Orange Audubon Society, the Central Florida chapter of the National Audubon Society, and the City of Apopka will develop an approximately 70-acre Apopka Birding Park at the entrance to the popular Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive of the St. Johns River Water Management District.
The conservation project and lease agreement, unveiled at the March 20th Apopka City Council meeting, will transform the former nursery on Lust Road into a unique park. This park, adorned with native plants, restored bird habitat, walking trails, and a visitors’ center, promises an unparalleled birdwatching experience, according to Deborah Green, president of Orange Audubon.
“We have been looking since 2001 for a property in West Orange County that we could restore and preserve,” said Green. “This particular site is rich with Florida native birds and migratory birds in spring and summer, and our volunteers plan to make it even more inviting for the many nature lovers that visit the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive every weekend. The City of Apopka has offered us an attractive long-term lease in exchange.”
More than 150,000 people drove through the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive last year looking for birds, alligators, bobcats, and other wildlife, and visitation increases yearly. Visitors come from all over Florida, other states, and even other countries.
“We want to conserve this property and educate people about birds and native plants,” said Green. “This is central to the Orange Audubon mission.”
For more information, contact Deborah Green at info@orangeaudubonfl.org or 407-637-2525.
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