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Hammock Park is a 90-acre nature preserve and is a unique natural feature that represents one of the last examples of a coastal forest that was typical of West Central Florida prior to development. Today, the park provides environmental educational opportunities for our citizens and offers visitors a quiet respite from the surrounding urban areas.
“Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”
— Rachel Carson (1907-1964)
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Air Potato Removal at Hammock Park
Introduced to Florida in 1905 and promoted as a garden plant, the "Air Potato" has been living in Hammock Park since the 1980s. It has survived there so well, that many hardwoods and understory plants are under severe stress from this invasive vine. The plant invades, consumes and harms pinelands and biologically diverse hardwood hammocks. It vines over trees up to 60 feet high starving them from sunlight, resulting in possible death of the tree. Read more about the air potato here ».
The battle against this invasion includes the seasonal use of herbicide and constant physical removal of vines before the “potato” itself can germinate. A potato the size of a pencil eraser will propagate quickly to kill a 100 year old hardwood. The battle can be won, and has been won, in other locations through people-power and sheer determination.
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Visit the Hammock Park Butterfly Garden
The newest attraction at Hammock Park is a lovely butterfly garden — an ideal spot to watch natural beauty take flight. The new garden, created for the enjoyment of the entire community, features 11 beds with 225 plants in 40 varieties.
Crushed shell pathways lead visitors through a flowering display of butterfly favorites. Tucked away on a quiet side street, local gem Hammock Park is home to more than 35 species of butterflies. |
Located next to historic Andrews Memorial Chapel in Hammock Park, 1900 San Mateo Dr. in Dunedin, the garden is easily accessible from Clearwater by traveling north on Alt. 19, turning right on Mira Vista Drive, and left on San Mateo Drive. |
Butterfly Garden receives multiple certificates
We have received certificates from the
See the Butterfly Garden page for more...
Ready to Join the Friends of the Hamock?
We welcome new “Friends” to help us carry out our mission of protection and preservation. Established in 1994, The Friends of the Hammock, Inc. is a grassroots organization whose goal is to educate the public and aid in the preservation and protection of this unique area for all succeeding generations. You are invited to attend our meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Dunedin Nature Center, 1910 Eckert Dr., Dunedin.
You can obtain a membership form here and learn more about this stress releasing oasis among the urban sprawl of modern life here.
City of Dunedin Proclaims January "Hammock Park Month"
Proclamation
WHEREAS: The Hammock Park is an ancient primeval forest in the midst of urban development and has been designated by The State of Florida as its very first Natural Feature; The City Fathers in their wisdom have chosen to protect, preserve and restore the habitat of Hammock Park; The City of Dunedin Commissioners with concern for the present and foresight for the future have authorized the purchase of the Harris Tract, now known as Harris Woods to expand and enhance The Hammock Park;
THEREFORE: In recognition of the efforts of the City to promote the environmental benefits of this unique green space for the benefit of entire community and to celebrate the opening of Harris Woods; The City of Dunedin Proclaims January 2009 as Hammock Park Month.
Invasive and Exotic Species Removal Program
Dunedin cares about the Hammock! The restoration project with Delta Seven, Inc. to control invasive plants in the Park is continuing. Ryan Oliver, the biologist who spoke at our annual meeting in 2009, was kind enough to send us an Adobe PDF file explaining the process. It's very interesting. You can download or view it it here.
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