Highlands Hammock: From National Park Rejection to Conservation Triumph

In November 2025, Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida, remains a natural oasis teeming with rare wildlife and diverse habitats. However, the park's journey to becoming a state treasure was not without its challenges.

Highlands Hammock was once a strong contender for national park designation, but its bid for federal recognition ultimately failed due to the small size of the hammocks. Fortunately, the park's future was secured in the 1930s when the wealthy Roebling family, captivated by the area's natural beauty, purchased the land and opened it as a public park.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in the park's development and preservation. Established by President Roosevelt in 1933, the CCC completed and expanded the park's infrastructure, while also creating the adjacent Florida Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Thanks to the CCC's efforts, Highlands Hammock became Florida's first state park when the Florida Park Service was created in 1935.

Despite setbacks, such as the closure and denuding of the botanical garden during World War II, Highlands Hammock has endured as a testament to conservation and the power of public-private partnerships. Today, the park's diverse ecosystems, including scrub habitats, pine flatwoods, and hydric hammocks, continue to captivate visitors and protect some of Florida's rarest endemic species.