Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Lignumvitae Key Archeological and Historical District
iucn_category = V

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locator_x = 238
locator_y = 173
location = Monroe County, Florida, USA
nearest_city = Islamorada, Florida
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area = convert|2800|acre|km2|0
established = February 16, 1999
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governing_body = Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is a Florida State Park located on convert|2800|acre|km2|0|sing=on Lignumvitae Key, one mile west of U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) at mile marker 78.5, and can only be reached by private boat or tour boat.

The park was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16, 1999 under the designation of Lignumvitae Key Archeological and Historical District. According to the National Register, it contains 3 historic buildings, 3 structures and 8 objects.

Flora

The key is a tropical hardwood hammock. Trees found on the key include Lignumvitae, mastic, strangler fig, poisonwood, pigeon plum and gumbo limbo.

Fauna

Among the park's wildlife are a variety of shore, wading and migratory birds.

History

The key has also been known at various times as Cayo de la lena, Jenkinson Key, Lignum Vita Kay and Lignum Vitae Kay.

A wealthy chemist from Miami, William John Matheson, bought the island in 1919. He built a small home, with a windmill to supply power and a cistern to capture fresh rainwater. The renovated building is now the visitor center for the park.

Activities

Hour-long guided walks occur three times daily, Thursday-Monday; as well as boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a guided trail.

No more than 50 people are permitted on the Key at one time - 25 on the trail and 25 in the clearing. Visitors are warned to bring shoes and mosquito repellent.

Hours

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. daily except Tuesday and Wednesday.

References

* [http://www.floridastateparks.org/lignumvitaekey/default.cfm Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park] at [http://www.floridastateparks.org Florida State Parks]
* [http://www.abfla.com/parks/LignumvitaeKey/lignumvitaekey.html Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site] at [http://www.abfla.com Absolutely Florida]
* [http://areas.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaID=FLSPLI&CU_ID=1 Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site] at [http://www.wildernet.com Wildernet]