Spring Hammock Preserve (SHP) is a well-known landmark to both residents and visitors because of its oasis-like appearance in the midst of a rapidly growing urban area. History and legend of the hammock indicate that the area was once known as "Devil's Bend," and that County Road (CR) 427 was once known as "Old Bear Trail." Indians lived in Spring Hammock around 1830-1850, and legend has it that during the Fort Mellon days, Indians stole a payroll shipment and buried it somewhere along Soldier's Creek.

In 1927, the Big Tree Park site was donated to Seminole County after the death of its owner, State Senator M.O. Overstreet. On this site stands the majestic 3,500 year old cypress tree which is one of the world's largest known living cypress trees. This tree is named "The Senator" in honor of Senator Overstreet.

In 1970, a bond referendum was held in Seminole County for purchasing future parklands. This resulted in the purchase of a 312-acre parcel (known as Soldier's Creek Park) within the Spring Hammock acquisition area by the County in 1974.

In response to continued community interest and County efforts, the Spring Hammock Preserve was designated in 1980 as a priority acquisition project of the Department of Natural Resources Conservation and Recreational Lands Program (CARL). This program, under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, was established to preserve significant environmental lands through cooperation between private property owners, local jurisdictions, and the State of Florida.

Subsequent to designation as a priority project for acquisition, approximately 446 acres of the hammock have been acquired by the state and subleased to Seminole County for management purposes. An additional 320 acres are currently under an option contract for purchase by the state. Active negotiation for acquisition of the remaining Spring Hammock acreage is ongoing. Upon acquisition of these parcels, the sublease agreement for management by Seminole County will be amended to include these sites.

Today most of Spring Hammock Preserve's 1,500 acres are still in a natural state. However, there has been some development (commercial, industrial, agricultural, residential and recreational) along its fringe, both within and outside the site boundaries. Additional lands for Spring Hammock will be purchased under the Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) acquisition program, and the Seminole County Natural Lands Progam.

Through a 20 year partnership with the Seminole County School Board this site has been used to educate thousands of students every year about importance of protecting our environment. Students receive a hands-on learning experience as they view the displays and live wildlife specimens located in the environmental studies center. Then they take a walk on the wild-side as they explore the wetland habitats and maybe get in up to their waist as they enjoy the legendary mud-walk. 

For more information on educational programs at the Environmental Studies Center you can contact Pat Burkett at 407-320-0467. The Environmental Studies center is located at 2985 Osprey Trl, Longwood, FL 32750.