Lake County Park Rangers to host two upcoming birding events

The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is hosting upcoming bird surveys at two of Lake County’s scenic parks.

On Friday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 10:30 a.m., experienced and novice bird-watchers are invited to help Lake County park rangers survey PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg, for wintering birds like Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Hermit Thrush while enjoying the beauty of Lake County’s largest park.

On the following day, Saturday, Dec. 4 from 7 to 10:30 a.m., team up with park rangers at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in South Lake County, to survey the preserve for wintering birds like Common Loon, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Painted Buntings. The 192-acre preserve is on the western shore of Lake Apopka and has a combined equestrian and hiking trail that offers stunning vistas of Lake Apopka and the surrounding areas.

It is helpful, but not necessary for participants at both events to be able to identify most common species by sight or sound. All survey-takers must have their own binoculars and field guides, and are encouraged to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and hiking shoes. Space is limited, so reservations are required.

For more information or reservations, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950, e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov or log on to http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

Read Full Post »

Emeralda Marsh to come alive for Birds & Bicycles event on Oct. 23

The Lake County divisions of Parks & Trails and Tourism & Business Relations are proud to be partnering with the Trout Lake Nature Center to promote the Birds & Bicycles event on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Emeralda Marsh.

Emeralda Marsh is a 7,000-acre natural land in North Lake County. Participants can bicycle or walk the 7 miles of the firmly packed clay roads on the Interpretive Drive. For the event, there will be hayride wagons looping around to give walkers a lift.

There will also be informative stations on the levee including: birders with scopes spotting and identifying birds; naturalists showing participants wildflower and butterfly displays; biologists  with exhibits; Plein air artists transferring the nature’s beauty to canvas; crafts for children; and geocaching sites for the day.

Birds & Bicycles participants can start between 8 and 11:30 a.m. as the event ends at 1 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, wear comfortable hiking shoes and a hat. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, snacks, water, a camera and binoculars. There is a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child under age 16.

Sponsors and partners of the Birds & Bicycles event include Trout Lake Nature Center, Lake County Parks & Trails Division, Lake County Water Authority, Lake County Tourism & Business Relations, Lake County Public Lands Management Program, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Native Plant Society – Lake Beauty Berry Chapter, St. Johns River Water Management District, Ocklawaha Valley Audubon Society and Promise Ranch.

For more information or to sign up for the event, call (352) 357-7536 or log on to www.troutlakenature.org.

• Directions to Emeralda Marsh from Leesburg: Take U.S. Highway 441 to County Road 44. Proceed east, crossing Haynes Creek canal. Shortly after crossing canal, turn north on to Emeralda Island Road, proceed, to the “T” intersection, turn left, proceed around the sharp curve, Wood Duck parking lot is on the left.
• Directions to Emeralda Marsh from Eustis and Mount Dora: Take State Road 19 north through Eustis, turn left on County Road 44. Turn north onto Emeralda Island Road, proceed to the “T” intersection, turn left, proceed around the sharp curve, Wood Duck parking lot is on the left.

Read Full Post »

County roundup: upcoming fall bird hike, plant sale & art meeting

Lake County sent out three releases recently – birdwatching hike Saturday, arts meeting Friday and fall plant sale Saturday –  relating to the local tourism industry.

A summary of each is:

• The bird survey scheduled for Friday, Oct. 8, has been rescheduled for next week, but the Oct. 9 fall bird hike is on.
• A plant sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Horticultural Learning Center in Tavares.
• Central Florida’s art leaders are gathering at the Cooper Memorial Library in Clermont on Friday.

Below is the news releases from Lake County:

County park rangers reschedule Friday’s bird survey; plan for Saturday’s bird hike

The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is rescheduling the bird survey originally slated for Friday, Oct. 8, to Friday, Oct. 15, from 7 to 10 a.m. at PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg.

A fall bird hike is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in South Lake County. Participants will enjoy views of Lake Apopka and observe the progress of the Ferndale’s restoration on this 2-mile hike around this scenic preserve. Park rangers will point out migratory birds and other wildlife.

Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, field guides, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and hiking shoes. Reservations are required.

For more information or reservations, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950, e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov or log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

Discovery Gardens at Lake County Agricultural Center extends summer hours until Oct. 11

Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale set for Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Discovery Gardens at the Horticultural Learning Center, which is located on about 3.5 acres behind the Lake County Agricultural Center, 1951 Woodlea Road in Tavares, will extend its summer hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday, until Monday, Oct. 11.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 11, the hours of the Horticultural Learning Center will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, a Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Horticultural Learning Center’s Discovery Gardens. Plant buyers are encouraged to arrive early as plants for sale run out quickly.

Discovery Gardens is a virtual outdoor learning center for young students and aspiring gardeners providing hands-on learning experiences. Started in 1995, the Gardens is a joint effort of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, University of Florida County Extension Services, Friends of the Horticultural Learning Center and the Master Gardener Society of Lake County.

The Horticultural Learning Center is an educational resource supporting the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) programs in horticulture, gardening, landscape design and natural resource management.

For more information, call the Lake County Extension at (352) 343-4101.

Lake County tourism staff welcomes Central Florida’s arts leaders to Clermont

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is welcoming dozens of Central Florida’s art leaders to South Lake County for a meeting on Friday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Memorial Library, located at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont.

“This meeting is an opportunity for local arts councils, organizations and artists to come together to discuss common issues regarding advocacy and awareness for the arts in Central Florida,” said Kathy Pagan, Lake County Tourism Specialist.

United Arts of Central Florida created A.L.I.G.N. (Advance-Listen-Inspire-Grow-Nurture) as an opportunity for arts leaders in the seven-county region to discuss advocacy and awareness for the arts. This meeting occurs twice annually in order to develop a region-wide action plan to follow up on the myregion.org economic impact study and educate local arts organizations on how to speak and present to local government officials. Attendees represent local arts agencies and cultural organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties.

“This leadership group has met for two years; however, this will be the first time Lake County has had the opportunity to host this event,” Pagan said. “The semi-annual meetings are usually held at cultural venues such as museums or art galleries. At least 50 attendees are expected, but we really need as many members as possible of the local arts organizations and communities to attend.”

To make reservations for this event or for more information, contact Cory Warren at events@unitedarts.cc.

Read Full Post »

Lake County park rangers host two upcoming events

The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is hosting a bird survey on Friday, Sept. 24, and a fall bird hike on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The bird survey is scheduled from 7 to 10 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in South Lake County.

The fall bird hike is from 8 to 10 a.m. at PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg. During the 3-mile hike, participants will look for birds at the park.

Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, field guides, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and hiking shoes. Reservations are required.

For more information or reservations, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950, e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov or log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

Read Full Post »

Nature calls: Outdoor fun at two events this weekend

Lake County Parks & Trails and the Trout Lake Nature Center are hosting separate outdoor events on Saturday, July 24.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, stick with Parks & Trails’ nature hike from 8 to 10 a.m. at Twin Lakes Park.

If you find the water cooler, head out for a paddling adventure with the Trout Lake Nature Center on Blackwater Creek beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The news releases from two organizations are below:

Park rangers to lead nature hike at Twin Lakes Park

Lake County’s park rangers will lead a low-impact nature hike on Saturday, July 24, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Twin Lakes Park, located at 35303 County Road 473, Leesburg.

“The hike will only be a quarter mile and over paved trails and a boardwalk,” Gallus Quigley, a Lake County park ranger. “This low-impact hike, which will be suitable for walkers, strollers and wheelchairs, will hopefully give the opportunity for everyone to attend.”

During the hike, park rangers will identify plants, animals, butterflies and birds. After the hike, participants are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the park’s pavilion and playground area. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Park rangers also recommend bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, water, binoculars and field guides.

The hike is limited to the first 25 individuals to place reservations. For more information or to make reservations for the guided nature hike, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950.

Trout Lake Nature Center, Blackwater Creek Paddle

Saturday -  July 24th -  8:30 am

Looking for a cooler outdoor adventure?   Join Trout Lake Nature Center on Saturday July 24th for a paddle on Blackwater Creek in Seminole State Forest.

This is a delightful trip on a stream stained dark by “swamp tea” steeped from the vegetation of the surrounding wetland.  The water is made darker still by the cool shadows of the over- hanging trees.  No power boats are allowed so the sounds will be our voices, dripping paddles and perhaps the complaint of a startled Great Blue Heron.  Bring a snack or early lunch, we plan to stop at Moccasin Spring, explore the boils, maybe spot an alligator hiding on the bottom. 

We will meet at Seminole State Forest South entrance.  Directions: Traveling through Mt Dora on US 441 turn East onto SR 46 proceed about 12 miles.  There is a sign marking the entrance to the forest on the left.  If you cross the Wekiva River you have gone too far.  Go back about a half mile, the entrance is now on your right.  After turning into the entrance, proceed on the gravel road.  Stop at the pay station, you will need  $2.00.  Almost immediately after the pay station pull into the Bear Pond parking lot on your left.  We will meet there at 8:30am.  This will be a leisurely paddle and we will be off the water about noon.

If you wish to join us you must reserve a space; we have a limited number of permits.  Call 352-357-7536 or 352-223-4761, slowly leave your number, and a message; you will receive a confirmation call.

Read Full Post »

Longstanding boat tour company expands

Premier Boat Tours, one of Lake County’s longest operating scenic boat tours, is growing to a new location at Wooton Park in Tavares.

Many of the Premier Boat Tours’ guests come for the boat ride, but are quickly amazed at the beautiful scenery. While the wildlife can temporarily captivate the tour boat’s audience, most often the scenery provides the “wow” factor.

A Captain of one of the tours once said to his passengers, “I warn you folks this is pre-Disney Florida. This is the real Florida.”

The news release from the Tavares Chamber of Commerce is below:

Premier Boat Tours in Tavares Grand Opening

For Immediate Release

Contact: Colleen McGinley, Tavares Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 352-343-2531

Tavares, FL (June 26, 2010) – The public is cordially invited to celebrate Premier Boat Tours’ new daily Tavares tour service at a grand opening and ribbon-cutting party on the deck of AL’S Landing Restaurant on Thursday June 24 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Premier’s berth at the Tavares Marina is located directly in front of AL’S (which is named for the Seaplane City’s emphasis on easy access by Air, Land and Sea). The party will include live music, tours of The Sea Haven pontoon cruiser, a drawing for complimentary passages and a discounted Sunset Cruise at 7:30 p.m.

Premier Boat Tours is the oldest tour boat company serving the Harris Chain of Lakes, having provided safe and pleasurable cruises for 28 years. The company specializes in Eco-Tours of The Dora Canal, a natural jungle waterway connecting Lake Dora at Tavares to Lake Eustis. In the new arrangement with the City of Tavares, Premier now has a full-time berth on the docks at Wooton Park for the 22-passenger Sea Haven. Premier Boat Tours offers three daily Tavares departure times (morning, afternoon and sunset) for its Dora Canal cruises. Special customized tours also can be arranged for groups. Commonly visible on the tours are otters, turtles, gators, anhingas, herons, egrets, osprey, eagles, cormorants, ibis, storks, wood ducks and (frequently) alligators.During its long history, Premier Boat Tours, a division of Regency Leisure Services (and often referred to as the Captain Doolittle company), has offered tour services from various private docks in Tavares. This will be the first time that the company, which also has departures from The Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, has teamed up with the City of Tavares to provide tour availability every day. “This is very exciting for us,” says Premier Boat Tours Manager Bob Dumais. We are thrilled to be a part of all the excitement going on in downtown Tavares and to be able to provide an easily accessible point of departure for our enjoyable and educationally rewarding nature cruises.”On each tour, Premier’s Coast Guard certified captains and trained guides help passengers identify wildlife and provide accurate information about the area’s history. “We take our mission seriously,” says Dumais, even though we’re all about having a good time.” Premier Boat Tours also hosts special event-themed trips throughout the year, including an Independence Day Fireworks Cruise, during which passengers will enjoy the City of Tavares’ beautiful display of pyrotechnics from Lake Dora. (Don’t forget that this year’s fireworks are Saturday July 3.) Then, in October, the company will present its first-ever Haunted Lake Tours, a series of “spook-tacular” nighttime rides through the Dora Canal, with special effects and professional actors spinning ghoulish stories. For more information or to reserve a cruise, call 352-434-8040. Please also visit the website: www.doracanaltour.com.

Read Full Post »

Park rangers to host birdwatching surveys on Fri. & Sat.

The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is seeking a few experienced bird-watching volunteers to help conduct two bird surveys this week: Friday, April 23, at PEAR Park and Saturday, April 24, at the Ferndale Preserve.

The PEAR Park bird survey is scheduled from 7 to 10 a.m. and the park is located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg. Park rangers are requesting volunteers to help identify local breeders, including Yellow-Throated Warbler and Summer Tanager, and northbound migrants, such as Swainson’s Thrush and Black-Throated Blue Warbler.

 The Ferndale Preserve bird survey is scheduled for 7 to 10 a.m. and the preserve is located off County Road 455 in South Lake County. According to park rangers, the preserve should be alive with gloriously colored northbound migrants, such as Summer Tanager, American Redstart and Indigo Bunting, and the songs of local resident species should be evident, including Northern Parula, Northern Cardinal and Carolina Wren.

It is recommended that volunteering birders be able to identify most common birds by sight or sound and have their own binoculars and field guides. Participants are expected to hike about 2 to 3 miles over hilly and sometimes uneven terrain. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and hiking shoes.

Reservations are encouraged. Experienced bird watchers who wish to volunteer for either bird survey can call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950 or-email parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.

Read Full Post »

Park rangers offer beginners bird hike

Lake County park rangers will lead a beginners bird hike on Saturday, April 3, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in the unincorporated community of Ferndale.

“Need to brush up on your sparrows, tell a Fish Crow from an American Crow, or are you just starting out,” asks Park Ranger Gallus Quigley. “Grab your binoculars and join me for this hike around one of the best birding spots in Lake County. We’ll learn how to identify various birds by sight and sound.”

The 192-acre Ferndale Preserve is located on the western shore of Lake Apopka. Its high elevation and diverse ecosystem provide habitat for numerous birds, butterflies, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. Park rangers encourage participants to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hikers should also bring binoculars, field guides, cameras, water and snacks.

Reservations are encouraged. For more information or to make reservations, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950 or e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.

Read Full Post »