The Bulow Plantation ruins are the remnants of a prosperous slave built and maintained sugar, Indigo and rice plantation.
The plantation was cleared and built in 1821 and operated until 1836 when it, and other area plantations became casualties of the second Seminole war. All that is left today of this plantation are the coquina ruins of the sugar mill, several wells, a spring house and the crumbling foundation of the mansion. The cleared fields have been reclaimed by the forest, and the area looks much as it did when it belonged to the Seminoles. The remnants are a prime example of Coquina based construction of both the area and era.
The adjacent Bulow Creek State Park has one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest along Florida's east coast. The reigning tree is the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest live oak trees in the South estimated to be over 400 years old.
A trail connects the Ruins with Bulow Creek State Park. That trail and its offshoots at the southern terminus in Bulow Creek State Park offers birding, wildlife and landscape shooting opportunities.
When
May 15th 2021
9:00 AM
Admission Fees
$4 per vehicle, use the honor box to pay fees each park.
Where
Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park
3501 Old Kings Road Flagler Beach FL 32136
Bulow Creek State Park
3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Contact - Dave Wholey
904 322 4004
Parking Info - on site
Entrance Info -
We will meet in the parking area at Bulow Plantation Ruins Park the end of Plantation road at 9 AM.
Transportation
By private car, carpool minimizes the entrance costs at $4.00 per vehicle.
Food
The Lunch option is at The Flagler Fish Company, 180 S. Daytona Ave, Flagler Beach, FL. (386 439 0000).
Much like most all of restaurants in the area, they do not take reservations and serve on first come basis.
Schedule of Events
We meet at The Bulow Plantation Ruins state park. All time is open for shooting on your own schedule.
There is a scenic walking trail that leads to the mill site. There are interpretive signs along the paved walkway in and around the coquina walls.
Additionally, the interpretive center displays artifacts and tells the story of Bulow Plantation and the turbulent events that led to its destruction.
The Bulow Woods trail connects the Bulow Ruins Park with Bulow state park (6.7M in length).
We will move to Bulow state Park at 11 AM. The park offers many photo opportunities along the Woods trail and its offshoots for both birding and wildlife. The highlight of Bulow Woods trail is one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest along Florida's east coast. The reigning tree is the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest live oak trees in the South. The shorter (.3 MI) easily accessed Wahlin trail offers similar shooting opportunities.
Any one wishing to use the Bulow Woods trail to get to Bulow State Park, will be given return transportation to the Ruins.
We will wrap no later than 12:30 PM.
Gear
The Ruins are best served with a short to mid range zoom lens 24 - 70 or similar. The trails in Bulow Creek will present similar opportunities but birding and wildlife opportunities will be present so, longer telephoto zoon lenses are appropriate.
Tripods, monopods are not necessary, you likely know if you will need or want to carry one. Polarizers not required but recommended.
Other Tips
Because its Florida in May and we will be outside for the most of the outing, water and sunscreen are required. Bug repellant, highly recommended.
Directions
From Jacksonville I 95 S to exit 284, turn left, east at exit stop. At highway 2001, turn right, Old Dixie Rd S. to Bulow Ruins State Park entrance on the left.
A1A south to Flagler Beach, West on FL 100 to Rt 2001 Old Dixie Rd S. Turn left (S) follow to Bulow Ruins Park entrance on left.
Follow Plantation Rd to the parking area where we will meet at 9:00 AM.