The Lake Beautyberry Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to an expert guided tour Friday February 10th. The field trip will begin at the Green Mountain Overlook, 20700 County Road 455, Minneola (near Montverde).
The group will meet at Green Mountain Overlook at 9 AM. The first stop is the overlook which is a short walk on the paved path from the parking and restroom area. The adventure then begins as the group will take the half mile switchback trail. The trail winds through a series of switchbacks taking you from the heights of the overlook down to the trail. (Spoiler alert: you “get” to walk back up at the end.)
The St Johns River Water Management District (WMD) will provide a truck and trailer ride to and from there. The WMD owns, manages, and controls the Lake Apopka North Shore. The field trip is within the sprawling nature preserve. There will be stops at a controlled burn site called “Little Italy” to see both rare native and rescued plants. The next stop is the observation tower overlooking Lake Apopka for your picnic lunch. An elevated ride through the Marsh Flowway, a water treatment system for the benefit of the lake is next.
The Lake Apopka North Shore preserve is one of the best places to bird watch and view wildlife. In addition to seeing rare plants, you can see wildlife including alligators, birds of prey, and other flora and fauna. The participants will be returned to the base of the Green Mountain overlook.
Rosi Mulholland and Ben Gugliotti of the SJRWMD will be the expert guides for the day. To register and for directions and more information email lavonsilvernell@gmail.com
Link to Lake Beautyberry Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society with more information about this and other upcoming events: https://lakebeautyberry.fnpschapters.org/
More information on the WMD and North Shore including birding and butterfly checklists :
https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka/
