It’s spring break season, and area beaches are loaded up with students and families taking advantage of the beautiful sunshine and water along our coasts. Tucked among the full parking lots, restaurants, and entertainment venues on the main approach to Pensacola Beach, though, is a tiny remnant of Old Florida. The James P. Morgan Memorial Park and Botanical Gardens was preserved by a group of Pensacola Beach residents in memory of their friend and accomplished geologist. Dr. Morgan was a researcher and professor at LSU and UWF, and world-renowned for his insights into coastal geomorphology.

So, it was only fitting that his memorial garden is a living tribute to his lifelong passion and area of expertise. The park is small, yet serves as a shady, waterfront oasis. Towering live oaks form the centerpiece and provide shade, anchoring the landscape. Around the edges are palm trees, muhly grass, rosemary, and dune sunflower. A meandering trail runs through the park, with benches and educational signage dotting the path. A wooden deck below the oaks serves as another pleasant seating area.

The vegetation is predominantly native, salt-tolerant species characteristic of the mature maritime forest once common to the island.

To find the park, start looking towards Quietwater Beach just after the Pensacola Beach toll bridge. On the left side, just past Laguna’s Beach Bar & Grill (with go-kart track), turn into the side road and head back north to the parking area in front of Morgan Park.

I am currently working with a county colleague, the Santa Rosa Island Authority, and beach residents to add vegetation—including a butterfly garden—to update the landscape. If you are interested in volunteering to plant or help with upkeep at Morgan Park, please let me know!

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