: These are forests that are not too wet and not too dry.
- Wet flat woods: Flat, wet areas with scattered pine trees and grassy plants.
Who Lives Here? Animals of Steinhatchee
These diverse habitats provide homes for many interesting animals.
Amazing Animals You Might See
Some of the animals that live in these protected areas include:
- Gopher tortoise: A land tortoise that digs long tunnels.
- Wading birds: Birds like herons and egrets that walk in shallow water.
- Wild hog: A type of pig that lives in the wild.
- Swallow-tailed kite: A beautiful bird of prey with a long, forked tail.
- Swainson's warbler: A small, secretive songbird.
- Deer: Common deer, often seen grazing.
- Turkey: Wild turkeys, known for their distinctive calls.
- Squirrel: Small, bushy-tailed rodents.
Visiting Steinhatchee Falls Park
Steinhatchee Falls Park is a popular place for visitors to enjoy nature.
The Famous Steinhatchee Falls
The park offers a great viewpoint to see the water of the Steinhatchee River flowing over a small waterfall. This waterfall is unique because its height can change. It can be about four to five feet high, but when the river is very full, it might almost disappear! This happens because the water flows over a natural limestone edge.
Exploring the Steinhatchee Trail
There's a fun trail called the Steinhatchee Trail Tennille Trail. You can find the start of this trail on Florida SR 51. The Steinhatchee Trail is about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long and is great for walking, biking, or other activities. It leads right to the beautiful Steinhatchee Falls, making it a perfect way to explore the area.
