Message From The Manager

Located just north of Florida’s Capital of Tallahassee, Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve provides an escape into the diverse, watery world of the panhandle’s famous “Red Hills Region.” This aquatic preserve features a variety of experiences dependent on the ever-fluctuating lake level, from motorboating, paddling and duck hunting during wet conditions to hiking (yes, hiking!) near the famous Porter Hole Sink and birding along the edge during dry conditions. 

Lake Jackson is the only lake system designated as an aquatic preserve in Florida. This designation protects a hydrologically and ecologically unique (and vulnerable) ecosystem — a place of continual change and fluctuation that no one has been able to quite predict. The ambulatory water lines result in an abundance of both wetland and upland wildlife. It’s never less than awe-inspiring to watch the ring-necked ducks dive into the basin by the thousands at sunset in winter.   

In the last century, Lake Jackson has been known as a world-renowned bass fishery. Almost every landing on the lake is named after an old fish camp that existed at one point. But the lake’s history and culture go even further back in time. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is located on the lake’s southern arm. The park harbors a collection of archaeologically significant cultural mounds and other sites of the Mississippian Period dating back to 1000-1550 A.D. At least several times each century, however, visitors and locals alike have marveled at the sudden exposure of several deep, rocky, cavernous sinkholes that have the ability to drain parts of the lake slowly yet unexpectedly over time. 

We are proud to be the stewards of Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve, and we look forward to continuing to bring the local community together in an effort to preserve this resilient and valuable lake ecosystem. 

Sincerely,

Caitlin Snyder