Wekiva to Ocala
A great blue heron taking flight over the Wekiva River, which is located in the Wekiva to Ocala Corridor. Photo by Tanner Diberardino.
Creating a conservation corridor in the heart of florida
Conservation Florida is leading efforts to protect the Wekiva to Ocala conservation corridor. This is a regional project with numerous partners that spans Lake, Volusia, Orange and Seminole counties. Once completed, a network of protected lands will connect Wekiva Springs State Park to Ocala National Forest.
Our active projects in this corridor include a parcel of pristine scrub habitat important to the Florida scrub-jay and other plant and animal species such as the Florida black bear.
The headwaters of the Wekiva River Basin are located north of Orlando and east of the city of Apopka. Systems within the Wekiva River Basin contain second magnitude springs, blackwater streams, creeks, runs, and wetlands. It is a natural wonder in the heart of urbanized central Florida.
These important water bodies have been designated Outstanding Florida Waters. The Wekiva River is a Florida Scenic and Wild River, a State Canoe Trail, and a National Wild and Scenic River.
Time is of the essence for protecting land within the Wekiva to Ocala corridor as development moves north from Orange County. This area it a top priority for Conservation Florida.