In 2002, the Town of Ponce Inlet’s Land Acquisition Advisory Committee recognized the environmental sensitivity of this property and named it a priority piece for acquisition in its Ponce Preserve Conservation Project, an ambitious project aimed at acquiring and protecting the Town’s wetlands from development. Now known as Timucuan Oaks Garden, the park was acquired by the Town in 2004 with assistance from the Trust for Public Land and funding from the Florida Communities Trust. This park is the first parcel noted in the Land Acquisition Committee’s Ponce Preserve Conservation project that the Town successfully acquired. An archaeological survey completed in 2007 showed that what appears to be a dune is actually an Indian midden extending across the length of the property near its entrance. Four natural communities are found within the park: shell mound, maritime hammock, salt marsh and mangrove swamp. A variety of native plants thrive here including coontie, palmettos, leather ferns, beauty berry, goldenrod, cedars, oaks and mangroves.

Garden Overview

The park was named in honor of the native tribe for whom this land was home, and for the large oaks in the western portion of the uplands. The park’s tranquil English-themed garden was designed in memory of the late Constance D. Hunter, a preeminent resident who was from England and whose generosity to the Town left a lasting legacy. The fountain, rose garden, and artistic hardscape are typical elements of English gardens. Walking past the garden, you will enter the Maritime Hammock, which has been left undeveloped to give visitors a view of “Old Florida”, as you pass an ancient Indian midden along trails leading to an elevated boardwalk over the marsh. Stop at the gazebo to enjoy bird watching before heading to Daggett Creek, where you can fish or launch a canoe. Please enjoy the park, leaving only your footprints behind when you leave.