Old Humpback, Lake Dora
Florida Alligators
Florida Alligator 🐊
Tavares Ecological Preserve
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!
The Gators of Palm Island
On a typical sunny afternoon, you are almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two at Palm Island Park in Mount Dora. Check it out!
Gators of Lake Apopka
As I’ve mentioned before, one of the most effortless ways to view alligators in their natural habitat in Central Florida is to take the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. What are you waiting for?
What I’m Reading …
“America’s Alligator examines the colorful and sometimes conflicted relationship our species has had with Alligator mississippiensis. Doug Anderson explores the country’s rich alligator mythology and how it inspired various forms of art, stories, photography, tourism and even humor.”
Return to Six Mile Slough
One of the coolest nature preserves in Southwest Florida, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is located in Fort Myers and features a scenic 1.2-mile-long boardwalk through a 3,500-acre wetland preserve. Highlights include Gator Lake, Wood Duck Pond, Pop Ash Pond and Otter Pond. Look for a variety of wildlife, including alligators, wood storks and pileated woodpeckers. Don’t miss it!
Colt Creek State Park
Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, Colt Creek State Park within the Green Swamp just north of Lakeland features “large strands of vulnerable longleaf flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, thick cypress domes and open vistas.” It is home to an abundance of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, gopher tortoises, Sherman’s fox squirrels, bobcats, bald eagles and wading birds. Florida black bears have been spotted here as well. Highlights of Colt Creek State Park include 15 miles of multiuse trails and the short but scenic 0.25-mile Mac Lake Nature Trail, as well as pavilions, picnic tables, a 75-foot dock, canoe and kayak rentals, and campsites for tent/RV, primitive and group camping. A relatively new addition to the Florida State Park System, Colt Creek State Park first opened in 2007.
Wandering Lake Lotus Park
I spent a perfect Friday afternoon strolling the scenic boardwalks of Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs and enjoying some rare Florida fall colors. I didn’t view much wildlife, but – just as I was wrapping up my hike – I spotted this beautiful alligator grabbing some sun on a log along the creek. What a treat!
Wandering Florida 