Orange County Celebrates Wetlands and Wildlife with New Birdwatching Amenity at Johns Lake Conservation Area

WHAT:
Wetlands preservation, land restoration, and a new bird blind will take center stage Thursday as Orange County continues its celebration of Earth Month.

Mayor Jerry L. Demings and District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson join Orange County's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to unveil the County's first bird blind. A bird blind is used in nature-based recreation to allow birdwatchers to observe wildlife without being seen. Several local volunteer groups will also be on site to participate in land restoration activities. The event will highlight the importance of wetlands to the County's conservation efforts.

In December 2023, the Board of County Commissioners voted to update the County's decades-old Wetland Conservation Areas Ordinance. Changes are expected to slow the rate of wetland acreage loss in Orange County and improve the permitting process for applicants.

WHO:
Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor
Nicole Wilson, Orange County District 1 Commissioner
Renee Parker, Orange County EPD Manager
Beth Jackson, Orange County EPD Programs Administrator
*Spanish speakers will be available.

WHEN:
Thursday, April 25, 2024
9 to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Johns Lake Conservation Area
880 Avalon Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Signage will direct attendees to grassy parking areas.

MORE INFO:
Orange County Earth Month events are designed to inspire action, foster education and promote environmentally friendly practices. The 138-acre Johns Lake Conservation Area is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Recreation amenities include a trailhead that leads visitors to the shores of Johns Lake, a fishing pier, kayak and canoe launch, picnic areas, and now a bird blind. Birdwatching is a source of recreation for communities around the world. Tourists visit Central Florida to catch glimpses of wetland-dwelling migratory birds like the Belted Kingfisher and Swallow-tailed Kite, as well as native endangered species such as Limpkins and Ospreys.