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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Exhibitor applications, sponsorships being accepted for Third Annual Green Fair

Organizers of the Third Annual Lake County Green Fair are currently accepting exhibitor applications and sponsorships for the event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wooton Park in Tavares.

All commercial, not-for-profit and governmental entities that are promoting green products & services and health & fitness are invited to participate in the Lake County Green Fair. Fill out an exhibitor application.

The cost for each commercial exhibitor at the Third Annual Green Fair is $35 and there is no charge for not-for-profit and governmental entities. Food vendors that sell locally grown, healthy and environmentally friendly products are also encouraged to participate in the Green Fair. The cost for each food vendor at the fair is $100.

Previous green fairs averaged more than 1,500 visitors and 75 exhibitors. What the Green Fair accomplishes is it gives local businesses, organizations and governmental entities the opportunity to share some of these sustainable-living ideas with the community in a fun, fair-like atmosphere.

In addition to environmental information shared at the event, the Green Fair provides an opportunity for the community to properly and safely dispose of household hazardous chemicals, recyclables and old thermometers and thermostats containing mercury. Other fun activities planned for the event include a 5K fun run, a Zumbathon, special access to Wooton Park’s splash park, face painting, pet adoption, live entertainment and children’s treasure hunt.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Green Fair. The four sponsorship levels include Platinum ($2,500+), Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500) and Bronze ($250).

“This is a special opportunity for a company to support a worthwhile organization and increase its visibility in our community,” said Amye King, Director of the Lake County Department of Growth Management.

For more information or to sign up to become a Green Fair sponsor, call Amye King at (352) 343-9647 or e-mail aking@lakecountyfl.gov.

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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.

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Trout Lake organizes paddling adventure

The Trout Lake Nature Center, located at 520 E. County Road 44 in Eustis, is hosting an outdoor adventure on Saturday, June 26,  for paddlers on Alexander Spring Run. The theme for paddling adventure is turtles.

The news release from the Trout Lake Nature Center is below:

Turtle Paddle with Eric Holt

June 26,

It is worth getting up early on Saturday morning for an outdoor adventure on Florida’s water. 

Join the Trout Lake Nature Center Naturalist  on Saturday June 26^th for a  paddle on a Alexander Spring Run.   The group will be joined by turtle biologist Eric Holt.  When we pause in our paddling to aim our binoculars, Eric will help us decide whether the turtle spotted is a Florida Cooter, a released pet Red-eared Slider, or another Florida turtle species.  To be amazed by the range of  Eric’s knowledge and interests visit his website, “Empire of the Turtle.

 There will be more than turtles to view on this paddle, and individuals of all ages and interests are welcome to join us.  We’ll likely spot gators, wildflowers, waterbirds, butterflies, and more. 

So pack your canoe, kayak, life vest, whistle, snacks, sunscreen, and don’t forget your binoculars  and join other naturalist types for a pleasant day on the water.   Call 352-357-7536 to let us know you are coming, and for more information.   Then meet us at TLNC at 8:15, or at the bridge on 445 as the road crosses the Spring Run at 8:45.  There is a suggested $4.00 donation for this activity.

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Park rangers & Water Authority to guide paddling adventure on May 28

Lake County park rangers, in cooperation with the Lake County Water Authority, will lead a “Paddling Adventure” on Saturday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Norris Conservation Area, located off County Road 44A in Eustis.

Paddlers will explore the Blackwater Creek of the Lake Norris Conservation Area discovering the beauty of the area while learning about blackwater systems and seeing different plants, birds and other wildlife.

Lake Norris is lined with cypress trees.

The St. Johns River Water Management District purchased this 2,228-acre property in 1996. Acquisition of this site provides protection for Lake Norris’ hardwood swamp and Blackwater Creek, a major tributary of the Wekiva River. The property’s uplands provide important habitat for blacks bear and gopher tortoises. The Water Authority entered into an agreement with the District to become the lead manager for this site and provide recreational opportunities.

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 Parks & Trails Division, check out its new annual Events Guide, which is available online at www.lakecountyfl.gov, keyword: parks, or request a copy by calling Parks & Trails at (352) 253-4950.

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