Island Holiday Gathering Highlights Conservation, History and Community Health

About 250 people took part in the Lignumvitae Christmas celebration at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park on Dec. 11, 2025. The secluded island off Islamorada preserves a virgin tropical hardwood hammock environment that was once common throughout the Upper Keys. The park is named for the native Lignumvitae tree whose wood is among the densest in the world and has been used for items such as bowling balls, steamship propeller shafts, gears and mallets.

Visitors toured the historic Matheson House, a century old coral rock and Dade County pine caretaker's home that was decorated in a Christmas theme. Guided nature hikes offered participants a close look at the island's flora and fauna. Additional activities included holiday arts and crafts, seasonal live music by the Mangrove Swamp Band and 1930s era games. Florida Keys historian and writer Brad Bertelli shared stories about early residents of Lignumvitae Key and the island's connection to nearby Indian Key. The event was presented by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks in conjunction with the Florida State Parks.

The gathering highlighted several public health and social equity considerations for Monroe County. Time spent in protected natural areas supports mental health and community resilience, particularly during the holiday season when social isolation can rise. At the same time the island's seclusion and limited access can create barriers for older adults, people with mobility limitations and low income residents who may lack reliable transportation. Volunteer led events like this rely on nonprofit and state partnerships, demonstrating local civic capacity while also exposing gaps in transportation, accessibility and outreach.

Preserving Lignumvitae Key's habitat and historic structures has both environmental and economic implications for the Keys. Careful planning that centers equitable access and emergency preparedness can help ensure that future programs serve a wider cross section of the community without compromising fragile ecosystems. The Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks and Florida State Parks can build on this event to broaden participation and strengthen local health and conservation outcomes.