TALL TIMBERS PLANTATION

By  Mike Miller 

Located in the picturesque Red Hills region of northern Florida, Tall Timbers Plantation is a historic site and research station dedicated to preserving the unique cultural and ecological heritage of the area.

Renowned for its rolling hills, majestic longleaf pines, and diverse wildlife, Tall Timbers serves as a hub for scientific research, land conservation, and public education.

Tall Timbers Beadel House

It stands as a testament to the rich interplay between natural landscapes and human stewardship.

Established in 1895, Tall Timbers began as a private hunting plantation. Like many plantations in the Red Hills, it was maintained as a quail-hunting retreat by wealthy northern families.

In 1958, the plantation’s owner, Edward Ball, transformed Tall Timbers into a center for fire ecology research. Ball’s work revolutionized the understanding of controlled burns and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, particularly in pine forests.

Today, Tall Timbers is internationally recognized for advancing land management practices and conserving the legacy of the Red Hills.

Located at 13093 Henry Beadel Drive, Tallahassee, Florida, Tall Timbers is open to the public by appointment and during special events.

The plantation frequently hosts workshops, guided tours, and field days for visitors interested in history, wildlife, and conservation.

Guests are encouraged to explore the on-site museum and walking trails, which provide an intimate glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water are recommended for outdoor activities.

Tall Timbers is a pioneer in fire ecology research, with its findings influencing land management across the southeastern United States.

▪️The plantation encompasses over 4,000 acres of preserved land, including one of the largest tracts of old-growth longleaf pine forests in the region.

▪️The property houses the Beadel House, a historic mansion that offers a window into early 20th-century plantation life.

▪️It is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the threatened species red-cockaded woodpeckers and gopher tortoises, and the elusive bobwhite quail.

▪️Tall Timbers played a key role in the establishment of conservation easements in Florida, protecting over 150,000 acres of surrounding land from development.

Tall Timbers Plantation is more than just a historical site - it’s a living laboratory and a beacon for conservation efforts. A visit here offers a rare blend of history, science, and natural wonder.

WEBSITE FOR TALL TIMBERS