Hawks Hammock Preserve is a 432-acre nature area that is managed by Martin County, located at 5300 SW Green Farms Lane in Palm City, Florida. The site provides for popular recreational activities for equestrians, dog walkers, bird watchers and fishing groups.
Hawk’s Hammock Park consists of pine flatwoods and isolated wetlands. The park features approximately 264 acres of uplands and 168 acres of wetlands and deepwater habitats.
The Pine Flatwoods are composed of mature second-growth Slash Pines (Pinus elliottii var. densa) with an understory of saw palmettos (Serenoa repens), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and wiregrass (Aristida stricta). Vegetation adjacent to the wetlands, while still within the pine flatwoods, changes slightly, indicating a minor elevation shift. This ecotonal area includes species such as Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine), Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto), and Redbay (Persea borbonia).
Throughout the flatwoods, relatively small isolated wetland areas support a variety of plant species. These wetlands, slightly lower in elevation, provide drainage for the surrounding pine flatwoods. Most wetlands are 12 to 36 inches below the flatwoods, with occasional pockets extending to 48–54 inches.
In the northern portion of the site, a roughly 10-acre borrow lake was excavated as a source of fill for the construction of Interstate 95. Although not naturally occurring, this lake adds habitat diversity, supporting various wildlife and plant species.
