Visit the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive this Presidents Day
MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 12, 2016 — Schools will close on Presidents Day, but the St. Johns River Water Management District’s popular Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open for the federal holiday, which falls on Monday, Feb. 15. The wildlife drive provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore the area’s diverse wildlife habitat.
“Ninety-eight percent of district-owned property is open to the public, and we encourage visitors to take advantage of these unique environmental and recreational opportunities,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “It’s also an excellent educational opportunity to learn about conservation and how we can work together to protect our natural resources.”
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive that traverses a network of wetlands, levees and canals, providing a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. Home to 362 species of birds, including Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron and Swallow-tailed Kite, visitors to the wildlife drive should watch for alligators, turtles, otters, raccoon, snakes, coyotes and bobcats. Several vehicle pullovers on the drive provide opportunities for stopping at preferred sites.
Housed within the Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area, the wildlife drive opened in May 2015. Visitors to the area can also hike or bicycle the 18-mile Lake Apopka Loop Trail, further exploring the area’s natural systems and learning about water resource protection and conservation.
To ensure comfort and safety, all visitors to district-owned land are reminded to bring insect repellent, drinking water, sunscreen and to wear proper clothing.
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open year-round between sunrise and sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. There is no cost to visit the wildlife drive.More information about recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the district are available at www.sjrwmd.com/recreation.