24 BUREAU OF GEOLOGY
The shallow flats seaward of Long Key and the mangrove-lined lagoons support an abundance of marine life. Wading-bird populations can be readily observed in these areas, particularly during the winter months. A trail winds through natural areas of the key, along the beach, and over a mangrove-lined lagoon.
Long Key State Recreation Area provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural values of a typical Florida Key. The subtropical climate, clear waters and abundance of marine life associated with the Florida Keys have attracted man since early times. The Calusa Indians lived off the abundant plant and animal life long before the first Spanish explorers arrived. After the Spanish occupation, the keys attracted settlers from other islands, such as the Bahamas, who made their living from the sea.
These remote keys were no longer isolated when, in 1912, the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad was completed. The viaduct west of Long Key was the first bridge built by the railroad crews, and was the trademark of the Henry Flagler railroad.
Long Key was an important depot during the days of the railroad. Flagler established the Long Key Fishing Club as a mecca for the world's greatest saltwater fishermen. The era came to an end on September 2, 1935, when a hurricane destroyed the fishing club and the railroad.
Park Rangers present campfire programs and lead guided walks yearround. They also offer informative programs on snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, and the marine ecology of the area. For further information, write or phone Long Key State Recreation Area, P. 0. Box 776, Long Key, FL 33001. Telephone: (305) 664-4815.
BAHIA HONDA STATE RECREATION AREA
In Spanish, Bahia Honda means "deep bay." This southernmost state recreation area's bondy skeleton is an ancient coral reef thinly covered by beaches and dunes of carbonate sand, and mangroves (Figure 21). Bedrock is Key Largo Limestone.
The very shallow, clear water around the island provides an opportunityr to observe marine plants and animals that inhabit the carbonate-sand sea bed_ Bahia Honda has a number of tropical plants that are not often found on the other islands. Among the rarer species are the satinwood tree, spiny catesbaea and dwarf morning glory. The birdlife of Bahia Honda includes beautiful and rare species such as the white-crowned pigeon, great white heron, roseate spoonbill, reddish egret, osprey, brown pelican, and least tern.