2021 Map of Emeralda Island

About this map

The Ocklawaha River winds through the northern reaches of this landscape, marking a watery boundary near Starkes Ferry before it enters the expansive Emeralda Marsh. This area, situated between the large basins of Lake Griffin and Lake Yale, is characterized by a complex network of wetlands and "hammocks"—islands of higher ground such as Bull Hammock, Cabbage Hammock, and the extensive Big Hammock to the south. The small settlement of Lisbon sits near the southeastern corner, serving as a focal point for local history with its nearby Lisbon Cem. Much of the northern terrain is preserved within the Ocala National Forest, where trails like the Prairie Riding Loop Trl provide access to the interior. The map illustrates a delicate balance between the conserved marshlands and the residential development encroaching from the west near Gator Lake.