Leadership Apopka Experiences Apopka Ecotourism

Apopka Ecotourism the Focus of Chamber Event

Lake Apopka at Magnolia Park

In a partnership effort, the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce and Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson sponsored an Apopka Ecotourism Day earlier this week. Chamber members and others got up-close-and-personal with Apopka Ecotourism and enjoyed some of our area's natural treasures.

The ecotour participants discussed existing programs and projects and talked about the future of this important industry with local experts.

The agenda for Tuesday, April 19th began at Magnolia Park at 10 AM with representatives from the Audubon Society, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the St. John's Water Management District and the Allied Group. The central theme of the discussion was the great effort and progress that has been been made to clean up Lake Apopka and the positive effects it's had on the fishery, bird migration, and tourism. The Lake Apopka Driving Trail, opened May, 2015, has been a great success and is visited by an average of 4,208 visitors per month.

Participants of the ecotour then joined together at Long & Scott Farms in for a picnic lunch and hayride tour of the Long and Scott Farms property.

After lunch The Apopka Chamber, Commissioner Nelson and their guests headed to Hutchinson Farm Winery for a tour and some wine tasting.

The King's Landing Canoe Trip was a special highlight of the ecotour where all involved managed to stay dry! The only presentations here were from a few gators and turtles sunning along the river banks. No questions were asked or answered!

Representatives from Orange County Parks and Recreation Division and Visit Orlando-The Official Tourism Association met the tour group at Nelson’s cabin for a discussion after the canoe trip.

The day ended at Wekiva Island with a Reception and Networking Event open to all Chamber members. The ecotour was a unique opportunity to hear about this growing industry.