https://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/parks/parks-facilities/lake-lizzie-conservation-area.stml
Please register on our chapter’s Eventbrite page so we know who plans to attend:
https://pinelilyft121518.eventbrite.com
Explore one of Osceola County’s First County Conservation Projects. 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, 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 US 192 in St. Cloud. It now includes a Florida National Scenic Trail designation as part of the state-wide trail network. There are miles of trails. We will focus on the Marsh Loop 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. Help us identify others!
Lake Lizzie is open to the public for passive recreational use and serves as a conservation area for native wildlife and vegetation habitat.
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 South 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.) FNPS Pine Lily Chapter Conservation Chair, Sandy Webb will be the guide for the day.
Contact # Day of Event: Sandy Webb, Conservation Chair 407-460-0371
Field Trip Leader: Sandy Webb, Conservation Chair 407-460-0371
Park Entrance Fee: FREE (Please register beforehand on our Eventbrite page!)
https://pinelilyft121518.eventbrite.com
Degree of Difficulty: Mild
Handicap Access: No
Nearest Restrooms: There is a small outhouse in the parking lot near the trailhead. 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 South Parking Area: 28°13'38.58"N / 81°10'42.38"W W
Driving Directions: Approximate drive time from St. Cloud about 15 minutes.
To Carpool: Meet at 8:30 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 8.8 miles (12 – 15 min)
• Watch for Lake Lizzie Preserve sign and left turn lane at Old Melbourne Highway.
• Turn left onto Old Melbourne Highway.
• Turn left into the parking lot.