PAISLEY, Fla. — Lake County Parks & Trails is offering free, guided events during the month of August, many of which highlight the unique natural resources of Ellis Acres Reserve in Paisley. The property encompasses nearly the entire western shoreline of Lake Akron and lands west to County Road 42. Many species of wildlife have been observed at the site including the Florida black bear, sandhill crane, white-tailed deer, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and wild turkey.
Ellis Acres is gradually being restored to native Sandhill, wetlands, and pine flatwood habitats, with the goal of increasing protected areas for wildlife. The property is in an area identified as a “very high” priority of the state-wide Ecological Greenways Network and is adjacent to both the Ocala National Forest and Seminole State Forest.
Families are invited to explore this and other Lake County parks, trails and public lands this summer.
- Investigation Station
Wednesday, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9 from 9-11 a.m.
Ellis Acres Reserve, 25302 County Road 42, Paisley
Bring out the scientist in you and discover some of the how, what, who, when and why along the way.
- Science Saturday
Saturday, Aug. 5, Aug. 19 and Aug. 26 from 9-11 a.m.
Ellis Acres Reserve, 25302 County Road 42, Paisley
Join staff on an adventure of exploration and discovery while brushing up on science. Topics may include arthropod adaptations, animal habitats, outdoor life, aquatic organisms and more.
- Wildflower & Butterfly Hike
Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9-11 a.m.
PEAR Park Wildlife Conservation Area, 4800 University Ave., Leesburg
Join Park Staff at PEAR Park as butterflies and wildflowers are reaching their peak for the year and learn tips for how to attract them to your yard.
- Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
Saturday, Aug. 19 from 7:30-11 a.m.
PEAR Park Wildlife Conservation Area, 4800 University Ave., Leesburg
Volunteers are invited to assist in surveying the reserve’s birds and butterflies. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides. Experience is a plus, but not required.
- Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
Saturday, Aug. 26 from 7:30-11 a.m.
Ferndale Preserve, 19220 County Road 455, Ferndale
Volunteers are invited to assist in surveying the reserve’s birds and butterflies. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides. Experience is a plus, but not required.
For more information about the Lake County Parks & Trails Division, call 352-253-4950, emailparksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov or visit http://bit.ly/1rFvqOP or www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFLParks. Share your input on the future of parks and trails via a brief online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LakeCountyCommSurvey.
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