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Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park is situated within the Lake Wales Ridge, a former island from ancient times. After the sea receded, the resilient white sand shore remained, fostering the evolution and adaptation of plant life to capture and retain rainwater, which swiftly seeps through the porous sand. The trees and shrubs in this unique ecosystem display a stunted appearance and possess thick, leathery leaves. Among the flora that thrives here are sand pine, scrub oak, and prickly pear cactus.

The coarse white sands of the park are also home to rare endemic plants like scrub plum, scrub bluestem, and Britton’s bear-grass, remnants from the era when the ridge existed as a sequence of offshore islands. These distinctive habitats were dubbed “scrubs” by the early Cracker settlers in Florida.

Home to numerous endangered plant and animal species, including the Florida scrub-jay, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park provides sanctuary for this vibrant blue bird that thrives within the scrub forests. The scrub-jay, known for its communal behavior and cooperative breeding, assists in nest care and acts as a lookout for predators like hawks, owls, and snakes. The optimal habitat for these birds comprises low oak thickets for nesting near open sandy patches for acorn storage.

Scrublands, pine flatwoods, and other ecosystems within the park necessitate regular fires to maintain their health and biodiversity. Prescribed burns mimic natural fire cycles, promoting forest vitality, habitat restoration, and reducing dense vegetation that can fuel catastrophic wildfires. By preserving this habitat, the park sustains the delicate balance required by threatened and endangered species such as the Florida scrub-jay.

The park’s diverse landscape transitions from scrub vegetation to pine flatwoods and bayhead communities. Tannic creeks and seepage streams meander through lush bayhead areas, providing hikers with serene settings and chances to spot otters in the spring-fed streams.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic view overlooking Lake June-in-Winter from the picnic area and grassy hill, with easy access to the lakeshore for various recreational activities. This 3,500-acre lake, acquired by the state in 1995, offers a refreshing oasis for visitors.

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