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The central upland area of Citrus County is known as the South Brooksville Ridge. The elevations
of this ridge rate this area as some of the highest in peninsular Florida. The plant community is
primarily sandhill with various inclusions of scrub and infrequent lakes and wet prairies. The
age of the ridge is significant. Judging from certain characteristics, there is evidence that
this ridge has been above water for a significant amount of time, perhaps one or two million
years. Evidence of the age and the significance of this ridge include the fact that a river
drainage runs through it (Withlacoochee River) and the fact that species formation has occurred.
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The Citrus Tract of south central Citrus County is one of the largest protected contiguous tracts
of sandhill in the world. This Florida State Forest is managed to maintain its biological integrity
and still represents ecologically intact sandhill. This plant community is characterized by an
open canopy of longleaf pine, a component of small oaks such as turkey oak, and a very diverse
groundcover of wiregrass and pinewoods dropseed, and a rich diversity of herbaceous plants.
Characteristic animals include the red-cockaded woodpecker, Bachman's sparrow, Florida pine
snake, southern hognose snake, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise, and gopher frog.
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Recently, the first of potentially many endemic animal species was discovered on the South
Brooksville Ridge, the Withlacoochee grasshopper, ,Melanoplus withlacoocheensis. This grasshopper
has shown distinct characteristics separating it from other members of the genus. There are more
to be described, including a mole cricket and sand cockroach. Apparently flightless insects that
require upland habitats have been isolated on this ridge south of the Withlacoochee River for
long enough to develop into their own species. This sort of evolution has been more thoroughly
studied on the Lake Wales Ridge in Central Florida. There is also a potential for plant
diversification.
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Birds know no geographical boundaries. Therefore, we are listing areas and stops around Citrus
County that are worth a visit or a check of birding opportunities. Birds are everywhere and Ave
want to help you make your Citrus County birding experience enjoyable and more productive. Look
for the great blue heron sign at the designated hotspots.
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Central Ridge, US 19 to US 41
- Lake Rousseau and Inglis Island Trail at Inglis Lock and Dam, OGT Three miles east of US 19 on
Riverwood Road.
Walking trail from the dam, 3.9 mile loop wilderness trail.
- Eagle Snag Trail, Citrus County
Not a designated GFBT but a county trail. Winter driving trail for eagles,
gulls and vultures on SR 44 east of Lecanto
- Citrus Tract, Withlacoochee State Forest, Division of Forestry.
Large wilderness state forest and the center for red cockaded woodpeckers.
Located off SR 44. Check visitors Center at Holder Mine Picnic area on CR 581 for the latest
information on RCWs.
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