Believe it or not, Ocoee does not have any nature preserves (yet), so there are only about two options available for anyone seeking out wildlife in the city: hit the West Orange Trail or visit 200-acre Starke Lake, which features an impressive variety of bird species, as well as a boat ramp and fishing pier. Check it out!
“The Gulf fritillary, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus), is a brightly colored butterfly common across extreme southern portions of the United States. At home in most open, sunny habitats, it frequents roadsides, disturbed sites, fields, open woodlands, pastures, yards, and parks. It is a regular in most butterfly gardens, including those in more urban settings.” – University of Florida Entomology & Nematology Department
Hike #1, 52 Hike Challenge: West Orange Trail, Ingram Outpost around perimeter of Forest Lake Golf Club and back on 7/15/18. Sweltering hot. Saw a black racer snake, several cardinals and many butterflies (see above). Found two golf balls. Distance: 3.2 miles.
My favorite stretch of the West Orange Trail starts at the Ingram Outpost (Mile 11.8) and winds around the Forest Lake Golf Club. I would estimate it is about a 3-mile walk if you go from the outpost entirely around the outer perimeter of the golf course and back. I like this route because it is less crowded than many other segments of the trail. In fact, I rarely encounter any other walkers in the late afternoon and usually just a handful of cyclists. You may even find an errant golf ball or two along the way!
“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – Henry David Thoreau
The West Orange Trail runs for 20.8 miles between Apopka and Oakland. Today I walked from the Ingram Outpost (Mile 11.8) to the Apopka Vineland Outpost (13.6) and back. Although the West Orange Trail has become diminished in many areas due to rampant development, there are several stretches left where you can still imagine you are briefly wandering in the wilderness far away from civilization. We definitely need to help preserve what’s left of this wonderful trail before it’s too late! For more information about the West Orange Trail, visit orangecountyfl.net.
Wandering Florida 