COMING SOON! Public use improvements are currently in design and will include a restroom, two pavilions, trails and a boardwalk.
The 93-acre conservation area includes the remaining privately-owned lands associated with the historic Hallstrom Farmstead and adjacent natural areas of sand pine scrub, maritime hammock, scrubby flatwoods and bottomland forest. This portion of Indian River County was settled in the 1800's by Scandinavian immigrants who developed farms, many based on the cultivation of pineapples, that later developed into some of the earliest citrus groves in this region of Florida. This area also contains one of the northernmost known protected locations for Lakela's mint (Dicerandra immaculata), a federally endangered plant, known only to occur in southern St. Lucie and northern Indian River Counties.
The historic farmstead house is owned and operated by the Indian River County Historical Society, and is open to the public. The farmstead also includes several barns and out-buildings on the east side of Old Dixie Highway that are not open to the public due to the need for significant renovation. The conservation area is currently closed to the public. The County has future plans to provide a pavilion, restroom facilities, and walking trails through the conservation area. Please refer to our website home page for the map showing the location of this conservation area. We encourage the public to enjoy observing wildlife and learning about our conservation efforts.