Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park protects approximately 8,213 acres of pristine scrub, flatwoods, and wetlands in central Florida's Polk County, between the communities of Haines City and Lake Wales. The preserve safeguards one of the finest remaining examples of the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem, a globally rare habitat found only on the ancient sand ridges of central Florida. Named in honor of Florida state legislator Allen David Broussard, the preserve is managed primarily for ecological conservation while offering low-impact outdoor recreation.

The preserve's diverse habitats support an exceptional assemblage of wildlife, including several federally listed species. The Florida scrub-jay, found only in Florida, maintains a significant population in the preserve's managed scrub habitat. Gopher tortoises are abundant, and their burrows shelter dozens of commensal species including eastern indigo snakes and gopher frogs. Sherman's fox squirrels, a threatened subspecies, inhabit the longleaf pine forests. Sandhill cranes frequent the wetlands and open areas, while bald eagles and red-tailed hawks patrol from above. The preserve's isolation from urban development makes it particularly valuable for area-sensitive species.

The preserve protects outstanding examples of Florida scrub, a fire-dependent ecosystem dominated by sand pines, scrub oaks (including myrtle oak, Chapman's oak, and sand live oak), and rosemary. The Lake Wales Ridge scrub harbors an extraordinary concentration of endemic plants found nowhere else on Earth, including several species of Polygonella, Hypericum, and Eryngium restricted to these ancient sand ridges. Longleaf pine flatwoods, seepage slopes, bayhead swamps, and marsh communities round out the plant diversity. Wiregrass, a keystone species in the flatwoods ecosystem, provides the fine fuels that carry the prescribed fires essential to maintaining these habitats.

The preserve sits atop the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sand ridge system that represents one of the oldest land surfaces in Florida, never fully submerged since the Pliocene epoch millions of years ago. The deep, well-drained white sand soils of the ridge were deposited as beach and dune sediments when sea levels were much higher. These nutrient-poor sands create harsh growing conditions that have driven the evolution of numerous endemic plant species. The ridge rises gently above the surrounding lowlands, and its well-drained soils support the xeric scrub communities that distinguish it from the wetter flatwoods on either side.

The preserve experiences a humid subtropical climate with a pronounced wet-dry seasonality. Summers are hot and wet, with daily thunderstorms, temperatures in the low to mid-90s°F, and high humidity. Winters are mild and dry, with daytime highs in the low 70s and occasional cold fronts. The dry winter season is critical for the scrub ecosystem, as it allows prescribed burns to be conducted safely. Annual rainfall averages about 52 inches, with roughly 60% falling between June and September. The well-drained ridge soils shed water quickly despite the heavy summer rains.

The Lake Wales Ridge has attracted human settlement for thousands of years, with the high, dry ridgetop providing reliable habitation sites above the surrounding wetlands. Archaic and Woodland period Native Americans utilized the area, followed by the Seminole people in the 18th and 19th centuries. Euro-American settlement in the late 19th century brought cattle ranching and, beginning in the early 20th century, citrus agriculture. The ridge's well-drained soils proved ideal for citrus groves, and vast areas of native scrub were cleared for orange and grapefruit cultivation, making the remaining scrub fragments like this preserve exceptionally valuable.

The preserve was acquired by the state of Florida through the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program and other land acquisition initiatives, recognizing the global significance of the Lake Wales Ridge scrub ecosystem. Named after Allen David Broussard, a Florida legislator who championed environmental conservation, the preserve was designated a state park to ensure long-term protection and management. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection manages the property with a primary focus on ecological restoration and maintenance of the fire-dependent natural communities through an active prescribed burn program.

The preserve offers approximately 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through scrub, flatwoods, and wetland edge habitats, providing opportunities to observe the unique plants and wildlife of the Lake Wales Ridge. A self-guided nature trail introduces visitors to the scrub ecosystem and its endemic species. The trails are popular with birdwatchers seeking Florida scrub-jays, which are often approachable along the trail corridors. Seasonal wildflower displays in the scrub and flatwoods attract botanists and nature photographers. The preserve's quiet, undeveloped character provides a contemplative wilderness experience.

Facilities are intentionally minimal to preserve the natural character, with a small parking area, trailhead kiosk, and trail markers. No camping, restrooms, or developed picnic areas are available within the preserve. Visitors should bring water and be prepared for full sun exposure on the exposed scrub trails. The preserve is located off Firetower Road south of Haines City in Polk County. The nearest cities with full services are Haines City and Lake Wales, each about 10 miles away. Orlando International Airport is approximately 50 miles to the northeast.

Conservation is the primary mission of the preserve, with management focused on maintaining and restoring the globally imperiled Lake Wales Ridge scrub ecosystem. Prescribed fire is the most critical management tool, applied on rotating schedules to maintain the mosaic of scrub age classes required by Florida scrub-jays and other fire-dependent species. Invasive exotic plant control, particularly removal of Brazilian pepper and cogon grass, is an ongoing priority. The preserve participates in range-wide monitoring programs for the Florida scrub-jay and coordinates with neighboring conservation lands to maintain landscape-level ecological connectivity across the fragmented Lake Wales Ridge.