Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area
Flatwood and sandhill nature preserve in Clay County, FL
Contact Information
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- 5703 Green Rd, Middleburg, FL 32068
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386-329-4404
- Visit Website
Activity Description
Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area Visitors will see a remarkable number of different Florida landscapes here, with elevations ranging from five feet above mean sea level at points along Black Creek to 90 feet above mean sea level on the sandhills. Some areas within the conservation area are classified as being imperiled in Florida because of their rarity and vulnerability to natural or man-made factors. Consisting primarily of pine Flatwoods, sandhills, and wetlands, this property’s most distinctive characteristics are the seepage slopes and steep ravines that result from a series of naturally eroding seepage streams. These sensitive ecosystems support a wide variety of native aquatic and wetland-dependent species. About 2.7 miles of the south shore of Black Creek is protected to maintain the important recharge functions of the upland sandhill community. One of the special highlights of this property is its ravine system, which is almost a mile in length and almost 95 feet deep. Ravines are created when an underground soil layer, typically comprised of a dense clay, prevents rainwater from percolating downward through the soil layers and into the water table and instead forces the water to move laterally across the landscape, creating natural erosion that begins as a small gully and over time grows into a large ravine. Additionally, one of the features not to be missed at Black Creek Ravines is the spectacular overlook of Black Creek. The bluff stands almost 30 feet above the creek, an elevation that is rarely seen in Florida and provides a breath-taking view of the creek. Wildlife viewing Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. The conservation area has a variety of listed species, including gopher tortoises and Black Creek crayfish. Roosting and nesting wading birds also make their home here. Other wildlife seen in the area includes the pine snake, bald eagle, otter, deer, several species of woodpeckers, owl, bobcat, heron, egret, fox, raccoon, and alligator. Recreational activities Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, primitive camping at designated sites, wildlife viewing, and nature study. Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on Black Creek, and the property is accessible by water; however, there are no launches located on the property. Geocache located on the property. Please visit our geocache database for more information. http://webapub.sjrwmd.com/agws10/geocaching/ Access The area can be accessed on Green Road, north of County Road 218.