The sandhill system is a forest ecosystem noted for dry, sandy soils that do not flood. These soils are well-drained, unlike the flatwoods. This forest experiences fire very frequently (one to 15 years), and therefore does not have the dense shrubs typical of the scrub forest. Instead, grasses usually cover the ground.

This forest once extended from Virginia to Florida and Texas. Excellent longleaf forests on sandhills can be seen at Blackwater River State Forest, Apalachicola National Forest, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Silver River State Park, Dead Lakes State Recreation Area, and Riverside Island in the Ocala National Forest. These have good places to hike, bike, or ride horseback through well-maintained examples of the high pine community.

• For the Contest

  Each year, the contest takes on two ecosystems on a four-year rotation. At this station, when sandhill forests is one of the featured ecosystems:

  • Juniors and Intermediates will answer 10 multiple choice/true false questions about each ecosystem.
    
    • To prepare, Juniors should review/watch the ecosystems presentation; Intermediates should read the ecosystem description*. 
  • Intermediates will answer multiple choice/true false questions regarding identifying characteristics of the four tree and shrub species for Sandhills:

  1) bluejack oak

  2) sand post oak

  3) rusty lyonia

  4) woolly pawpaw

  *Note: the sandhills presentation and description are being revised. Updated versions will be posted for the 2026 contest.