The elevated northwest corner of campus is geologically ancient coastline ridge which, because of its excellent water drainage, includes nature preserve containing a small remnant of the easternmost longleaf pine and American turkey oak association in central Florida. Most of the American turkey oak has disappeared from the highest part of the ridge, occupied by Alafaya trail. Intermittent or Shallow ponds and a small lake, Lake Claire, lie immediately to the east. A small beach and some picnic pavilions are maintained for campus recreation.