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Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park © Ebyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park © Ebyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
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DAGNY JOHNSON KEY LARGO HAMMOCK BOTANICAL STATE PARK
DAGNY JOHNSON KEY LARGO HAMMOCK BOTANICAL STATE PARK
P.O. Box 487
Key Largo, Florida   33037
(lat:25.176 lon:-80.3694) map location

Phone: 305-676-3777
Once slated to become a condominium development, this park contains one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. The park is home to 84 protected species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe, and the American crocodile. Exploring the park?s trails gives visitors a chance to see some of these rare species of plants and animals. Over six miles of nature trails provide a wealth of opportunities for birdwatchers and photographers. Most of the park?s trails are paved and accessible to both bicycles and wheelchairs. Signs along a self-guided nature trail provide information about the park?s ecosystem and wildlife; ranger-guided tours are also available. Located on County Road 905, one-quarter mile north of its intersection with Overseas Highway (U.S. 1).

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Nature of the Area
A self-guided nature trail winds through the tropical hardwood hammock and includes a native plant butterfly garden. An additional 6 miles of backcountry trails are available to explore simply by completing a backcountry permit at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Ranger Station. Exploring the trails gives visitors a chance to see some of 84 protected and rare species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe, or the Schaus? swallowtail butterfly. The largest tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the U.S., contained in this park, also provides a wealth of opportunity for birdwatchers and photographers. The main ?-mile trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and bicycles.

Wildlife observation is also outstanding at the park. Northbound in April, and especially while southbound in October, migratory birds are funneled into the Keys by the landform. Many tropical species are resident here, including the white-crowned pigeon, mangrove cuckoo and black-whiskered vireo. Tropical vagrants such as the thick-billed vireo and La Sagra's flycatcher are frequently reported in the park.

Butterfly-watching has rapidly grown in popularity since the mid-1990s; the park features an incredible diversity of species including the Schaus' swallowtail, silver-banded hairstreak, and both hammock and mangrove skippers. Rare tree snails feed on the lichens and bark of the tropical trees, and can be easily observed by park visitors.
History of the Area
The park is named for Dagny Johnson, a local environmental activist, approximately a year before her death in 2003. Through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Dagny led the Upper Keys Citizens Association and several other organizations that fought to stop the development that was planned for much of north Key Largo. Preservation of onshore communities was not the only purpose for protecting north Key Largo. The reefs offshore of developed areas in the Keys have been declining rapidly, and those off undeveloped north Key Largo remain in far better condition than most.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.


Location
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is located near Homestead, Key Largo and Miami

Picnicking
Two picnic tables are provided across from the butterfly garden approximately 1/4?mile down the paved wooded boulevard. No fires are permitted. Please pack out your trash.
Trails
- Main Trail: This is a 0.5-mile loop that starts at the parking lot and winds through tropical hardwood hammock, showcasing native plants such as mahogany trees.

- Wild Tamarind Trail: A short trail of about 0.3 miles long which branches off from the main trail; it features wild tamarinds and other local flora species.

- Mastic Trail: Named after mastic trees found along this path, this one mile-long route provides hikers with an opportunity to see various bird species including white-crowned pigeons.

- Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Trails (accessible by boat): These trails cover approximately 1 mile on nearby island Lignumvitae Key where visitors can explore virgin tropical forest home to rare plant life like lignum vitae tree itself

- Blue Hole Observation Platform Loop: An easy half-mile walk leading you around part of an old quarry now filled with freshwater attracting alligators, birds and turtles for viewing opportunities

-Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Footpath : Although not directly in Dagny Johnson park but located closeby ,this footpath offers views over Crocodile lake known for its American crocodiles population .

-Rare Plant House Pathway : Located near visitor center,this pathway leads towards Rare Plant house displaying numerous endangered or threatened subtropical plant species .

-John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Paths(Adjacent) : Though technically separate parks,the proximity allows hikers access John Pennekamp's paths featuring mangrove swamps,cypress domes,and coral reefs accessible via canoeing routes.

-Picnic Area Access Route:A shorter walking route providing direct access to picnic areas equipped with tables & grills while passing through dense foliage offering shade during hot summer days .

-Nature Center Walkways:Near entrance these paved pathways lead towards Nature center exhibiting information regarding unique ecosystem present within park boundaries .

-Bicycle Path:A longer multi-use path of 7 miles extending from park entrance to Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail suitable for both hiking and biking.
Bicycling
Bicycling is easy along the main paved ?-mile boulevard. The backcountry trails are gravel or a leaf-littered coral rock substrate, and accessible to visitors by simply completing a backcountry permit at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Ranger Station.
Birding
The park is a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting over 80 species of birds. It offers guided tours for enthusiasts. Visitors can spot rare and endangered species like the White-crowned Pigeon or Black-whiskered Vireo during migration season.


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Area Campgrounds
Key Largo Kampground & Marina
101551 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL
305-451-1431
Keys Ventures @ 101
101600 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL
305-451-2911
Blue Fin Rock Harbor RV Park & Marina
36 East 2nd Street
Key Largo, FL
305-394-1773
Calusa Campground Resort & Marina
325 Calusa Street
Key Largo, FL
305-451-0232
Blue Fin Rock Harbor RV Park & Marina
36 East 2nd Street
Key Largo, FL
305-394-1773
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
The main entrance, and marked nature trail at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, is located on Monroe County Road 905, approximately one-half mile north of CR 905's intersection with US Highway 1 at Mile Marker 106.

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