
I saw this Red-Shouldered Hawk chilling out on a fence as I was leaving Black Bear Wilderness Area. It was a real treat!

I saw this Red-Shouldered Hawk chilling out on a fence as I was leaving Black Bear Wilderness Area. It was a real treat!

Nothing beats the view of the Wekiva River from Wilson’s Landing Park in Sanford. Nothing.

Looking to get outside and effortlessly see some wildlife in Tavares? Check out Tavares Ecological Preserve, which is located just down the street from the courthouse (and adjacent to the county jail!). During my first visit, I saw an alligator, turtle, ospreys, moorhen, white ibis and great blue heron. Don’t miss it!

Nestled behind the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora, the new Forest Preserve is a beautiful 14-acre tract of long leaf pine forest in the heart of a residential area. It features a 400-foot boardwalk and 1-mile hiking trail (with actual elevation changes!). We saw a barred owl and marsh rabbit during our first hike. Well done, City of Mount Dora! Highly recommended!

Take a short stroll through scenic Ponce Preserve in Ponce Inlet to view this majestic 350-year-old live oak tree, which sits at the foot of the Green Mound State Archaeological Site, an ancient Native American midden. Don’t miss it!