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Bear Pond Trailhead

Lower Wekiva Loop Trail via Bear Pond Trailhead In Seminole State
The Lower Wekiva Loop Trail in Seminole State Forest can be accessed at the Bear Pond Trailhead, located north of State Road 46, approximately 5 miles west of Interstate 4. It is a popular hiking and biking trail located in the Seminole State Forest, Florida.
Seminole State Forest is situated in central Florida, in Lake County, near Eustis. This beautiful forest area offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Lower Wekiva Trail, also known as the “Wekiva Wilderness Preserve Trail,” takes you on a scenic journey through some of Florida’s natural beauty. The trail is well-maintained and offers hikers and bikers a chance to explore the area’s diverse ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands.
Here are some key features and highlights of the Lower Wekiva Trail:
Length and Difficulty: The trail stretches for 10.4 miles, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate hikers and bikers. It’s a relatively flat and easy trail, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
Scenic Beauty: As you venture along the Lower Wekiva Trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and a variety of plant and animal species. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds, deer, and other critters commonly found in Florida’s forests.
River Views: The trail takes you close to the banks of the Wekiva River, providing opportunities to enjoy the serene beauty of the water and possibly spot some aquatic wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing: The forest is home to various bird species, such as woodpeckers, hawks, and warblers. There’s also a chance to see other wildlife, including turtles, alligators, and even the occasional black bear.
Recreational Activities: The Lower Wekiva Trail is popular among hikers, bikers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature.
Trailhead and Facilities: The trail has designated trailheads with parking areas, restrooms, and informational kiosks. These facilities make it convenient for visitors to access and enjoy the trail.
As with any outdoor activity, preparing before embarking on the Lower Wekiva Trail is essential. Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable hiking or biking shoes, and protect yourself from the Florida sun with sunscreen and a hat. Additionally, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, respecting the environment and wildlife as you enjoy this beautiful trail in the Seminole State Forest.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
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Bird Island Trail

Bird Island Trail in Grant-Valkaria Community Park
Bird Island Trail is located within the Grant-Valkaria Community Park. This shaded 39.45-acre community park is also home to the Town Hall. The trail is a one-mile loop that includes large oaks and pines. A short walk to the peak of “Putter Mountain” provides a nice place to sit and enjoy the view over Bird Island Lake. There are two lakes on this trail. The first, with its two islands, is set aside for conservation. The second permits catch-and-release fishing.
On your walk back, you take a nice shady jaunt through the dense pine forest. Have a rest under the shade of a giant vine-laden ancient live oak. One of the coolest things about this park is that the playground is completely shaded.
Location: Grant-Valkaria
1449 Valkaria Road,
Grant-Valkaria, FL 32950.
Length: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: Yes.
Amenities: Large pavilion, Picnic tables, hiking, dog walking, fishing, bird watching, and a shaded
playground connected by a concrete walkway.
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam
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Brazillian Peppertree

The Brazillian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, is one of the most invasive plants in Florida. Native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, this aggressive plant was introduced as an ornamental plant and now inhabits over 700,000 acres of terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout the state. This small tree or evergreen shrub can grow to 30 feet tall and will shade out all other plants beneath its dense canopy. A variety of birds and mammals such as raccoons and opossums eat the berries and disperse the seed on the land and in waterways.
From September through November the peppertree blooms with 2-3 inch white flower clusters. Bright red berries appear in November. Floridians once called this plant the Florida Holly and used its branches for Christmas decorations. Brazillian peppertree is a member of the Anacardiaceae family which includes poison ivy and poison sumac. Human skin may be sensitive to the plant and some folks may experience respiratory issues. It has been declared a Class I -“Prohibited Aquatic Plant” by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Control methods include mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and biological treatment which includes two insects – Brazilian peppertree thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini, and Yellow Brazilian peppertree leaf gallers, Calophya latiforceps.
Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam lian
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Sanderling

Sanderlings, Calidris alba, are chubby little sandpipers that grow to only 7 or 8 inches, weigh 1.5 to 3 .5 ounces, and have a wingspan of up to 13.8 inches.
Sanderlings breed in the arctic tundra and migrate to the southern United States and South America in the fall where they spend their winters. Non-breeding adults may choose to avoid the long flight to the arctic and spend their summers in the hotter climates.
Look for Sanderlings foraging on Florida’s beaches and sometimes in mudflats. These shorebirds use their little black legs to run fast to snatch up prey when the tide recedes and run away as the tide rolls in. Their black beaks are perfect for plucking aquatic invertebrates, most often sand crabs, from the sand. Sanderlings also dine on small mollusks, insects, worms, grasses, seeds, and human junk food.
Sadly, Sanderlings are listed as a species of high concern by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network due to declining populations. Threats include the development and alteration of shoreline habitats, pesticide pollution, and oil spills.
Sanderlings are fierce defenders of their feeding grounds. Humans can be fierce defenders of their feeding grounds too. Participate in beach cleanups, leave nothing behind when you visit a beach and advocate for the preservation of Sanderling’s natural habitat.
Photo Credit: David Gale
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