Post on 28-Jan-2018
Est. 1913
Simpson Park Hammock was once part of a very large, extensive coastal hammock system or sub-tropical “jungle” once known as Brickell Hammock.
This ecosystem extended along Biscayne Bay from north of the Miami River down into Coconut Grove.
The only remnants remaining are Simpson, Wainwright, and the Barnacle! Area: 7.8 acres
Perimeter: 2634 feet
History
The Brickell Hammock Ecosystem
HistoryCharles Torrey Simpson (1846-1932) a noted naturalist and author who settled in South
Florida in 1902, was instrumental in persuading
officials to preserve some of Brickell Hammock with its
indigenous growth. Due to his efforts, the Jungle Park (as it
was named once) was replanted with native growth and somewhat restored to its
original condition. In 1927, the park’s name was changed to
Simpson Park. It was dedicated in 1931.
Simpson Park’s
Hardwood Hammock
Ecosystem A tropical hardwood hammock is
a dense forest that grows on a
natural elevation of a few
inches.
This ecosystem is only found in
South Florida and the Keys.
Hammocks are ideal for tropical
and temperate plant species to
grow. The plant diversity
supports many kinds of wildlife.
Pictured is the canopy of a
Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) which
serves as a shelter to many
native fauna species.
Ecology
Golden Silk Orb-Weaver(Nephila clavipes)
Fauna
Females are
significantly larger
than males. (Pictured is a female.)
As this spider
matures, it
develops a protein
that makes its web
yellow, an
attractive color to
insect eyes.
This spider’s bite
is mildly poisonous
and will only cause
local swelling.
Florida Bitterbush(Picramnia pentandra)
Flora
This plant is
endangered.
It helps protect the
hammock’s soil
and provides food
for birds,
butterflies, and
several insects that
eat its fruits.
When ripe, the
fruits are scarlet to
black colored.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Fauna
Male
cardinals are
bright red,
while females
are primarily
brown with
warm red
tones.
Cardinals do
not migrate.
Pairs mate for
life.
Gumbo Limbo(Bursera simaruba)
Flora
This is one of South Florida’s most wind-resistant trees.
Birds are attracted to its red, berry-like fruits.
Its fruit takes a year to ripen and matures in early summer.
It is nicknamed the “tourist tree” because its bark peels like a sunburn.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly(Papilio Polyxenes)
Pictured is a
male swallowtail.
Females are
nearly solid
colored.
The black
swallowtail
caterpillar
defends itself by
repelling
predators with a
gland that
releases a foul
odor.
Fauna
Gulf Licaria(Licaria Triandra)
Flora
Simpson Park is Dade County’s only park with a population of Gulf Licaria.
In February of 2012, an individual was observed bearing fruit for the first time in seven years.
Pictured is the oldest and largest Gulf Licaria in the country toppled by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri)
Fauna
This turtle lives in
damp environments
but prefers not to
swim.
Its habitat in
Simpson Park is
near the pond.
Mushrooms
Fungi
Fungi are an
important part of
the hardwood
hammock
ecosystem as
decomposers.
Pictured is a
group of delicate
Fairy Inkcap
mushrooms.
There is a variety
of fungi in the
park that help
decompose
fallen trees.
Limestone
Under Simpson Park is a large amount of limestone rock.
This rock is crucial for filtering water through Florida’s natural aquifer systems.
Most limestone is composed of fossilized coral reefs and marine creatures.
The original structure of Simpson Park’s facility was entirely limestone.
The South Florida Community
Simpson Park welcomes
guests of all ages.
With exposure to the
natural Florida
ecosystem, we hope to
increase environmental
awareness and
stewardship.
Guests like you continue
Charles Simpson’s vision
of conservation.
"Mankind everywhere
has an insane desire to
waste and destroy the
good and beautiful
things this nature has
lavished upon him.“
- Charles T. Simpson
Community
Simpson Park Facility, 1957
End