This is an example of Florida's most floristically rich ecosystem, the dry prairie. Only relict remains exsist scattered throughout Florida. The absence of trees allows for the biodiversity of the herbaceous plant layer to be extremely high. Many of Florida's endangered plant species can thrive in the relatively small areas where this habitat still remains. Good examples of the dry prairie ecosystem can be seen at Myakka State Park, Kissimmee State Park, and Ok Slough State Forest (pictured here). Although large tracks of the ecosystem still remain in private holdings. As ranching becomes less profitable, remaining private holdings of prairie are sold off and converted to development. Efforts need to be made to keep these larger ranches from being lost to unsustainable development through incentive and grant programs.

The Pine Lilly is an iconic flower of the prairie and is listed as a threatened species by the State.

Grass Skippers and a host of other butterflies and animals are intimately linked to the rich biodiversity found in the prairie.

Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)

Pine Pink Grass Orchid.

A rare site in modern Florida. It is said that once these birds were more common in Florida than vultures. However, they do not do well in urbanized environments and need large tracts of prairie to survive. They can still be found in the most rural parts of interior central Florida. Good places to see them include Myakka State Park and Dinner Island WMA

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Muhly grass prairie at Florida Panther NWR

Open spaces like this one are prime habitat for Florida's last remaining large mammals like the black bear and the Florida panther. Ranches to the north of this wildlife refuge create corridors that make these smaller refuges viable habitat for wide-ranging species.