The property is a diverse area of intact natural communities. The uplands are comprised mainly of wet and mesic flatwoods and sandhill. Several small wetlands drain to the southwest into a larger basin swamp, which drains to the River Styx, then drains to Orange Lake.

The St. Johns River Water Management District and Alachua County cooperatively purchased the property to aid protection of the Orange Creek and Ocklawaha River basins and to acquire and improve environmentally sensitive lands to protect drinking water sources, water quality and wildlife habitat as a part of the Alachua Forever program.

One of the special highlights of this property is the variety of upland and wetland ecosystems that can be viewed from the trail systems. Pitcher plant wetlands and longleaf wiregrass savannas can be seen within a short hike.

Wildlife viewing

Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. The natural community diversity at Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve provides habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. You might see gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, turkey, bobcat and a diverse bird population.