IN BRIEF
The largest and most diverse freshwater marsh in northern Florida, Paynes Prairie is a superlative example of prairie formation in a karst area. Located within Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, it is a major wintering ground for many species of waterfowl as well as providing habitat for other wildlife, including two endangered species. The site contains the Alachua sink, one of Florida's largest and most famous sinks. Ownership: State, private.