Atlantic Ridge Preserve

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is a 4,886-acre natural area located in Martin County, Florida, between U.S. Highway 1 and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The preserve protects a rare and significant example of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge ecosystem, one of the most endangered habitat types in Florida. Acquired by the state in 1999, the preserve was established to protect the unique natural communities and restore the historical water flow patterns that once connected the Atlantic Ridge to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The land changes elevation from hydric hammock near U.S. 1 to wet flatwoods and wet prairie as it slopes toward the river, creating diverse habitats within a relatively small area. The preserve offers over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, though access requires contacting Jonathan Dickinson State Park for the gate code.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park provides critical habitat for 15 species of protected animals and numerous other wildlife species. The preserve supports populations of the Florida sandhill crane and wood stork, both protected wading birds that depend on the wetland habitats. Bald eagles and red-shouldered hawks soar overhead, while herons and egrets wade in the shallow waters. Along the banks of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River, West Indian manatees can sometimes be observed foraging on aquatic vegetation, and American alligators bask along the shorelines. Gopher tortoises, a keystone species whose burrows provide shelter for hundreds of other animals, are found throughout the upland areas. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various small mammals inhabit the forests and prairies. The diverse habitats from riverside wetlands to upland hammocks support exceptional wildlife diversity.

The preserve protects eight species of protected plants and diverse native plant communities representing the rare Atlantic Coastal Ridge ecosystem. Sabal palms and live oaks tower overhead in the hammock areas, creating shaded canopies over the trails. The understory features saw palmetto, wax myrtle, and wild coffee, typical of Florida's coastal hammock communities. The hydric hammock near U.S. 1 transitions through wet flatwoods to wet prairie as the land slopes toward the St. Lucie River. Native grasses and wildflowers flourish in the prairie areas during the wet season. The riparian zones along the river feature cypress and other wetland-adapted species. The preserve's position along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, once a barrier island, creates soil and hydrological conditions that support this unique assemblage of plant communities increasingly rare in developed southeast Florida.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is underlain by approximately 20 to 25 feet of sand atop a shell layer extending 125 to 150 feet thick, reflecting the region's geological history as ancient ocean floor and barrier island systems. The Atlantic Coastal Ridge represents an ancient shoreline or dune system formed when sea levels were higher than today, creating the elevated terrain that gives the preserve its name. The preserve is mostly wet flatwoods and wet prairies, gently sloping westward toward the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The geological substrate influences soil drainage and vegetation patterns throughout the preserve. The shell layer beneath the sand contains marine fossils documenting the area's underwater past. The porous limestone and sand allow groundwater to flow through the preserve, creating the hydrological conditions that support the diverse wetland communities.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and warm, drier winters typical of southeast Florida. Summer temperatures regularly reach the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit with high humidity, while winters remain mild with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s. The wet season extends from May through October, bringing afternoon thunderstorms and the majority of annual rainfall. The dry season from November through April features lower humidity and reduced rainfall. The preserve's wetlands fluctuate seasonally, with water levels highest during and after the wet season. Hurricane season from June through November can bring significant storm events affecting vegetation and wildlife. The mild winter temperatures attract migratory birds and make the cooler months ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

The land that is now Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park attracted citrus farmers and cattle ranchers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries because the banks of the St. Lucie River provided access to fresh water. These agricultural operations significantly altered the landscape through the construction of ditches and canals designed to drain the wetlands and control water flow. This artificial drainage made the land unsuitable for many native plants and wildlife by disrupting the natural hydrology. Prior to European settlement, Native American peoples including the Ais and their predecessors inhabited the region for thousands of years, utilizing the coastal ridge and river resources. Archaeological sites throughout Martin County document their presence. The agricultural modifications that drained the wetlands ultimately led to ecological degradation that prompted state acquisition for restoration.

The State of Florida purchased the Atlantic Ridge Preserve property in 1999 with goals to protect the rare natural communities and restore the historical water flow patterns from the Atlantic Ridge to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The acquisition recognized the ecological significance of this coastal ridge habitat, increasingly rare as development consumed similar lands throughout southeast Florida. Upon acquisition, managers established restoration priorities including filling the ditches and canals that had artificially drained the wetlands, removing invasive plant species, and replanting native trees and shrubs. The preserve operates as a satellite unit of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, sharing management resources and requiring visitors to obtain gate codes through the main park. Trail development has created over 30 miles of multi-use paths that allow visitors to experience the diverse habitats while restoration work continues.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park offers over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through its diverse habitats. The trail system passes through hydric hammocks, wet flatwoods, and wet prairies, providing opportunities to observe the changing vegetation as the land slopes from the Atlantic Ridge toward the St. Lucie River. Both paved and off-road trails accommodate different recreation preferences. The South Fork of the St. Lucie River forms the western boundary, offering opportunities for boating, canoeing, and kayaking with access from the water. Wildlife observation is a primary attraction, with opportunities to spot sandhill cranes, wading birds, gopher tortoises, and potentially manatees along the river. The relatively undeveloped character of the preserve provides a peaceful natural experience increasingly rare in populous Martin County.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park has limited access and operates as a satellite of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Visitors must contact Jonathan Dickinson State Park at 772-546-2771 to obtain the gate code before visiting. The preserve is located in Stuart, Florida, between U.S. Highway 1 and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. Facilities are minimal, reflecting the preserve's focus on natural resource protection and restoration. Visitors should bring water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear for the trails. The multi-use trails accommodate hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Water access for kayaking and canoeing is available from the St. Lucie River. There are no camping facilities within the preserve; overnight visitors should use campgrounds at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The preserve is open during daylight hours.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park functions as a natural stormwater treatment area, with nearly 1,000 acres of depression marsh within its boundaries that hold water and allow it to filter naturally into the ground before reaching the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Restoration projects focus on filling the historic ditches and canals that artificially drained the wetlands, reconnecting the natural water flow patterns. Invasive plant species removal, particularly of Brazilian pepper and melaleuca, is ongoing to restore native plant communities. Native trees and shrubs are being replanted in disturbed areas. The preserve protects critical habitat for threatened and endangered species including the gopher tortoise and Florida sandhill crane. Management goals aim to restore ecological connectivity between the Atlantic Ridge and Jonathan Dickinson State Park, creating a continuous corridor of protected natural lands.