Orlando

Orlando Region (Lake, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties)

Lake County Conservation (Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, Mascotte)

Lake and Wetland Conservation

  • Cities Involved: Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares.

  • Key Efforts:

    • Lake Apopka Restoration (Tavares/Eustis): Focused on improving water quality and habitat restoration around Lake Apopka, one of Florida's largest lakes. The restoration includes wetland restoration to filter nutrients and promote biodiversity.

    • Harris Chain of Lakes (Leesburg, Tavares): Several lakes in this chain are important for both recreation and wildlife, and restoration projects focus on water quality and aquatic plant management.

    • Wetlands Protection: Programs in the Green Swamp and other wetlands focus on protecting these habitats that are vital for flood control and wildlife.

    • Lake County’s Environmental Lands Program: Acquires and restores lands for conservation, providing habitat for species like the gopher tortoise and wood stork.

Urban Green Spaces and Parks

  • Cities Involved: Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora.

  • Key parks such as Lake Louisa State Park (Clermont) and Tavares’ Wooton Park help preserve natural habitats and provide recreational opportunities.

Orange County Conservation (Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, Kissimmee, Ocoee, Maitland)

Coastal and Wetland Conservation

  • Cities Involved: Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, Kissimmee, Ocoee.

  • Key Efforts:

    • Wekiva River Basin (Apopka): Protecting the Wekiva River and surrounding wetlands, a critical area for biodiversity, including species like the Florida black bear.

    • Lake Conway Chain of Lakes (Orlando): Restoration efforts focus on water quality and shoreline restoration to enhance habitats for fish and waterfowl.

    • St. Johns River and Floodplain Restoration (Kissimmee): The St. Johns River is a vital waterway, and restoration projects aim to improve its water quality and restore riparian habitats.

Urban Conservation and Green Spaces

  • Cities Involved: Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland.

  • Key Areas:

    • Leu Gardens (Orlando): An example of urban green space conservation, featuring native Florida plants and educational programs.

    • Winter Park’s Mead Botanical Garden: Restores natural wetland and upland habitats while providing educational opportunities for the public.

    • Orlando Wetlands Park: A critical project for water quality improvement and wildlife habitat along the northern portion of the St. Johns River.

Bald Eagle and Gopher Tortoise Protection

  • Urban and suburban areas around Lake Mary, Winter Park, and Apopka are home to several wildlife conservation efforts, including monitoring and protecting nesting bald eagles and the endangered gopher tortoise.

Seminole County Conservation (Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Longwood)

Wetland and Watershed Protection

  • Cities Involved: Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Winter Springs.

  • Key Efforts:

    • Lake Monroe and St. Johns River Conservation: Restoration of wetlands and shorelines along the St. Johns River, critical for water quality and providing habitat for manatees and birds.

    • Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail (Sanford): Conserves a critical habitat for black bears and other wildlife in this preserved wilderness area.

    • Springs Protection: The county focuses on the protection and restoration of natural springs, including Spring Hammock Preserve near Oviedo.

Urban Conservation and Green Spaces

  • Cities Involved: Sanford, Winter Springs, Longwood.

  • Key Areas:

    • Big Tree Park (Longwood): A preserved natural area featuring one of the oldest and largest cypress trees in the U.S., providing habitat for wildlife and a space for eco-tourism.

    • Spring Hammock Preserve (Oviedo): Protects sensitive habitats and provides access to educational programs and hiking trails.

    • Lake Jesup (Sanford): Projects focus on restoring water quality and providing habitat for various bird species.

Wildlife Corridor Initiatives

  • Seminole County is working with neighboring counties to establish wildlife corridors for species like the Florida panther and black bear, which are critical to maintaining biodiversity.

Osceola County Conservation (Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Poinciana, Celebration)

Wetlands and Watershed Conservation

  • Cities Involved: Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Poinciana, Celebration.

  • Key Efforts:

    • Lake Tohopekaliga (Kissimmee): The restoration of this lake, which is vital for the Kissimmee River and Everglades ecosystems, focuses on improving water quality and enhancing aquatic habitats.

    • Shingle Creek (St. Cloud): As the headwaters of the Everglades, restoration of Shingle Creek is critical to improving water flow and water quality for downstream ecosystems.

    • Kissimmee River Restoration: Ongoing projects to restore the Kissimmee River to its natural meandering state, which will improve wetlands and floodplain habitats.

Wildlife and Habitat Protection

  • Cities Involved: Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Poinciana.

  • Key Areas:

    • The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail (St. Cloud): A network of conserved lands and parks along St. Cloud and other parts of Osceola County, supporting birdwatching and biodiversity.

    • Wildlife Habitat Conservation: Osceola County is involved in protecting habitats for species such as the Florida scrub-jay and eastern indigo snake.

Parks and Recreation

  • Cities Involved: St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Celebration.

  • Key Areas:

    • Poinciana Community Park: A large park that conserves natural habitats and provides access to recreation and education.

    • Lakefront Park (Kissimmee): Part of ongoing efforts to restore and protect natural shorelines along Lake Tohopekaliga, while providing public access and education about local ecosystems.

Regional Conservation Efforts Across Lake, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties

Wekiva River Basin Restoration

  • The Wekiva River flows through both Orange and Seminole counties, and there are joint efforts to protect water quality, restore wetlands, and safeguard habitats. The Wekiva River Basin Management Action Plan includes projects to reduce pollution, promote native vegetation, and protect the river’s biodiversity.

St. Johns River Restoration

  • All four counties are engaged in improving the water quality of the St. Johns River, focusing on reducing nutrient pollution and restoring wetland ecosystems along the river’s banks.

Florida Wildlife Corridor

  • Ensuring wildlife corridors for species like the Florida black bear and panther across these counties remains a priority, with connectivity between natural areas like the Black Bear Wilderness Loop and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

Environmental Education

  • Public awareness and education programs through parks like Orlando Wetlands Park, Lake Louisa State Park, and Spring Hammock Preserve encourage local residents and visitors to engage in conservation efforts.

Challenges and Future Goals

  • Urban Growth and Habitat Loss: Managing development pressures in cities like Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford while protecting vital ecosystems.

  • Water Quality: Protecting watersheds, wetlands, and lakes, such as Lake Apopka and Lake Tohopekaliga, from pollution and invasive species.

  • Species Protection: Ensuring the continued protection of endangered species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida scrub-jay, and Florida black bear.