Zellwood-Florida (1 Viewer)

I am visiting Florida at the end of August and was wondering if the muck fields at Zellwood were still there and still attracting waders? I visited many years ago and saw literally hundreds and hundreds of waders. If anyone had any upto date info on the site that would be great, and if the site is still worth visiting?

Not sure of the muck farms, but in that area is Lake Apopka which is quite good birding with some biking and hiking trails - no facilities. It actually boasts a higher bird count than the Everglades.
http://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/lakeapopka/
There are efforts to make it a NWR.

Yes, definitely go to Lake Apopka Restoration area. I live where I can make daily visits to Wakodahatchee Green Cay and Loxahatchee, but I will say I was extremely impressed with this place. I was there last November, so it's a bit early for the migrants I saw then. But when I went to the back nearer the lake I saw like 15 ospreys at once., some jousting in midair.Lots of raptors including the Bald eagle, and warblers. It's open 24 hours from what I understand, so you can get in a good day.

The muck farms, including Zellwin Farms and Zellwood Muck Farm, were actually bought by the state as part of the restoration.

The Lake County Florida website also has some good suggestions in that area. There is the scrub jay trail, Turkey Lake, Trimble Park is really nice (in Tangerine) Lake Dora is nice too, if you take the boat ride down the canal which runs between Lake Dora and Lake Eustis you'll see lots of anhinga. The town of Mount Dora is a really cute place if you want a bite, al in that area. There is also a boardwalk along the lake.

Almost forgot the Emeralda marsh as well. It's known as the "crown jewel of birdwatching" in the area. You can drive through the wetlands during limited hours. It's one of the few places that allow that. It's only open for driving from Feb to May--oops---but you can still walk or bike there and there are other trails as well.

Trimble Park is actually in Orange County but just south of Mount Dora. It's not a long hike but it is beautiful

There is also the Oakland Nature Preserve on Lake Apopka in Orange County. That was once a muck farm, citrus groves, etc.

Thanks for asking this question. Googling Zellwood muck farm has been really educational

Hi,

From the UK, working in Tampa for the next fortnight - just wondering the best source of info for Fort De Soto /migration news and also the best place to TRY and photograph Least Bittern - the missing heron from my FL heron collection!!

Thanks!