Introduction

The beat of central Florida’s hydrologic heart lies between Tampa and Orlando in 560,000 acres of Florida backcountry called the Green Swamp. The Green Swamp includes portions of Polk, Lake, Sumter, Hernando and Pasco counties. Within these acres is a complex, integrated and delicate natural system composed of cypress swamps, hardwood forests, marshes, pine flatwoods and sandhills.

Emerging from this precious oasis are the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Ocklawaha and Peace rivers. These rivers provide much of central Florida’s water supply.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has purchased approximately 110,000 acres in the Green Swamp to keep the land and water resources protected for future generations. This area is known as the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. Continue reading to learn more about the Green Swamp and take a visual journey through its serenity.