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Lyonia Preserve Trail Map

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1. A Friendly Neighbor
The Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is a 12-inch-long crestless jay, which lacks the white-tipped wing and tail feathers of the more common blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata). This extremely friendly bird is found only in certain types of scrub habitat and was not present on the site prior to the restoration. The scrub jay is related to another species of jay found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Florida scrub jays display adaptations not found in their western relatives. These include delayed breeding, group living, and cooperation among family members. These behaviors may have evolved in response to the fragmented scrub habitat.

Before restoration of the site began, large mature sand pines dominated the property. Below the pines, a very thick understory of oaks, lyonia and saw palmetto limited the movement of most animals. This dense understory also limited germination of more desirable plant species. Under natural conditions fire would burn through the habitat and return the habitat to a more diverse condition, allowing more non-woody plants to grow. If fire had been excluded for a longer period of time, the area would have changed into a hardwood (oak dominated) community referred to as a xeric hammock. The xeric hammock is not a common natural community in Florida according to some scientists. It is usually a result of human suppression of fires.

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Volusia County Government