Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Levy County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Cedar Key, Florida |
| Area | 30,784 acres (124.58 km2) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
| Designated: | December 1976 |
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a huge natural area in Florida. It covers about 30,784 acres (which is about 125 square kilometers). This special park is mostly a salt marsh, a type of wetland where saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater.
The park stretches between the towns of Cedar Key and Yankeetown. What makes it unique is that you can only get into most of the park by boat! It's also part of the larger Gulf Hammock wetlands, which are important natural areas.
You can reach the park by boat from places like County Road 40 in Yankeetown. You can also boat down the Waccasassa River from the community of Gulf Hammock, or directly from Cedar Key.
This preserve is a safe home for many different animals. You'll find lots of saltwater fish and shellfish here. It's also a critical place for many endangered and threatened species. These are animals that are at risk of disappearing forever. Some of these amazing creatures include manatees, alligators, bald eagles, and black bears.
Contents
What is a Salt Marsh?
A salt marsh is a coastal wetland area. It is flooded by ocean tides. These areas are full of special plants. These plants can live in salty water.
Salt marshes are very important. They act like natural filters. They clean the water. They also protect the land from storms. Many young fish and crabs grow up here.
Amazing Animals of the Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve is a haven for wildlife. Many different species live here. Some are very rare.
Manatees
Manatees are gentle giants of the sea. They are large, slow-moving mammals. They love to eat seagrass. Manatees are an endangered species. This park helps protect them.
Alligators
Alligators are large reptiles. They are often seen in Florida's waters. They are important predators. They help keep the ecosystem healthy.
Bald Eagles
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. These majestic birds build huge nests. They often nest in tall trees near water. They hunt fish and other small animals.
Black Bears
Black bears are the largest land mammals in Florida. They usually live in forests. They can sometimes be seen near the edges of the marsh. They are an important part of the park's ecosystem.
Visiting the Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is open every day. You can visit from 8 a.m. until sundown. This includes holidays. Remember, most of the park is only reachable by boat.
Why is This Park Protected?
This park is called a "Preserve State Park." This means it's set aside to protect its natural state. It's important for science and education.
In December 1976, it was named a National Natural Landmark. This is a special title. It means the park has unique natural features. These features are important to the whole country. Protecting this area helps keep Florida's natural beauty safe for the future.
