wildlifedrives

Lake Apopka

Lake Apopka—-

Located in the middle of the state northwest of Orlando, Lake Apopka is the fourth largest lake in the State of Florida. In the 1940s, Lake Apopka was a famous fishing area with more than 15 fishing camps around its shores. The lake was once so clear that one could fish by sight alone. Pitifully, the lake lost its charm and fish population due to the pollution caused by pesticides poured in the lake for 50 years by vegetable farms located along the shore. The pollution of the lake did not only decrease the population of fish but also the number of birds and plants in the area.

The pesticides poured by farmers into the lake introduced a high amount of phosphorus and nitrogen into the water and soil of Lake Apopka. The phosphorus is particularly polluting because it spawns algae blooms that cover the surface and keeps solar light and nutrients from getting to the bottom of the lake, causing the fish and flora below to die.

In the late 1900s, the Florida State Government bought the farmlands in an effort to reverse the damages caused to the ecosystem of the lake. Because Lake Apopka flows through the Apopka-Beauclair Canal and into Lakes Beauclair and Dora, the pollution in this lake is not an issue that regards only the Lake Apopka community. Many agencies, including Friends of Lake Apopka St. Johns River Water Management District, have helped restore and protect the habitat around the area.

The restoring process began by removing bottom-feeding gizzard shad fish, a type of fish that feeds on phosphorus, and replacing them with 1.5 million bass. If the population of gizzard shad decreases, so does the amount of phosphorus in the water. Thousands of acres on the shore have been turned into natural water filters that allow water to flow in off the lake and come back out cleaner than when it entered. Through the end of 2019, the natural filters, or marsh flow-way, alone have removed 65,174 pounds of phosphorus, 130,617,645 pounds of suspended solids, and 2,312,493 pounds of nitrogen from the lake. The water that flows from the lake to the marsh flow-way is brought back to the lake by pumps. Replanting native wetland species of vegetation in the water along the lake’s shoreline has also helped restore fish and wildlife habitat.

As the habitat is restored, more and more wildlife will also linger in the area. A variety of birds have returned and Lake Apopka now has one of the greatest diversities of bird species in North America. Lake Apopka has a Loop Trail that follows the lake’s edge covering more than 20 miles available for hiking and biking. The North Shore property also has a trail suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on Clay Island, with four observation towers.

Another special attraction of this property is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. The drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive through the property. During the trip, you can spot different types of animals and plants. It begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue in Orange County, Florida. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Stopping is limited to designated pull-outs provided along the length of the drive. Also, keep in mind that no drinking water is provided in the park.

Thanks to the restoration, bobcats, bald eagles, great blue herons, otters, and alligators can be regularly spotted, so visiting Lake Apopka is a great opportunity to get outside, explore, and discover.

Author: Steven Márquez

Photo credit: Steven Marquez

References:

Mangrum, Meghan. “Cautionary Tale: 20 years later, Lake Apopka is a 48-square-mile lesson in the importance of keeping pollution out of Florida’s waters in the first place.” Project Blue Ether.

St. Johns River Water Management District. “Lake Apopka North Shore.” SJRWMD.

St. Johns River Water Management District. “Aquatic plants tell us Lake Apopka’s water quality is improving.” SJRWMD.

Von Ancken, Erik. “How Lake Apopka went from Florida’s most polluted lake to the most promising.” Click Orlando. 24 August 2018.

WTFV 9. “9 Investigates cost of bringing Lake Apopka back to life.” WTFV. 17 February 2017.

Black Point Wildlife Drive

Located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 7-mile one-way road where visitors may view wildlife by hiking, from their bike, or from the comfort of their cars. Restrooms are located at Stop 9.

The entrance to the Allan D. Cruickshank Memorial Trail is also located at Stop 9. It is a 5-mile walking trail complete with an observation tower. Leashed dogs are permitted to explore the trail with you. The Wild Birds Unlimited Trail is located at Stop 4. It passes between two ponds in full sun but is only 1/2 mile out and back.

Wildlife at Black Point Wildlife Drive thrives in and near the ponds, marshes, canals, and Pine Flatwoods. Look for birds including wading birds, shorebirds, and migratory birds. Raptors, alligators, turtles, river otters, bobcats, opossums, armadillos, snakes, and more call Black Point home. Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

Take time to explore as you make your way slowly through Black Point Wildlife Drive. Stop to admire the beauty of the animals who live there. Discover how they hunt, eat, play, and rest in their peaceful, natural habitat. Note how the sun shimmers off of the waters and makes the colors of wildflowers more vibrant. Leave your cares behind and for a time, immerse yourself in Nature and all her glory.

Photo Credit: Dan & Nancy Kon

For more information: https://www.fws.gov/…/Merri…/Black_Point_Wildlife_Drive.aspx

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (LAWD)

In 1947 a beautiful clear lake full of fish began to change. Land from the north was purchased for agriculture. With agricultural practices at the time, lots of nutrients, including phosphorus, were drained into the lake. This caused an algae bloom that depleted the fish population and ultimately deteriorated the ecosystem. Fortunately, there was hope for Lake Apopka (Bauchmann et al 1999).

Thanks to the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987 Lake Apopka was identified for restoration. Plans were created to help bring life back to the ecosystem. In 1996 chapter 96 – 207 of Florida statutes was passed by the Florida legislature. This act allowed the agricultural lands to the north to be purchased and converted into wetlands (St. John’s Water Management District).

Because of dedicated legislators, biologists, volunteers, and citizens, the fish population has been restored, plenty of birds flock to the area to feed, deer and otters call this 48.4 square mile area their home, the hydrology has drastically improved, and the ecosystem is thriving.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile scenic route where visitors can enjoy Nature and the beauty of this Florida success story.

When entering the Wildlife Drive you can access an audio guide for your smartphone.

References:

Bauchmann, R. W., Hoyer, M. V., & Canfield, D. E., Jr. (1999). The restoration of Lake Apopka in relation to alternative stable states. Hydrobiologia, 394(0), 219-232.

St. John’s Water Management District, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
General Information Guide