12th Annual Florida Black Bear Festival

Come discover and celebrate Florida’s largest land mammal with the City of Umatilla during the Twelfth Annual Florida Black Bear Festival on Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cadwell Park, located at 4 Cassady St. in Umatilla.

The festival is presented by a partnership of Defenders of Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, City of Umatilla, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Umatilla Chamber of Commerce and others.

The one-day educational event is fun for all ages as thousands of Floridians and guests are expected to attend the free bash in honor of the black bear. A popular highlight of the festival is the two-hour field trips into Ocala National Forest bear habitat conducted by the U.S. Forest Service.

The field trips are by bus and include a moderate hike to a site where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists will provide participants with interactive lessons about bear biology, behavior and management. Reservations fill quickly on a first-come basis and festival attendees are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot.

The festival also features heritage visits to the historic Carr Cabin, built in 1938 from local and scavenged materials, now an inspiring natural retreat. Or take the Black Bear Scenic Byway tour, with inside information on wildlife, recreational opportunities, and land conservation en route.

“The Florida Black Bear Festival is a fun event full of activities, presentations and field trips that provide participants with information about how bears live; bear behavior; how we can avoid attracting them to our homes; and how we can live and recreate in bear country safely” said Susan R. Martin, Executive Director of the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce.

There is plenty of family-friendly fun on-site with an interactive children’s area, great food and entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations, movies, author’s presentations, crafts and more. For more information visit  www.umatillachamber.org/blackbearfest.

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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.

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16th Annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair Nov. 6 & 7

The 16th Annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair is being held Nov. 6 & 7 in downtown Mount Dora.

When summer’s heat abates, gardeners know it’s time to head to Mount Dora and its breezy lakefront park, Simpson Cove. The downtown park, with its red-and-white lighthouse, is a half-block from the busy shopping district.

Whether they garden on several acres or on a windowsill, people know they can count on the Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair for rare and unusual plants.

“Many people new to Florida don’t realize we grow annuals in the fall and winter,” said Christine Cole, the event’s chairman. “Also, fall is the best time to plant most shrubs and ornamentals, such as camellias. Woody plants need time to put down roots before temperatures rise again.”

Central Florida’s finest growers bring more than 12,000 plants to the event, which features orchid growers and includes native plants, butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camellias, begonias with a complete selection of rare and unusual tropical plants.

But great gardens depend on more than plants only. The Fair brings together purveyors of wrought-iron, containers, garden antiques and garden and patio décor.

For more information about the Fair, call Ms. Cole at (352) 357-4116.

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Lake County park rangers host nature hike, bird & butterfly survey

LEESBURG & DELAND — The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is hosting a bird & butterfly survey on Friday, Nov. 12, and a nature hike on Saturday, Nov. 13.

The bird & butterfly survey is scheduled from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg. Experienced volunteers are invited to help conduct bird and butterfly surveys. Participants must be able to identify most common species by sight or sound and have their own binoculars and field guides.

The nature hike is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pine Forest Park, located at 32520 State Road 44, Deland. During the hike, park rangers will identify numerous plant species and will point out how the park is being managed for Florida Scrub Jays and its diverse wildlife population.

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 http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

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Park rangers & Water Authority to guide paddling adventure on Oct. 22

Lake County park rangers, in cooperation with the Lake County Water Authority, will lead a “Paddling Adventure” on Friday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning at the Astatula Boat Ramp, located at 12703 Florida Ave., Astatula.

Paddlers will explore the Double Run Preserve on Little Lake Harris. At the preserve, participants will discover the beauty of this area while learning about precious freshwater resources and seeing different plants, birds and other wildlife.

The 575-acre Double Run Preserve was purchased by the Lake County Water Authority to protect the historic connection between Lake Apopka and Little Lake Harris. The preserve further protects the hardwood swamp along the shoreline and the spring run.

Suggested items to bring include hat, waterproof shoes, water, snacks, insect repellent and waterproof cameras. Guides can provide participants with canoes or kayaks, life vests and paddles; however, participants are welcome to bring their own canoes and kayaks, life vests and paddles. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.

The free “Paddling Adventure” is limited to the first 15 vessels. To make reservations for the paddling adventure or for more information, call the Lake County Water Authority at (352) 343-3777.

For more information on 2010 events planned by the Lake County Department of Public Resources, Parks & Trails Division, check out its annual Events Guide online or request a copy by calling Parks & Trails at (352) 253-4950.

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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.

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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.

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This outdoor adventure is simply a’maze’ing

Long & Scott Farms, located at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, opened its newest Cornfield Maze Adventure on Oct. 2 with the theme “Fresh From Florida.”

The maze runs through Nov. 28. The seven-acre corn maze was originally started in 2003 to bring attention to the family-owned Long & Scott Farm. The farm is one of the last remaining in what was once an agriculturally rich area.

“We want people to know there is a farm out here,” said Cindy Scott. “We’re one of the few farmers out here and the last growers of Zellwood Sweet Corn.”

In previous years, the maze has resembled the Statue of Liberty and an American eagle. The larger maze, which takes between one to two hours to complete, is accompanied by a half-hour, mini-maze for kindergarteners and preschoolers. The farm’s year-round “Corn-fusion” maze, which is made of Ligustrum trees, is being transformed into a scavenger hunt with a prize of Zellwood sweet corn. Other new activities include a zipline for kids and tetherball.

“This is a good educational experience for kids,” said Rebecca Ryan, Cindy’s sister and one of the many family members working on the farm. “It’s real cool to see the kids faces when they come out to the farm.”

A group of four to six participants, which must include an adult, are given a flag and sent off to conquer the maze. The flag is in case the group gets lost. By waving the flag, market staff high atop a watchtower can spot groups that are having difficulty finding the exit. There are strict rules to the maze. Obviously no smoking is allowed as is foul language — just “aw shucks” as Scott jokingly says.

“One of our big rules is don’t touch or trample the corn stalks,” Ryan said. “You’ll just ruin it for the other people.”

The full size and mini corn mazes are just half the fun at the farm. The price of admission also includes a 60-foot slide, labyrinth rock maze, a mist maze, play area and game area.

After participants finish the maze, the country market has all sorts of goodies to purchase, including pumpkins, squash, fresh produce, jams and preserves, honey, cold drinks, and, of course, Zellwood Sweet Corn.

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children, ages 3 to 16. The maze is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Groups of 20 or more can reserve maze tours Tuesday through Friday. For more information, call (352) 383-6900 or log on to www.longandscottfarms.com.

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Podcasts aplenty!

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations recently released editions 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 of its podcast series.

The podcasts help to inform tourists and local visitors about attractions and events in Lake County, Fla. For a complete listing of all podcasts, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/enjoying_lake_county/podcasts.aspx.

Melon Patch Theatre

The Melon Patch Theatre is a community theatre located in Leesburg. This year marks its 60th anniversary providing the community with family-friendly theatrical productions such as musicals, comedies and plays. The theatre also has children’s productions under the name of Patchwork Productions, which will be featuring “Babes in Toyland” this season. The theatre will also feature a Christmas show titled “Melon Patch Family Christmas” opening in December 2010. For show schedule and tickets, log on to www.businessmasters.net/melonpatch.

Hansen’s World Wakeboard Center

The center has various training programs to help the competitive rider hone their skills. It caters to both amateurs and professionals with on-site lodging for camps and trainees. For more information, log on to www.worldwakeboardcenter.com.

Fishing Facilities in Lake County

Lake County features more than 1,000 named lakes with great facilities for both anglers and recreational boaters. Explore many different types of fishery habitats during any boating outing. There are also many opportunities to fish from shorelines at various parks, such as Hickory Point Recreational Facility on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Go back in time to the 16th century during the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at Hickory Point Recreational Facility. The event features hundreds of legendary performers, a lively renaissance village, exciting entertainment and one-of-kind experiences from minstrels to jousters. Information about the event and tickets are available at www.lakerenfaire.com.

16th Annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

The Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair is an annual event featuring an array of more than 12,000 flowers and plants. The festival is located Gilbert Park and is scheduled for Nov. 6. Admission is free. For more information, contact Christine Cole at (352) 729-2170.

4th Annual Veterans Salute Ride

Join in the fun and be part of a great Veterans’ Day tribute to those that serve and have served our country. The 4th Annual Veterans Salute, held on Nov. 6, honors all U.S. veterans and benefits the Disabled American Veterans organization. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg with breakfast and various organizations. With a police-escorted ride to Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, the festivities continue with a live auction and lunch. For event details and a line-up of the day’s activities, visit www.gatorharley.com

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Tavares introduces new ‘harvest moon’ event

The City of Tavares sent out a news release this week announcing a new addition to its cavalcade of unique events, fairs and festivals at Wooton Park. The “Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 11 p.m.

The 3-acre park, located at 100 E. Ruby St., has undergone an immense transformation the past year. Joining the park’s pavilion, gazebos and other amenities this year were a new seaplane basin and marina.

For more information about these new features, visit the Ship’s Store at the Seaplane Base/Marina, which is an historical replica of the Woodlea House.

The news release from the City of Tavares about the “Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou” is below:

Tavares Does It Again – Another Signature Event Comes to Downtown!

Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou – October 23, 2010

Tavares, FL ~ Save the date! October 23, 2010 promises to be a day of great family fun and musical entertainment as the city of Tavares welcomes fall with the addition of a new signature event, Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou! Harvest Moon will take place in Wooton Park in downtown Tavares, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is free!

Throughout the afternoon Wooton Park will be the location for a variety of activities: Hay rides, rock climbing wall, bounce house, pottery demonstrations, face painters, farmers market, and pumpkin patch, to name a few. Food vendors will be available with a variety of treats to tempt your taste buds, including a sampling of Cajun and seafood specialties. As dark descends, Ghost Boat Tours will be available around Lake Dora and the Dora Canal (minimal fee).

The event starts off at 3:00 p.m. with a Hush Puppy Parade (sponsored by the Green K-9), so grab your pups and join the fun. Don’t have a dog? Come watch as canines of various sizes and shapes parade down New Hampshire and Ruby Streets in their best puppy finery. To participate, register now at the Green K-9, 113 E. Main Street, Tavares, 352.253.5205. The Green K-9 has a limited number of costumes available for loan, or you can make your own! It is recommended that participants have up to date vaccinations, particularly Bordetella (canine cough).

Entertainment not to be missed (free admission): Local bands, The Accelerators and Dixieland Band, will play throughout the afternoon. A special evening concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. featuring Buckwheat Zydeco, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best Cajun and Zydeco album for Lay Your Burden Down.

“Ace accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco (Stanley Dural) celebrates his 30th anniversary in the business with the hands-down best album he’s ever waxed, moving away from straight zydeco and into a vital, ultra-soulful zone of his own… Is this the r & b-based zydeco with which Dural made his bones? No. It’s something deeper and better.” –The Boston Herald

“Buckwheat Zydeco is a bona-fide roots music legend, and Lay Your Burden Down proves that the old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Although long-time fans will revel in Zydeco’s playful accordion-bashing and friendly vocals, Lay Your Burden Down is more than just another Fat Tuesday soundtrack album. Featuring a number of great vocal performances on a wide range of challenging rock, blues, and soul material, Zydeco exceeds expectations and, after thirty years in the trenches, shows that he can still surprise and educate his audience as well as entertaining them. (Four stars)” – About.com

Following the concert, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Wooton Park will be aglow in fall colors, as a fall flavored, synchronized light show begins. Shortly after, the city of Tavares will offer “Movie Under the Stars” with a 17’ movie screen stationed near the waterfront. In keeping with the Harvest Moon theme, the feature presentation will be Twilight Saga: New Moon.

Mark your calendar now for October 23, Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou!

For more information on the event: City of Tavares, Scott Aldrich, 352.742.6477

For more information on Buckwheat Zdeco: www.buckwheatzydeco.com

Management and Publicity: Ted Fox 914.876.8766

Publicity: Cary Baker, Baker-Northrop Media 818.501.0056

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