Spruce Creek Preserve Sleepy Hollow
Sound
On/Off
[ Date ]
02 19 2026
A low-lying estuarine preserve where tidal creeks move through mangrove fringe and coastal scrub at the edge of surrounding residential development.
[ Geographic Features ]
Estuary, Tidal Creek, Mangrove Fringe, Coastal Scrub, Coastal Plain
[ Patterns of Land Use ]
Conservation Land, Public Park, Recreational Trail, Watershed Influence, Low-Density Residential
[ Data Set ]
4:23 PM EST
29.080222, -80.954667
81°F, 27.22°C 52% RH / Cloudy
Wind: 10 mph, Gusts: 17 mph, Direction: 225° SW
Spruce Creek Preserve lies low along the tidal edge, where sandy trails pass through scrub before opening toward the creek. Mangroves crowd the shoreline. In the shallow water at low tide, a tricolored heron moves slowly, appearing to stalk with deliberate steps and a bobbing head.
Aircraft pass overhead from the nearby airport; the sound carries briefly before thinning out over the estuary. A white ibis probes among oyster beds that protrude through the shallows. The preserve remains busy with dog walkers — coastal habitat bordered by residential edges and conservation land.
[ Plants ]
Sea Oxeye
Common Names: Sea Oxeye, Sea Daisy
Botanical Name: Borrichia frutescens
Sea oxeye is a salt-tolerant coastal plant commonly found along marsh edges and estuarine shorelines. It produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and helps stabilize sandy or muddy soils in tidal environments.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Borrichia
Species: Borrichia frutescens – Sea Oxeye
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Black Mangrove
Common Names: Black Mangrove
Botanical Name: Avicennia germinans
Black mangrove is a salt-tolerant coastal tree found in tidal estuaries and lagoon shorelines. It is recognizable by its exposed pneumatophores, or breathing roots, which rise vertically from the soil to exchange oxygen in waterlogged environments.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Avicennia
Species: Avicennia germinans – Black Mangrove
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Eastern Red Cedar
Common Names: Eastern Red Cedar
Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana
Eastern red cedar is a hardy evergreen tree found in coastal scrub and disturbed habitats. It produces small, bluish cones that provide food for birds and other wildlife.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Juniperus
Species: Juniperus virginiana – Eastern Red Cedar
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Brazilian Pepper Tree
Common Names: Brazilian Pepper, Florida Holly
Botanical Name: Schinus terebinthifolia
Brazilian pepper tree is an invasive evergreen shrub introduced from South America. It forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation in coastal and disturbed areas.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Schinus
Species: Schinus terebinthifolia – Brazilian Pepper Tree
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Shoreline Paspalum
Common Names: Shoreline Paspalum
Botanical Name: Paspalum vaginatum
Shoreline paspalum is a salt-tolerant grass that grows along tidal flats and coastal margins. It forms dense mats that help stabilize shoreline soils.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Paspalum
Species: Paspalum vaginatum – Shoreline Paspalum
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Jesuit’s Bark
Common Names: Jesuit’s Bark
Botanical Name: Ilex vomitoria
Jesuit’s bark is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to coastal regions. It produces red berries that attract birds and is tolerant of saline soils.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Aquifoliales
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex
Species: Ilex vomitoria – Jesuit’s Bark
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Cabbage Palm
Common Names: Cabbage Palm, Sabal Palm
Botanical Name: Sabal palmetto
Cabbage palm is a native palm common in coastal flatwoods and wetlands. It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and insects.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Sabal
Species: Sabal palmetto – Cabbage Palm
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Japanese Holly
Common Names: Japanese Holly
Botanical Name: Ilex crenata
Japanese holly is an introduced evergreen shrub often used in landscaping. It has small, glossy leaves and can spread into surrounding habitats.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Aquifoliales
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex
Species: Ilex crenata – Japanese Holly