Natural Communities

Longleaf Pine/Turkey Oak Sandhill

The dominant habitat at Perry Oldenburg is longleaf pine sandhills, which occupies the higher slopes at the park. This habitat is characterized by longleaf pine, turkey oak, wiregrass, ground blueberry, gopher apple and runner oak. Hardwood hammock, dominated by live oak, water oak, and laurel oak occurs along the northern boundary of the park and in several low lying areas. The most mature hammock is located on the northern rim of Circle Pond.  During wet years, this 9-acre pond supports the growth of buttonbush, St. Johns wort, maidencane, and sawgrass. The pond dries out completely during prolonged drought, which allows slash pine and red maple to become established. Areas that occupy 12 acres or less include the annually mowed powerline right-of-way, and an open area used for poultry production by previous landowners.  Hardwoods began to colonize this area when agricultural activities ceased.