Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Lignumvitae Key Archeological and Historical District
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Location	Monroe County, Florida, USA
Nearest city	Islamorada, Florida
Coordinates
Area	2,800 acres (11 km2)
Established	February 16, 1999
Governing body	Florida Department of Environmental Protection
U.S. National Natural Landmark
Designated	October 1968

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is a Florida State Park located on 280-acre (1 km²) Lignumvitae Key, one mile west of U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway) at mile marker 78.5, and can only be reached by private boat or tour boat.

The park was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16, 1999 under the designation of Lignumvitae Key Archeological and Historical District. According to the National Register, it contains 3 historic buildings, 3 structures and 8 objects.

Flora

Tropical hardwood hammocks dominate the key. Trees found on the island include Holywood Lignum-vitae (Guaiacum sanctum), False Mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum), Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea), Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), Pigeonplum (Coccoloba diversifolia) and Gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba).

Fauna

Among the park's wildlife are a variety of shore, wading and migratory birds.

History

The key has also been known at various times as Cayo de la lena, Jenkinson Key, Lignum Vita Kay and Lignum Vitae Kay.

A wealthy chemist from Miami, William John Matheson, bought the island in 1919. He built a small home, with a windmill to supply power and a cistern to capture fresh rainwater. The renovated building is now the visitor center for the park.

Activities

Hour-long guided walks occur twice daily, Friday - Sunday. There is no fishing or swimming allowed off the dock or within 100 feet of it. No more than 50 people are permitted on the Key at one time - 25 on the trail and 25 in the clearing. Visitors are warned to bring shoes and mosquito repellent.

Hours

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. daily except Tuesday and Wednesday.

Due to state cut backs, tours are only given on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10am and 2pm.

References

• Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park at Florida State Parks
• Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site at Absolutely Florida
• Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site at Wildernet