By Marty Proctor
On November 21, the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) hosted a hike and creek viewing at Wolf Branch Sink Preserve. Over 200 members of the public came to visit and hike during the four-hour opening. A one-mile hike takes visitors around the property. Five members of the Lake County Water Authority staff and volunteers provided historical, hydrological and environmental information.
The creek flows only during periods of extended rainfall. The hike was planned several weeks ago to allow public notice. Fortunately, there were several inches of rain in the last couple of weeks which provided ample flow to highlight the waterfall and creek as it flows directly into the Upper Floridan aquifer by way of a sinkhole. This preserve provides a quiet natural oasis in the middle of rampant development around the new expressway terminus in Mount Dora.
There are examples of collapsed sinkholes and the Wolf Branch Sink active sinkhole directly recharging the Florida aquifer. The creek drops over a small but rare waterfall before disappearing into the sinkhole. The branch creek, sinkholes and trail are surrounded by old-growth oak and reintroduced native longleaf pine trees. The LCWA provides environmental and biological management limiting invasive species and creating opportunities for native vegetation to thrive. This has included planned burns, tree removal in specific areas and replanting of native species.
This preserve is only open to the public one or two times a year for these LCWA sponsored occasions due to environmental sensitivity. The 154-acre preserve was purchased by the LCWA from 1992 to 1999. The property surrounds one of only two creek-to-sinkhole hydrologic systems in Lake County and is located east of Mount Dora and is within a high aquifer recharge area. This large native area provides a protective buffer that reduces the chance of pollutants, directly and indirectly, reaching the aquifer. Significant stormwater improvements have been made along the SR46 corridor during construction also limiting the impact of the vehicles and roadway on the surface water.
Visit the LCWA at 27351 SR 19, Tavares, FL within Hickory Point Park or at www.lcwa.org or call 352-324-4161. The LCWA was established in 1953 by the Florida Legislature specifically to control, conserve, protect, and improve the freshwater resources in Lake County, FL.
