Please register on our chapter’s Eventbrite page so we know who plans to attend:
https://pinelilyft111718.eventbrite.com
Nature Nearby Field Trip Series begins this month through 2019! Lake Lizzie Conservation Area consists of several parcels purchased with funds from both the state Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) program and the Environmental Lands Conservation Program, formerly known as SAVE Osceola. The 1,076 acre preserve is located on Lake Lizzie, Bay Lake and Trout Lake in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. This beautiful mosaic landscape is located off east US192 in St. Cloud. It now includes a Florida Trail Association (FTA) Florida National Scenic Trail designation as part of the state-wide trail network. There are miles of trails. We will focus on the North Loop for this field trip and look for rare plants.
The property protects important ecological communities such as lakes, wet prairies, freshwater marsh, wetland hardwood swamp/bay swamp, scrubby pine flatwoods and the imperiled sand pine scrub and xeric oak scrub. The diversity of communities represented within the preserve increase the potential for utilization by many protected species indigenous to the region. Several unique and important species, such as gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes, osprey, limpkins and wood storks have all been observed at the property. Several listed plant species, such as slender club moss, hooded pitcher plant, sand holly,
cinnamon fern and the big yellow milkwort are also found on the property.
Lake Lizzie is open to the public for passive recreational use and serves as a conservation area for native wildlife and vegetation habitat. There are no toilet facilities or running water at the park entrance but we will be going to the camping area at the lake. There are composting toilets, but no running water.
https://www.osceola.org/core/fileparse.php/2731/urlt/022714_LakeLizzieMap3.pdf
https://www.osceola.org/core/fileparse.php/2731/urlt/111315_LakeLizzie_Brochure_2015.pdf
Start Time of Field Trip: The field trip will start at 9:00 a.m. at the North Entrance Parking Lot. There is a composting toilet but no running water at the park.
End Time of Field Trip: Noon (bring picnic lunch or group decides on lunch nearby.)
Contact # Day of Event: Eleanor Foerste, Eleanor Foerste Adventures, LLC 407-908-4379
Field Trip Leader: Eleanor Foerste, Eleanor Foerste Adventures, LLC 407-908-4379
Park Entrance Fee: FREE (Please register beforehand on our Eventbrite page!)
https://pinelilyft111718.eventbrite.com
Degree of Difficulty: Mild
Handicap Access: No
Nearest Restrooms: Approximately 5 miles at Ashton, Narcoossee Road and Highway 192
Nearest Gas Station: Approximately 5 miles at Ashton, Narcoossee Road and Highway 192
Cell Phone Reception: Good to Fair
DON’T FORGET TO BRING: Dress for Florida outdoors. Trails are in some full sun and some shade. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, snacks, optional picnic lunch, and proper clothing for the weather.
GPS North Parking Area: 28°14'56.14"N / 81° 9'50.67"W 8"N 81°50'31.5"W
Driving Directions: Approximate drive time from St. Cloud about 25 minutes.
To Carpool: Meet at 8:20 am at Tractor Supply, 4267 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769.
• Turn right onto US-192 E/US-441 S/13th St
• Continue to follow US-192 E/US-441 S through St. Cloud 6.9 miles (12 – 15 min)
• Watch for gold boat ramp sign and left turn lane at Pine Grove Rd.
• Turn left onto Pine Grove Road (watch for zebras and exotic cattle in pasture on the right side along the way)
• Turn right onto Bass Hwy to Midland Dr. 3.4 miles (8 min)
• Turn right into the parking lot (sign on gate 6810 Midland DR.)