National Seashore National Park Service Gulf Islands Florida, Mississippi U.S. Department of the Interior

Naval Live Oaks

Reserved for the Nation President John Adams called the U.S. Navy “Wooden Walls” and considered the Navy the first line of defense from foreign invasion. Renowned for their resistance to disease and incredible density, live oak trees provided durable wood for the construction of navy vessels. The first tree farm in the United States was established here in 1828 in order to use the live oak timber for shipbuilding. The Naval Live Oaks Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore now preserves 1,400 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Live Oaks The oak family, which includes over 450 Shipwrights, also known as live oakers, species, is known for its durable wood. The located and felled massive branches and live oak (Quercus virginiana) is one of the trunks to provide the specific shapes needed most recognizable members of this family. for sections of ships. About one thousand From a small acorn these trees grow up to 50 trees were used to build just one wooden feet in height and live as long as 300 years. A vessel. cubic foot of live oak can weigh as much as 75 pounds compared to a white oak that weighs The U.S.S. Constitution, the U.S. Navy’s oldest 56 pounds. commissioned war vessel, is nicknamed “Old Ironsides” because cannon balls bounced off Live oak leaves fall throughout the year. its oak hull in a battle during the War of 1812. However, a tree never loses all of its leaves Although the ship was originally constructed at once. This year-round or evergreen with live oak from Georgia, live oak from the appearance gives the live oak its name. Pensacola area was used for the ship’s 1929 restoration. Live oak trees played a critical role in the early years of the US Navy

Naval Live Oaks Brackenridge Nature Trail Andrew Jackson Trail Trails Guide Earning $400 a year Henry Marie Also known as the Pensacola to Brackenridge cultivated live oak trees as St. Augustine Road, this trail was the first road Superintendent of the Naval Live Oaks connecting East Florida with West Florida. Reservation. Trail markers identify plants The U.S. Congress provided $20,000 for and describe how live oaks were used in construction of the road in 1824 when Florida shipbuilding. The trail consists of a “figure 8” was still a territory. path with an observation deck at the far end. Old Borrow Pit Trail Beaver Pond Trail Sand from the borrow pit was used for The Beaver Pond Trail passes through several the construction of U. S. Highway 98. The plant communities typical of southeastern trail leads through longleaf and sand pine forests. A beaver dam can be seen at the communities. Hikers on this trail will northern end of the trail. When active, the notice the benefits of a prescribed fire that beaver dam maintains the water level even rejuvenated the forest. Prescribed burns are during times of drought, attracting a variety of conducted to enhance habitat for plants and wildlife. animals and to prevent wildfires by reducing fuel loads.

Secondary Trails Several secondary trails can be used for additional hiking. To Navarre To 98

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To Pensacola Beach To and Fort Pickens Trail Name Trail Andrew Jackson Brackenridge Fishing Beaver Pond Old Borrow Pit Old Quarry Pond Brown’s North Bay Boy Scout North-South Pine Scrub 2.4 0.8 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.4 0.3 0.3 1.0 0.3 Hiking trail Multi-use trail trail Wheelchair-accessible Toll

Bob Sikes Bridge Bridge 399 Distance Miles GULF BREEZE 98 To Pensacola To

For Your Safety The heat and humidity can be intense! Wear Bug repellent is advised. Please practice Leave sun protection and drink plenty of water. No Trace principles. Call 911 for emergencies. Watch out for snakes, chiggers, ticks, and poison ivy.