Paynes Prairie State Park and Preserve

Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique from the prairies we are accustom to visiting in the Midwest. I never new that what makes a prairie is the inability for trees to grow, so in this wet prairie water and fire keep at bay the trees that would normally overtake the land. The park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. The distinct biological areas in the preserve provide habitats for wildlife and livestock (introduced back into the area) including alligators, bison, horses and more than 270 species of birds. That's correct, bison were once native and along with some of the other grazing animals, they help to maintain the prairie. Sadly you can't see any of the bison or the wild horses, for your own protection and one of the parks key features, the 3 story high tower which gives visitors a grand view of the prairie is closed for repair. More like closed, period, because of lack of the parks rangers to fix it! But it is a very nice park and the weather, in the mid to upper 70's if a lot better than the single digits and several inches of snow back home. Wow, we got out just in time!