Florida Wildlife

Hike #27: Myakka River State Park

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Hike #27, 52 Hike Challenge: Myakka River State Park, Sarasota. Since we had to drive all the way back to Pine Island (we left a cooler full of supplies behind during our Cayo Costa State Park excursion last week), we decided to stop by to briefly sample Myakka River State Park. It was truly amazing! We strolled along the William S. Boylston Nature Trail, took the Canopy Walk, climbed the Observation Tower and wandered around a little bit near Upper Myakka Lake. In addition, we saw wading birds, black vultures and a red shouldered hawk clutching a squirrel. We will definitely be back soon to explore Myakka River State Park further. By the way, the Myakka River, is Florida’s first state-designated Wild and Scenic River. To reach Myakka River State Park, take I-75 to Exit 205 and travel 9 miles east on State Road 72. The park entrance will be on your left. Distance: 1.2 miles.

 

 

Hike #24: Shingle Creek Regional Park

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Hike #24, 52 Hike Challenge: Shingle Creek Regional Park, Kissimmee. Although Shingle Creek Regional Creek Park lies just off bustling U.S. 192, it seems worlds away once you take to the hiking trails! Fortunately the weather cleared up and I was able to knock out both the Babb Landing and Steffee Landing sections of the park. In addition, I caught a glimpse of a white-tailed deer on the Babb Landing side and a rare white squirrel on the Steffee Landing side (see if you can spot it in one of the photos above!). According to the Florida State University Coastal Marine Laboratory website, “The white squirrel is actually a genetic anomaly due to a mutated gene from the common Eastern Gray Squirrel. It is called leucism, which is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals caused by a recessive allele. Unlike albinism, it is a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin. White squirrels lack red eyes and also tend to have a gray patch on their heads and what is referred to as a ‘dorsal stripe’ down their backs.” Shingle Creek Regional Park is home to The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek. Wildlife Sightings: White-Tailed Deer, White Squirrel. Distance: 3.1 miles.

 

 

 

 

Lake Griffin State Park

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Encompassing 620 acres just north of Leesburg, Lake Griffin State Park is home to the second-largest oak tree in Florida! A short trail leads off a small parking lot to the right just after the ranger station to this massive live oak tree. The sign in front of the live oak tree reads, “This live oak tree is the second largest oak tree in the state of Florida and is estimated to be between 300-500 years old. It serves as a home for many species of mammals and birds and may even have been a landmark for the Timuca Indians who frequented the area before settlement and later the Seminole Indians. The first settlers discovered the tree in 1811, since then it has attracted tourists from the entire nation.” In addition, the park features two hiking trails, campground, canoe/kayak rentals and guided pontoon boat tours. Lake Griffin State Park is located at 3089 U.S. 441-27 in Fruitland Park.

Hike #23: Hal Scott Preserve

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Hike #23, 52 Hike Challenge: Hal Scott Preserve, Orlando. The Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park encompasses more than 9,500 acres and features three loop trails: White Trail (4.3 miles), Red Trail (6.1 miles) and Yellow Trail (6.3 miles). I took the White Trail and enjoyed one of my first truly fall hikes of the season. Note that you will share the trail with cyclists, hikers with dogs and sometimes cyclists with dogs. I will definitely be back to hike the other two trails down the line. Distance: 4.3 miles.

Hike #22: Lake Lotus Park

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Hike #22, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Lotus Park, Altamonte Springs. Lake Lotus Park lies just off bustling Maitland Boulevard, so my expectations were rather low for an escape into nature. However, I was totally impressed with the 150-acre nature preserve as I strolled along the lengthy boardwalk, which I had pretty much to myself on a quiet Friday afternoon. Although I didn’t see any alligators on this visit, I did view what I believe to be a Florida redbelly turtle (see above). I will definitely be back! Note that there is tram service available from an off-site parking area across the street during weekends since parking inside Lake Lotus Park is very limited. Distance: 1.3 miles.

Hike #21: Split Oak Forest, Orlando

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Hike #21, 52 Hike Challenge: Split Oak Forest Wildlife & Environmental Area, Orlando. I had a peaceful hike through Split Oak Forest, a splendid oasis located just outside the sprawling Lake Nona area. Unfortunately, the relentless folks at the Florida DOT want to run an expressway right through this amazing 2,000-acre Florida scrub forest managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A group called Friends of Split Oak Forest has been formed with the goal of “protecting Split Oak Forest for the future.” Hopefully, Split Oak Forest will remain free from sprawling Central Florida development for future generations to enjoy! Distance: 5.2 miles.

 

Hike #20: Paynes Creek Historic State Park

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Hike #20, 52 Hike Challenge: Paynes Creek Historic State Park. On Sunday, we got the opportunity to search for fossilized shark’s teeth at a secluded creek near Bowling Green in lightly populated Hardee County. Very cool experience! Since we were in the area, we decided to check out Paynes Creek Historic State Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located at the site of Fort Chokonikla (built in 1849). We took a short hike to the confluence of Paynes Creek and the Peace River (very scenic!). Unfortunately, the Suspension Bridge pictured above is closed to hikers. A Visitor Center depicts “the lives of Florida’s Seminoles and pioneers during the mid-1800s.” Paynes Creek Historic State Park is located at 888 Lake Branch Road. Distance: 1.2 miles.

Hike #19: Lyonia Preserve

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Hike #19, 52 Hike Challenge: Lyonia Preserve, Deltona. I made the mistake of heading right once I got to the Lyonia Preserve (360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat that provides home to the Florida scrub jay) and hiking the perimeter of the preserve (I thought I was on the Blue Trail, but it seemed like just some old sandy service road!). Fortunately when I got to the east end of the preserve I was able to work my way into the interior, where the trails were much more scenic and manageable. Finally, when I started walking through the unmarked trails near the preserve entrance I spotted my first scrub jay. Before you know it I was surrounded by about a dozen scrub jays! They are very friendly and will approach within a few feet of you. In addition, quite a few gopher tortoises call the Lyonia Preserve home, but I did not see any during this particular outing. The Lyonia Preserve lies adjacent to the Deltona Regional Libray and Lyonia Environmental Center at 2150 Eustace Avenue. Distance: 4 miles.