JPG Magazine: Stories: Photo Essay: Jennings State Forest

Jennings State Forest

By *Slimeface

7 March 2007

Jennings State Forest located in Clay County in northeastern Florida is a beautiful 23,995 acre forest that features an abundance of nature including many different plants, trees and animals. The North Fork Black Creek and the Yellow Water Creek also pass through the forest with four different canoe landings: Powell Ford, Ellis Ford, Knight's Landing and Indian Ford. Fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding are just a few of the recreational activities available in the Jennings State Forest and is opened year round during daylight hours.

The Black Creek is a favorite in the forest for many who enjoy the water for swimming, fishing and canoeing. The creek originates in Kingsley Lake, passes through the forest on it's way to the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida and finally flows out to the Atlantic Ocean. The Black Creek is not always black. Sometimes the waters take on a reddish color and is caused by the tannin acids from the leaves and plants along the banks of the creek. In the shallow waters, sometimes only inches deep, with available sunlight the water color can be very colorful.

Fire management is a vital role the Division of Forestry strives at to maintain a healthy balance between plants and animals and their environments. Controlled burning or "prescribed burns" (Thanks to Altamons) is necessary and have been very successful to the ecology of the Jennings State Forest.

The Jennings State Forest has something to offer for everyone; from the bird watcher to the rugged and adventurous camper (Camping in the Jennings State Forest is by permit only) the visitors to this Florida forest will be treated to one of nature's most beautiful and peaceful parks to be found!