Florida's Native Plant Communities

Upland lakes are typically found in sandy uplands, receiving most of their water from surface runoff and seepage from the surficial aquifer. They are not generally connected to stream systems and are not spring-fed from the limestone aquifer.

The water is usually clear, and the substrate is generally sandy. Vegetation is sparse and mostly restricted to shallow margins.

These lakes can lose their oligotrophic character if the surrounding watershed is heavily fertilized, used for animal husbandry, or developed. In such cases, nutrient enrichment can lead to eutrophication, shifting the community type. Research has also shown that upland lakes can be acidified by atmospheric deposition (acid rain). For example, at Lake Annie in Highlands Hammock, pH dropped from above 6.0 to about 5.1 between 1966 and 1992, a rapid decline triggered when the watershed’s buffering capacity was depleted (Battoe & Lowe, 1992).

Variants

Sandhill Upland Lakes: Found in “sandhill” or high pine settings, typically within old sinkholes. They show high water-level fluctuations. Good examples occur at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.

Coastal Dune Lakes: Found near the Gulf Coast, these are freshwater (sometimes slightly brackish) systems with clear, tannic (tea-colored) water. Some periodically connect to the Gulf during overflow events, and saltwater may intrude during storm surges. Good examples occur at Topsail Hill State Park and Deer Lake State Park.