In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Orange County conducted a 45-minute tour of Lake Apopka at Magnolia Park, highlighting the area’s diverse wildlife and history, including the lake’s restoration.
Named after the land donor’s aunt, Magnolia – and not for the magnolia trees dotting the grounds – Magnolia Park is located at 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka.
The park features various native plants like fire bushes, a native plant that takes over yards and is a host for the state butterfly, and crepe myrtles, which can be grown into trees or hedges, depending on how they are trimmed. The park also has sabal palms, which are resilient to hurricanes.
In 2023, Orange County opened the Magnolia Park Eco Education Center, where visitors can learn more about Lake Apopka, its history and wildlife.
Woodpeckers, including red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers, are common in the region. Also populating the wildlife are American alligators, snakes, and birds like egrets and ospreys.
Lake Apopka, the body of water that Magnolia Park borders, was once Florida’s second-largest lake but was bumped down to the state’s fourth-largest because human activity reduced the lake’s size. The lake is now managed for fish populations.
Orange County is celebrating Earth Month throughout April to honor the planet, including many activities planned for Apopka.
This year’s Earth Month events and activities give people chances to explore and adopt more eco-friendly habits as well as emphasize the countywide conservation and environmental efforts.
Scheduled activities throughout Earth Month include Earth Day celebrations, eco-tours and Adopt-A-Tree. The Orange County Extension Office for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS) is offering various classes and workshops where attendees can learn various skills such as vegetable gardening, how to grow oyster mushrooms and farming backyard chickens.
In addition to the Earth Day celebration, Apopka is hosting Alligator Arts and Crafts 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day through Saturday at Magnolia Park.
The Apopka Chief is an award-winning weekly newspaper serving the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923.
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