Alachua County residents are invited to celebrate 25 years of the Alachua County Forever program on Friday, Nov. 7, with a guided hike through Lake Alto Preserve – North.
The hike, presented by the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at 17800 NE 134th Place in Waldo.
The hike will start at the Tree Frog Trail trailhead connected to the Lake Alto boat ramp park. Hikers will then traverse through dome swamps, flatwoods and sandhill communities to the lake shore swamp and a view of Lake Alto.
Hikers will learn about the plants and animals found in these communities, along with the Alachua County Forever program. According to the release, the two-mile round-trip hike is on relatively level ground but may have muddy or sandy spots.
Restroom facilities will be available at the Lake Alto boat ramp park. Hikers should bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sun protection and drinking water.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of Alachua County Forever, the county’s land conservation program,” said Land Conservation Program Manager Andi Christman in the press release. “We’re excited to be offering a series of field trips and events this fall in preparation for our anniversary celebration in December. Come learn about these amazing lands you have protected.”
Click here to learn more about Alachua County Forever.
For more information, contact Senior Environmental Specialist Matt Barker at 352-264-6800 or mbarker@alachuacounty.us.