Green Turtle Hammock, an incredible 8.7 acre bayfront preserve was acquired for nearly $5 million in 2006 with grant funds from the Florida Communities Trust.

The Management Plan for the preserve states that Green Turtle Hammock must be managed only for

• conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources  

• for environmental education  

• compatible outdoor recreation.

The Village put in a kayak launch and hiking trails, and complied with environmental education - providing space for Florida Bay Forever, dedicated to protecting and preserving the health of Florida Bay through community engagement, science-based education, and strong support for Everglades restoration.

Florida Champion Gumbo Limbo is located near the highway side of the Green Turtle Hammock Preserve, recognized as the largest known gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba) tree in both Florida and the nation. It officially earned the title of Champion Tree on August 24, 2021. Of great concern: significant swaths of hardwood hammock were cut to provide space for Village Public Works equipment and storage structures. The equipment has been removed now.  We hope the destroyed sections of hammock will be restored.