2018 Map of Sunniland

About this map

Sunniland and Harker sit within a landscape defined by the intricate hydrology of the western Everglades, where the network of strands and sloughs dictates the region's character. In this 2018 survey, the intersection of conservation and access is clear, as the southern portion of the map is dominated by the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress National Preserve. These protected lands preserve vital habitats like Mud Lake Strand and Bear Island Strand, which are interspersed with local landmarks like Sick Island and Owl Hammock. Transport and land management follow a grid established by the Public Land Survey System, with roads like Old Oil Well Rd and Oil Well Park Rd providing access through the wetlands. The presence of the Okaloacoochee Slough further emphasizes the slow-moving, shallow water systems that connect this interior Florida terrain.