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.”
Hammock Park is on flickr!
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Current News
Butterfly Garden receives multiple certificatesWe have received certificates from the
See the Butterfly Garden page for more...
The 15th Annual Meeting of the Friends of the HammockOn January 28, Jim McGinity, biologist and environmental educator gave a wonderful presentation of “A Bird's Eye View of the Hammock Park.”He talked about the different ecosystems found in the park and the connection between native plants, healthy habitats and vibrant bird populations. Also, he shared with us with a few suggestions of how each one of us can help birds in the park and our own yards. Quotes from W.S. Blatchley's “My Nature Nook” (a book written in turn-of-the-century Dunedin) helped capture the moment. If you would like to re-visit the PowerPoint presentation, or view it for the first time, click here ». There is no audio, however many of his photographs of birds in the Hammock are enjoyable to look at. There is a list of birds seen in the Hammock on our site. click here »
2010 Officers and Directors election results
Potato Pick-up a success!!Air Potato "Round-up" on Jan. 16, 2010 fills a dumpster!More than a ton of Air Potatos (Dioscorea bulbifera) were collected last by volunteers. The trees thank everyone who cared enough to come out and help. Thanks also to Art Finn (Parks Superintendant), Terry Powell (Nature Center Coordinator) and Alan Mayberry (City Arborist) for organizing the event. See photos here »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. The Hammock needs you now, more than ever. Come out and meet like-minded folks who want to help this natural area.
Hammock Park's Butterfly Garden is under construction!“these are flowers that fly...” — Robert FrostWhat began as a gleam in one Board member’s eye developed into a reality this year. After many months of deliberation, careful planning, generous contributions and fundraising, the Butterfly Garden is under construction at Hammock Park.Herb & Martha Donald along with Bob Young, spearheaded the early conception. Soon the Board was joined by new members and butterfly enthusiasts, James and Theresa Polgar. James & Theresa spent untold hours laying out plans, analyzing installment and future maintenance costs, and providing a time-line for construction to meet the demands of the Board for approval of the project. Generous financial contributions from Bob Young, Herb & Martha Donald, Herb’s brother Allan, and Pat Jennings — along with support and contributions from the Board — made it possible to begin work this year. There will be a memorial area for those who wish to contribute to the garden. Details will be discussed at our Annual Meeting to learn more about this planned addition to "our" park. There will be a display and presentation of this beautiful and exciting project. CLICK HERE for a list of butterflys found in the park. 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;
City Receives $40,000 Urban Forestry
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