Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve

Lake Jackson has been an important natural resource to communities long before its designation as an aquatic preserve. The Fort Walton Culture of 1200 to 1500 thrived in the early environmental setting of the aquatic preserve and surrounding areas. The remains of their ritualistic culture can be found at Lake Jackson Archaeological Mounds State Park.

The Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources have identified seven earthen temple mounds within Lake Jackson Archaeological Mounds State Park boundary, which is adjacent to the aquatic preserve. The largest earthen mound is believed to be the temple mound. In total, there are 37 archaeological and historical sites near Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve including archaeological sites, farmsteads, plantations and other historic structures. 

The Southeastern Ceremonial Complex (located in the state park at the lake) is evidence of an advanced community structure that existed around 1200 A.D. near Lake Jackson. The earthen mounds have been preserved to offer visitors the opportunity to look back through time into the area's rich cultural history.

Lake Jackson is a shallow basin formed through the dissolution of limestone over time causing the collapse of the overlaying sediment and forming the lake basin. Bottom leakage, sinkholes, evapotranspiration and a lack of heavy, localized rainfall can create conditions that contribute to slow draining and ultimately to prolonged, natural dry down events. The aquatic preserve encompasses a 42-square-mile closed watershed basin that is only filled by precipitation and runoff. These extreme fluctuations in hydrology coupled with diverse bathymetry have allowed the lake ecosystem to flourish, restore and diversify over time.

Lake Jackson and Lake Carr are classified as clastic upland lakes. Habitats include open water with aquatic plants, hydric hammock, karst and wet prairie. Sinkhole activity plays a major role in shaping the lake’s ecosystem. Natural and periodic draining creates a cleansing effect for the lake, setting back invasive aquatic vegetation and exposing organic sediments that eventually oxidize, decompose and compact back towards sand bottom. Porter Hole Sink (a 28-foot-deep cavernous sinkhole) has famously disappeared and refilled dozens of times in recorded history. Wet prairie habitats in Florida are some of the most diverse communities in the U.S. with an average of more than 20 species per square meter. Prairie is also one of the most threatened habitats in the Southeast due to alterations in hydrology and fire regimes.

The fluctuating water levels within the aquatic preserve prevent the domination of any one invasive plant species but still allow some infestations to thrive. The lake's main threats are from hydrilla, water hyacinth, Cuban bulrush and Chinese tallowtree.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Freshwater, upland clastic lake, sinkhole lake, hydric hammock, karst, wet prairie

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Osprey, bald eagle, little blue heron, great egret, wood stork, limpkin, wood duck, ring-necked duck, white pelican, kingfisher, red-winged black bird, great blue heron, white ibis, glossy ibis, coot

Mammals
White-tailed deer, wild hog, bobcat, Brazilian free-tailed bat, tricolored bat, cottontail rabbit, Eastern wood rat, racoon, opossum, armadillo, coyote, gray fox

Reptiles and Amphibians
American alligator, Suwannee Cooter, Florida moccasin, banded watersnake, softshell turtle, musk turtle, two-toed amphiuma, black racer, pig frog, leopard frog, greater and lesser sirens

Fish
Florida largemouth bass, speckled perch (black crappie), redbreast sunfish, bluegill, Florida gar, grass carp, chain pickerel

Other Species
Freshwater bryzoan, common darner (dragonfly), island apple snail

A full list of species can be found in the management plan. 

Spring and fall

For a comprehensive understanding of available educational activities, it's recommended to explore the websites of the surrounding parks and relevant organizations.

Yes. Aquatic preserves and adjacent conservation areas may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife.  Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens entering our freshwaters. 

If you are planning to visit Lake Jackson, please check water levels. 
Lake level can be viewed by camera at FSWN Lake Jackson WeatherSTEM.

DEP has created an FAQ brochure about access and safety during dry down events.

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

Report it via: “FWC Wildlife Alert” app (download from Google Play or Apple Store).

Texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the situation.

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. ADA access is available at these locations: Jackson View County Park and Landing, J. Lee Vause Park and Dog Park, Sunset Landing County Park, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, and Parwez "PA" Alam Park at Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve.

There are no fees required by the preserve, but specific access points may charge access fees to those sites. 

Please view the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's calendar for upcoming public cleanups. Please email LakeJacksonAP@FloridaDEP.gov or call the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection's main office at 850-245-2094 for inquiries about volunteer or conservation efforts.