Lake County Parks & Trails Newsletter

The Lake County Department of Public Resources, Parks & Trails Division, manages more than three dozen parks, preserves and boat ramps. The Division's park rangers lead regularly scheduled nature hikes and bird and butterfly surveys in a select few of these parks in addition to properties owned by the Lake County Water Authority and St. Johns River Water Management District.

Marsh Park and Boat Ramp offers boaters access to Lake Yale for great bass fishing or a relaxing day on the water. The playground and other amenities provide a place for the children to play, enjoy a picnic or just relax under the shade of the Live Oaks. The park has a five-acre restoration that has more than 100 native wildflowers. Pond Pines were planted on Earth Day 2007 to provide additional habitat to the many birds, butterflies, reptiles and mammals that live or feed in the park.
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SEPTEMBER 11 — Bird & Butterfly Survey

7 to 10 a.m. at PEAR Park, Leesburg

Experienced volunteers are invited to help Lake County Rangers conduct a census of our winged and feathered friends. Participants should be able to identify most common species by sight or sound. Bring a pair of binoculars and field guides. Reservations are encouraged.

September 24 — Bird Survey

7 to 10 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, Ferndale

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Apopka while taking a census of our feathered friends. We need your help to know the birds living here for the summer and those that will be moving on for the season. So grab your binoculars, fields guides, and notebooks. Ability to identify common species a plus but only enthusiasm required. Reservations are encouraged.

September 25 — Fall Bird Hike

8 to 10 a.m. at PEAR Park, Leesburg

During the 3-mile hike, participants will look for the birds at the park. During past fall hikes, park rangers saw a Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly, Swainson's Hawk and a Painted Bunting! Reservations are encouraged.

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Information about Guided Hikes & Surveys

Park rangers encourage participants of the regularly scheduled nature hikes and bird & butterfly surveys to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hikers should also bring binoculars, field guides, cameras, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks.

Reservations are required for all guided hikes and bird & butterfly surveys. Most hikes are limited to the first 25 individuals to place reservations. To make reservations for the guided hikes and bird & butterfly surveys, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950 or e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.

Information about PADDLING ADVENTURES

The Lake County Water Authority coordinates all paddling adventures. For more information on these guided tours, contact the Lake County Water Authority at (352) 343-3777.

Reservations are required for all paddling adventures. Most paddling adventures are limited to the first 15 vessels to place reservations. To make reservations for the paddling adventures, call the Lake County Water Authority at (352) 343-3777.