Est. 1913

Simpson Park Hammock was once part of a very large, extensive coastal hammock system or sub-tropical “jungle” once known as Brickell Hammock.

This ecosystem extended along Biscayne Bay from north of the Miami River down into Coconut Grove.

The only remnants remaining are Simpson, Wainwright, and the Barnacle! Area: 7.8 acres

Perimeter: 2634 feet

History

The Brickell Hammock Ecosystem

HistoryCharles Torrey Simpson (1846-1932) a noted naturalist and author who settled in South

Florida in 1902, was instrumental in persuading

officials to preserve some of Brickell Hammock with its

indigenous growth. Due to his efforts, the Jungle Park (as it

was named once) was replanted with native growth and somewhat restored to its

original condition. In 1927, the park’s name was changed to

Simpson Park. It was dedicated in 1931.

Simpson Park’s

Hardwood Hammock

Ecosystem A tropical hardwood hammock is

a dense forest that grows on a

natural elevation of a few

inches.

This ecosystem is only found in

South Florida and the Keys.

Hammocks are ideal for tropical

and temperate plant species to

grow. The plant diversity

supports many kinds of wildlife.

Pictured is the canopy of a

Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) which

serves as a shelter to many

native fauna species.

Ecology

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver(Nephila clavipes)

Fauna

Females are

significantly larger

than males. (Pictured is a female.)

As this spider

matures, it

develops a protein

that makes its web

yellow, an

attractive color to

insect eyes.

This spider’s bite

is mildly poisonous

and will only cause

local swelling.

Florida Bitterbush(Picramnia pentandra)

Flora

This plant is

endangered.

It helps protect the

hammock’s soil

and provides food

for birds,

butterflies, and

several insects that

eat its fruits.

When ripe, the

fruits are scarlet to

black colored.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

Fauna

Male

cardinals are

bright red,

while females

are primarily

brown with

warm red

tones.

Cardinals do

not migrate.

Pairs mate for

life.

Gumbo Limbo(Bursera simaruba)

Flora

This is one of South Florida’s most wind-resistant trees.

Birds are attracted to its red, berry-like fruits.

Its fruit takes a year to ripen and matures in early summer.

It is nicknamed the “tourist tree” because its bark peels like a sunburn.

Black Swallowtail Butterfly(Papilio Polyxenes)

Pictured is a

male swallowtail.

Females are

nearly solid

colored.

The black

swallowtail

caterpillar

defends itself by

repelling

predators with a

gland that

releases a foul

odor.

Fauna

Gulf Licaria(Licaria Triandra)

Flora

Simpson Park is Dade County’s only park with a population of Gulf Licaria.

In February of 2012, an individual was observed bearing fruit for the first time in seven years.

Pictured is the oldest and largest Gulf Licaria in the country toppled by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri)

Fauna

This turtle lives in

damp environments

but prefers not to

swim.

Its habitat in

Simpson Park is

near the pond.

Mushrooms

Fungi

Fungi are an

important part of

the hardwood

hammock

ecosystem as

decomposers.

Pictured is a

group of delicate

Fairy Inkcap

mushrooms.

There is a variety

of fungi in the

park that help

decompose

fallen trees.

Limestone

Under Simpson Park is a large amount of limestone rock.

This rock is crucial for filtering water through Florida’s natural aquifer systems.

Most limestone is composed of fossilized coral reefs and marine creatures.

The original structure of Simpson Park’s facility was entirely limestone.

The South Florida Community

Simpson Park welcomes

guests of all ages.

With exposure to the

natural Florida

ecosystem, we hope to

increase environmental

awareness and

stewardship.

Guests like you continue

Charles Simpson’s vision

of conservation.

"Mankind everywhere

has an insane desire to

waste and destroy the

good and beautiful

things this nature has

lavished upon him.“

- Charles T. Simpson

Community

Simpson Park Facility, 1957

End