When one envisions Florida, there is usually a picture that comes to mind of a sandy beach somewhere, with coconut-filled palm trees, that sway in the balmy breeze, not gnarly ancient trees that look like the trunks of elephants. But deep in central Florida and parts of north, there are one hundred to four hundred year-old Maltby and Fairchild Oaks. The oaks limbs have grown like outstretched arms, with Spanish moss draping them like a ghostly Pirate beard swaying in the breeze.
In Florida, the oak tree is predominant in the Ocala National Forest, to small towns in central, northwest and northeast, from Palatka to Bunnell. The oldest documented oak tree in Florida is located in the town of Bunnell. It is over four hundred years old. The location of the centuries-old tree is Bulow Creek State Park. The amazing, monstrous tree keeps growing! This tree is considered one of the largest live oak trees in Florida. Since the 1600’s the tree has grown in peaceful grace, while Florida’s chaotic history unfolded around it, including the 1836 burning of neighboring Bulow Plantation during the Second Seminole War.
There is no clear-cut explanation for why Florida’s oaks have prospered. Environmentalists and horticulturists say the rich soil in those parts of Florida are responsible, coupled with the sublime weather, rainfall and nutrients. Sunshine and chlorophyll aside, Florida wouldn’t be unique without folk stories behind the magical trees. A favorite old tale is one told throughout the generations.
This one is the story of the massive oaks with their Spanish moss being the hiding places long ago for maidens running away from the invading pirates. One particular maiden went up a tree in the Micanopy area of Florida, when the pirate went up the tree to go after the damsel in distress, he got caught in the massive branches, thus the pirate’s beard became the hanging moss.
Another breathtaking tree that one should take notice of when traveling is in Palatka, a small town outside of St. Augustine. In the main part of town, near the courtyard square, resides a gargantuan oak that is over one hundred and fifty years old. The trees limbs are so huge that they have to be held up by posts made from metal, to keep the weight of the limbs from breaking and snapping whatever is underneath! It is quite the site to behold, and makes one appreciate the beauty, grace and power of nature.
Port Orange Florida has a civil war era oak at the Sugar Mill Ruins, in the Sugar Mill Gardens. here one can also find replicas of dinosaurs, exotic and lush flora and fauna. This was one of the Florida spots which is said to be where the prehistoric dinosaurs roamed. Its a nice place to take the kids, who generally are more fascinated with the giant dinosaurs than trees, but there are plenty of apt instances here for educational purpose and exercise. There is a walking trail, and the old Florida atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Port Orange and neighboring Daytona Beach is refreshing.
To get to Port Orange, take I-95 to the Port Orange exit. The Sugar Mill Ruins is just off the exit, heading to Port Orange. Palatka is route 301 north to 20 east from Ocala, and is easily accessible as well from north Florida and St. Augustine. Bunnell is located near the Old Dixie Freeway.
