From the Orange Audubon Society
In a move that’s sure to make both birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts chirp with joy, the Orange Audubon Society has secured a long-term lease from the City of Apopka for a sprawling 70-acre former nursery at the entrance to the Apopka Wildlife Drive. Newly minted as the Apopka Birding Park, this property will soon blossom into a haven for feathered friends and outdoor adventurers as plans take flight for a nature center, rejuvenated bird habitats, and meandering trails.
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting is designing the onsite renovation of the 1960s-era concrete block building. The building will be energy-efficient and use solar, rainwater harvesting, and other features, which Orange Audubon will educate about.
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.
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.”
