Defending 40 acres of woodlands on the western slope of the Lake Wales Ridge, Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Protect offers a sanctuary for quite a few native species.
Donated to the Inexperienced Horizon Land Belief in 2010 by Jim Pedersen, it’s named after his mom.
This necessary conservation space stands in stark distinction to surrounding lands which have been topic to in depth farming and improvement.
In 2012, the protect turned accessible to the general public, that includes two separate trails constructed by volunteers.
Shady footpathSources
Overview
Location: Lake WalesLength: 1.3 milesTrailhead: 27.991833, -81.595556Address: 6609 N Scenic Hwy, Lake WalesFees: FreeRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: Inexperienced Horizon Land TrustPhone: 863-678-1237
Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canines welcome.
Instructions
Hike
On the parking space, a trio of indicators present details about the protect and a number of the obstacles to maintaining the ecosystem in a extra pure state, freed from invasive species.
The path begins alongside a picnic bench standing within the dappled shade of a thick cover.
Indicators and picnic desk on the trailheadIn 100 ft, flip proper to start the loop because it winds via a mixture of varied hardwoods, pine, and cabbage palms.
Beautyberry and coral bean shrubs border the path alongside fallen logs coated in fungi.
Blended forestThe path takes a pointy flip to the left, passing a formidable oak, its heavy limbs coated with resurrection ferns and Spanish moss.
Past the oak, start a slight descent in the direction of the lake. Waterfowl and chirping frogs may be heard within the distance.
Massive oakReaching 0.3 miles, observe a brief aspect path right down to the shoreline of Lake Annie, the place an inviting bench sits alongside the placid waters.
The path step by step ascends alongside the southern half of the loop, returning to the parking space at 0.7 miles.
Bench overlooking Lake AnnieTo discover the second loop, head down the driveway and search for a trailhead signal on the left.
Whereas strolling down the pavement, search for milkweeds and different engaging wildflowers rising from this cleared part present process scrub habitat restoration.
Milkweed in bloomA picnic desk sits below the shade at first of the path, providing a spot to sit down and hearken to crickets and songbirds.
This loop weaves via the forest for half a mile earlier than returning to the paved driveway, a brief distance from the parking space.
Shaded picnic benchPath Map
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Video
Climbing Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Protect
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