Popular State Guides
|
Free Traveling Guides » States » Florida » OrlandoDisney Wilderness Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve, situated just south of Orlando, Florida, is a great place to experience and appreciate the scenic beauty of Florida and observe the restoration in progress. This 12,000-acre (50 sq. km.) preserve is the largest off-site wetlands mitigation project ever instigated in the United States. It is a pioneering model of ecological restoration and aims at safeguarding the headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem. Bounded by Lake Russell, the largest undeveloped lake in Central Florida, the Disney Wilderness Preserve is home to a number of animal and bird species. The most commonly spotted wildlife species in the preserve include bald eagles, gopher tortoises, sand-hill cranes, and Florida scrub-jays.
The Wildlife Preserve also offers visitors a hiking trail that gives an opportunity to learn more about the resident plants and animals of the preserve. The hiking trail starts at the Conservation Learning Center, runs one mile (1.6 km) to Lake Russell, and then continues beyond the lake, covering a 2.5-mile (4.0-km) loop. The hikers are required to register at the preserve’s office before setting out on the trail. Bottled water is made available to the hikers at the preserve office. However, hikers are expected to make their own arrangements for hats, mosquito repellents, appropriate footwear, and sun-protection. Pets are strictly prohibited on the trail. Disney Wilderness Preserve is the best way to discover the pristine natural beauty that once enveloped Central Florida and is a ‘must-see’ for all those who visit the state.
- Address: 2700 Scrub Jay Trail,
Kissimmee, FL 34759
- Telephone: (407) 935-0002
- Hours: Oct - May: 9 AM - 5 PM daily; Jun - Sep: Mon - Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM
|
Top 5 National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Grand Canyon
- Yosemite
- Olympic
- Yellowstone
All 58 national parks. |
