Malabar Scrub Sanctuary

The variety of habitats found on the 577-acre Malabar Scrub Sanctuary make it an ideal place for visitors to learn how wetland and upland communities interact. The protected habitats include xeric (dry) hammock, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, ponds, sloughs, and depression marshes. Trails weave through many of these natural communities, including several areas recently treated with prescribed fires. Fire is a natural factor in many of Florida’s ecosystems, and hikers will be amazed at the lush, green regrowth in areas that were burned only a short time ago. The sanctuary is a refuge for the Florida scrub-jay, gopher tortoise, and Eastern indigo snake. All these species benefit from controlled burns. Restrooms are available at the adjacent Malabar Community Park.