Preserve becomes 15th property protected under county program
By Teresa Sargeant
Reporter
The Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve’s grand opening marks its importance as the 15th property protected under Orange County’s Green PLACE (Park Land Acquisition for Conservation and Environmental) initiative, which currently safeguards over 25,000 acres.
The grand opening occurred on Friday, Feb. 28, at 951 W. Kelly Park Road, Apopka, where the preserve’s entrance is located.
Named after the one-of-a-kind Florida native greeneyes wildflower (Berlandiera subacaulis), Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve features a hiking trail and interpretive walks such as “What’s under your feet?” which highlights the sand hill landscape and wildlife inhabitants.
Over the decades, the Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve property has undergone many land use transformations, from citrus in the 1940s to cattle pastures in the 1960s to timber production in the 1990s, Orange County District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore said.
The Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve conservation process began in 2009 when Orange County first purchased the site from the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) as part of a larger necessary effort to construct the Wekiva Parkway. At that time, this effort included protecting over 300 acres in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“These acres complement and strengthen a network of nearby public lands, including the Sandhill Preserve, the Lake Lucy conservation area, Rock Springs Run State Reserve and Wekiwa Springs State Park,” Moore said. “By opening this wildlife preserve today, we’re making a promise to preserve our natural heritage and ensure that all of our Orange County citizens today, future that they really can understand what this community was, how important it is to preserve nature and the environment.”
The greeneyes wildflower, which is found at the preserve, is characterized by bright yellow petals and a green center disk. The flower emits what Orange County Environmental Protection Division manager Renee Parker described as a chocolatey scent.
To that end, the county gave away free chocolate bars to recipients at the grand opening. Whoever discovers a golden ticket in the bar – in keeping with the “Willy Wonka” theme – will receive a greeneyes flower to take home.
As part of the Green PLACE initiative, in 2021, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners committed to doubling the number of acres of environmentally sensitive lands under protection by 2030 and thus, earmarked $100 million for preserving wildlife habitats, wetlands and forests.
In 2024, the county added 23 new parcels, protecting an additional 1,357 acres and bringing the county’s total protected lands to about 25,000 acres.
In 2024, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council recognized Orange County government’s efforts through Green PLACE with the Executive Award of Regional Significance.
While awards are nice, that’s not the county’s motivation for land preservation, said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. Rather, he the goal is to produce a healthier environment, safeguard air and water and give residents and visitors areas to connect with the outdoors.
“People want to live in places with access to nature. Companies want to invest in communities that prioritize sustainability. Our families want parks, trails and open spaces where they can unwind and enjoy the outdoors,” Demings said. “That’s why this preserve and others like it are an essential part of Orange County’s future. Every investment we make in conservation strengthens our local economy and enhances our resilience as we continue to grow.”
Orange County District 1 Nicole Wilson noted Orange County’s determination to land preservation.
“I just want to say how thankful I am for Orange County’s dedication to these types of places and spaces, and how every time I ever drive through an area like this, I look at the evolution of agriculture to suburban and I think if we don’t tuck away whatever we can, we’re not going to have anything left,” she said.
The Apopka Chief is an award-winning weekly newspaper serving the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923.
Follow The Apopka Chief on Facebook.
Follow The Apopka Chief on X.
Follow The Apopka Chief on Instagram.
