Florida Scrub Lizards are part of site’s diverse flora and fauna
Creek Ranch, which was once proposed for development and purchased by the state in 2024, is now open to the public.
The 1,342-acre site on Hatchineha Road is called Creek Ranch Public Small Game Hunting Area.
The opening follows a public meeting on the property’s management plan, which was held last March.
Except for a couple of weekends in January and February when family hunts are scheduled, the site is open daily for day-use.
Visitors can access the property on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
The property contains a mosaic of habitats including scrubby flatwoods, oak hammocks , wetlands and improved pasture.
The site lies within a statewide wildlife corridor and its preservation as a public conservation area complements early state, federal and private acquisitions in the area,
Nearby conservation areas include the Hatchineha Unit of the Everglades Headwaters Wildlife Management Area, Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Park, Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area and Hatchineha Ranch.