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The Legacy Club

The Heat Is On at Tiger Creek Preserve

September 20, 2022

Three people in protective fire gear smile at the camera while a controlled fire burns behind them
Prescribed Burn Tiger Creek Preserve fire crew participate in a controlled burn which is necessary to restore the preserve to its natural state. © Roberto Gonzalez

Recently, Legacy Club members were given a virtual tour of TNC's Tiger Creek Preserve by the preserve's manager, Cheryl Millett. This “ancient island,” once separated from the mainland by a shallow sea, shelters one of the highest concentrations of threatened and endangered plants and animals in the country. Below, read an update from Cheryl and watch local news coverage of a controlled burn at the site.

TNC's Tiger Creek Preserve Manager
Cheryl Millett TNC's Tiger Creek Preserve Manager © TNC
Dear TNC Legacy Club member,
Tiger Creek Preserve is an incredible place, so I was delighted to show it off last spring during a virtual tour just for Legacy Club members. Together, we explored hardwood swamps, ephemeral ponds, scrubby flatwoods, sandhills, and longleaf pine and wiregrass habitats. We even spotted a sand skink, an otter and lots of wildflowers along the way! And if you couldn’t make it, don’t worry―you can watch a recording any time.
One of the ways we keep Tiger Creek Preserve healthy is by conducting controlled burns. Fire replenishes the land, creating habitat for rare species like gopher tortoises, swallow-tailed kites and Carter’s mustard to thrive.
Recently a news crew visited and we showed them how it’s done. Check out the video and see for yourself! And if you ever visit Tiger Creek Preserve in person, stop by and say hello. We’d love to see you!
-Cheryl
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News Interview Brandy Campbell interviews Adam Peterson at Tiger Creek Preserve © Cheryl Millett./TNC

Virtual Field Trip: Tiger Creek Preserve

Explore this fire-dependent landscape of blackwater streams, hardwood swamps, scrubby flatwoods, hammocks and longleaf pine habitat. 

Virtual Field Trip: Tiger Creek Preserve, Florida Explore the ancient islands of Lake Wales Ridge—peninsular Florida’s oldest and highest physical feature—to explore blackwater streams, scrubby flatwoods and longleaf pine habitat. Learn about the importance of this ecosystem to water recharge and conservation beyond the preserve.

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