Heart Island Conservation Area Address: U.S. 17 and S.R. 40 - Barberville , FL
This conservation area is part of the 35,380-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Natural communities include basin swamp, floodplain swamp, basin marsh, baygall, blackwater stream, hydric hammock, mesic flatwoods and scrub. Slash pine, cabbage palms and an undergrowth of saw palmetto and gallberry can be found in nearly all of the upland areas. Wetland areas contain various hardwoods, cypress, sweetbay, red bay, loblolly bay and wax myrtle thickets.
The mix of natural communities provides excellent habitat for a variety of species, including Florida black bear and gopher tortoise. Deer, otters, woodpeckers, songbirds, foxes, raccoons, alligators and a variety of snakes and lizards have been observed.
Hiking, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, bicycling, picnicking, wildlife viewing and primitive camping at designated sites. Hunting on the property is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The property can be accessed from three different roads: from U.S. 17 just south of State Road (SR) 40 - parking area with walk-through for bicycling, hiking and horseback riding; from SR 40 - parking area with walk-through; from SR 11 north of SR 40 - two parking areas on the west side of SR 11.
