Recent Events
January 24, 2026 - Rock Springs Run State Reserve Hike
Twelve hikers joined Friends of the Wekiva to explore sections of RSRSR. Jay Exum, wildlife ecologist, shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the varied ecosystems found in this reserve. It is easy to take in the beauty of the surrounding area but it is another thing to grasp the significance of why a tree, such as a longleaf pine or a slash pine is thriving in a particular environment and how it provides for other flora and fauna in its sphere.
After crossing through marshy areas, listening for birds and watching a 6 foot black racer slither into the underbrush, we started focusing on animal tracks. Many unseen species call the reserve home! We even spotted a bald eagle looking for prey in the marsh nearby.
As the hike was coming to an end, we entered an enchanted Oak Cathedral. These trees created a beautiful canopy of arching, twisted, branches draped with Spanish moss. Such a peaceful ending to our amazing hike. As we to head to our cars, Jay spotted a Gopher Tortoise burrow. We learned how many species use those tunnels as their home too. What a way to be ushered back to the parking lot and to our own homes.
February 21, 2026 - EcoExpo
The Lake County Conservation Council held the 2026 Eco-Expo on February 21 at Hickory Point Recreation Park in Tavares. It was a beautiful day, and the Hickory Point venue was welcoming, with Lake County Parks staff doing a fantastic job managing logistics and providing support throughout the event, including guided tours of the nature trails.
Forty-eight vendors hosted booths representing a wide range of organizations, including critter rescue groups, water resource advocates, electric utilities, conservation land acquisition programs, aquatic plant management experts, and native plant specialists and landscapers.
Organizations working to protect the Wekiva Basin included Friends of the Wekiva River, the Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida, the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, and the Central Florida Aquatic Preserve.
Excluding vendors and staff, more than 600 visitors attended the event to gather information and learn about the environmental issues facing our region. Among them were educators seeking environmental resources for elementary and middle school students. Attendees left with bags full of information, promotional items, and even free native plants and trees.
