Highlands Hammock State Park, located near Sebring, Florida, is the state’s oldest state park. Palm trees and massive live oaks characterize the hammocks, which are mounded areas that developed over thousands of years on slightly elevated, fire-protected limestone. The light-limited forest floor is covered with ferns, shrubs, and small palms, whereas a cypress swamp borders a blackwater stream in the lowest elevations. Epiphytes abound, as do a diverse array of animals. I photographed the area numerous times between 2002 and 2014: it was/is an amazing place—sometimes busy, but always quiet, peaceful, and relaxing…and still wild in areas. 

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