From Orange Audubon
In Summary:
Orange Audubon’s upcoming fundraiser at Propagate Social House will raise money for the organization’s planned LEED Gold-certified nature and special events center adjacent to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Organizers say the project will expand community programming focused on birds, habitat restoration, sustainability, and the wellness benefits of nature. The organization also highlighted ongoing restoration efforts, including invasive species management, native landscaping, bird habitat improvements, and the removal of the greenhouse pad at the site.
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Join Orange Audubon on Saturday, May 16, from 6–10 pm for a lively night at Propagate Social House on the Shade House deck in downtown Apopka. For just $30, enjoy a free drink and raffle ticket—plus a fun-filled atmosphere with music and dancing, raffles, and mingling with fellow supporters and special guests. Grab dinner from nearby food trucks or head across the street to Hall’s on Fifth for a bite!
Related: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive turns 11, draws more than 200,000 visitors annually.
Items to be raffled include binoculars, guided birding trips, beautiful print photos, a certificate for a portrait of your own pet by artist Hannah Allen, native plants, gift baskets, and gift cards for local restaurants. All proceeds support Orange Audubon’s mission to begin construction on the Orange Audubon Nature and Special Events Center at Apopka Birding Park.
The group’s architect, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, has helped Orange Audubon select its building contractor, R.B. Marks, a 20-year-old firm based in Winter Springs. This firm had worked with Little on the Plaza Live Theatre remodel project several years ago.
R.B. Marks, Little, and Orange Audubon are currently engaged in “value engineering,” reviewing each construction item to determine whether any cost savings are possible. Nucor Steel has donated the roof joists and roof deck, and Guardian Glass is providing discounted state-of-the-art bird-safe glass.
According to Orange Audubon president Deborah Green, “Our members have watched this project, believe in it, and are digging deep to support it, but we would like more people in Apopka to know about it. We are transforming a 69.5-acre former greenhouse nursery adjacent to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive into a space with native plants, bird habitats, trails, and a sustainable, LEED Gold–certified nature and special events center.” Fast Signs Apopka has donated a sign about the construction visible from the Wildlife Drive
Recent progress on habitat restoration by Orange Audubon’s volunteers includes mapping the cogon grass infestation, applying for funding to control this fast-spreading invasive grass through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and staking off gopher tortoise burrows. Orange Audubon has installed benches, put up bird boxes, and done native landscaping along the entry road to the Apopka Birding Park, with funding from the Florida Wildflower Foundation and Bloom and Grow Garden Club of Winter Garden. Nearly 100 cypress trees have been planted. Monthly workdays are held on the last Saturday of the month, the next one on May 30th, 9 a.m.-noon.
In a long-awaited development, the concrete pads that served as the bases of the old greenhouses are being removed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, which can use the concrete for restoration projects. This work is being done Mondays through Thursdays, possibly through July. The Apopka Birding Park, which has become a destination for birders and other pedestrians, is closed on those days when heavy equipment is at work, but is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the days when the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open.
With this center, Orange Audubon will offer more community programs that promote the wellness benefits of nature, focus on birds, habitat restoration, and sustainability. Donor recognition and naming rights for parts of the building are still available. If any questions, email info@ orangeaudubonfl.org.
Key Points:
- Orange Audubon’s fundraiser is scheduled for May 16 from 6-10 pm at Propagate Social House in Apopka.
- Proceeds will support the construction of the planned Orange Audubon Nature and Special Events Center.
- The future center will sit on a restored 69.5-acre former greenhouse property near the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
- The fundraiser will include raffles, music, dancing, food options, and community networking.
- Orange Audubon volunteers continue habitat restoration work, including native landscaping, invasive species control, and bird habitat improvements.
Fundraiser date and Time: Saturday, May 16, 6–10 pm.
Location: Propagate Social House on the Shade House Deck, 40 East 5th Street in Apopka
Registration link: https://orangeaudubonfl. org/orange-audubon-fundraiser/
