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 »

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 »

Trout Lake presents the ‘dirt’ on soil

The Trout Lake Nature Center, located at 520 E. County Road 44 in Eustis, is not only allowing, but it is encouraging children to play in the dirt during an event on Saturday, July 10, at 9 a.m.

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

Playing in the dirt has been a time tested amusement for children for generations.  While children today engage in more sanitary recreation, you can step into the past this Saturday July 10th and come play in the dirt at Trout Lake Nature Center.  While you play you will learn about the lives of the small animals that live underground: earthworms, millipedes, termites, and other fossorial creatures.  Experiment with soil and water, they do interact.  Explore the soil layers at Trout Lake, including our native clay. Then create some art with some “cleaned” clay. 

The fun will start at 9:00am. Dress for messy outdoor play. Call 352-357-7536 if you need additional information and to let us know you are coming. This is a family activity, and especially fun for grandparents and grandchildren.

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

Get on Your Dancing Shoes!

The Trout Lake Nature Center, located at 520 E. County Road 44 in Eustis, is hosting the Second Annual Old-Fashioned Barn Dance on Saturday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Raisin’ the Roof at Trout Lake Nature Center

2^nd Annual, Old-fashioned Barn Dance

May 15^th – 6:30 PM

Come out and celebrate Spring and beautiful Trout Lake Nature Center. We all will be having such a great time it will seem like the building is dancing.

Music by Chirps Smith & Dave Landreth & Bill Paine with dance calling by Dot Kent *.

You are all welcome to come and participate or watch and listen.

One needs not to worry about dancing abilities or having a partner, only to have spring-loving attitude and enjoyment of fiddle tunes. We promise you’ll smile till your face hurts.

Schedule:

6:30 – Potluck @ 7:15 – Music & dancing @ 9:15 – Song circle

*Dot Kent calls dances that get folks up and moving to the music, leading traditional and fun dances including circles, lines, contras and squares.

Lynn “Chirps” Smith learned much of his repertoire of fiddle tunes from old-timers, such as Harvey “Pappy” Taylor and Noah Beavers, who learned many fiddle tunes before the advent of radio and records. 

Dave Landreth is one of the most sought after banjo players in the Midwest.  He also teaches all levels of banjo at the St. Louis Folk School in St Louis, Mo.

Bill Paine, mandolin player. Bill’s primary focus in old-time music is playing for dancers. He composes dance tunes on the mandolin. Bill teaches old-time mandolin and backup guitar in the Gainesville, FL area.

You won’t want to miss them.

Donations are always appreciated and will benefit Trout Lake Nature Center.

Call 357-7536 for more information and directions.

Sponsored by: TLNC & Lake Eustis Folk, 3^rd Saturday Concert Series

Read Full Post »

RubeLab’s Green Fair & RubeRally is this weekend

Eustis-based RubeLab, a center for environmental innovation, is hosting a race of alternative powered vehicles on Saturday and a Green Fair on Saturday and Sunday.

RubeLab is an incubator of sorts, a center for environmental innovation, like the solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles.

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

RubeLab™ Green Fair & RubeRally 2010

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.    SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ferran Park, Historic Downtown Eustis

 This free event showcases the relationship between technology and nature. RubeLab is partnering with Trout Lake Nature Center to bring together manufacturers and innovators of alternative means of transportation along with supporting green technology and environmental exhibits. There will be lots of activities for the entire family. Talk to the owners of today’s latest ideas in cars and visit with endangered animals from Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens or create a craft with the Trout Lake volunteers. Find out what technologies are available in today’s market and enjoy interactive displays used to help students learn about their environment.

On Saturday, at 2, watch the start of the RubeRally as they set off on a drive along scenic streets to Mount Dora, Tavares and back to Eustis. Open to any street legal vehicle using alternative energy. Electric, natural gas, solar, hydrogen, plug in hybrids, bicycles, etc. The rally will not be determined by speed but, rather, by correct answers to a quiz. The course is approximately 15 miles. Also new this year will be the awards ceremony and Dinner by the Lake on Saturday. For those who do not qualify for the RubeRally, we invite you to take part in the Once Around the Park “Showtime”. Open to all ages, the more creative the better.

 Information: www.rubelab.org or 352.357.7926

Read Full Post »

Marsh to come alive with Birds and Bicycles

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 and Bicycles event on Saturday, Feb. 13, 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.

Photo courtesy of Peg Lindsey

There will also be informative stations on the levee including: birders with scopes spotting the birds and identifying them; naturalists showing participants insect and butterfly displays; educators demonstrating the role of wetlands; biologists exhibiting live native reptiles and a black bear diorama; Plein air artists transferring the nature’s beauty to canvas; and geocaching sites for the day.

Birds and 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 and Bicycles event include Trout Lake Nature Center, Lake County Parks & Trails Division, Lake County Water Authority, Lake County Public Lands Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Watershed Action Volunteer Program, St. Johns River Water Management District, Mount Dora Center for the Arts, Ocklawaha Valley Audubon Society, Beautyberry chapter of the Florida Native Plant 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 »