Cape St. George Island State Reserve is a pristine section of a 28-mile long barrier island, known locally as Little St. George Island. It was separated from the rest of the barrier island by a man-made ship channel in 1954. The reserve is protected under the Environmentally Endangered Lands program, ensuring its natural landscape remains untouched. The island offers more than nine miles of undeveloped beaches, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking solitude. Access is limited to private boats, adding to its exclusivity and natural charm.
The reserve features a variety of plant communities, including scrub, sea oats, and slash pine flatwoods, along with ponds and marshes. Its remoteness and lack of motorized vehicles preserve the island's wilderness qualities, providing an opportunity to explore Florida's original natural landscape.
The island's history includes turpentining operations and military training exercises, but these have had minimal lasting impact. Ecological burning is used to manage the pine flatwoods and savannahs, maintaining the island's natural state.
