Ten years after the St. Johns River Water Management District opened the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, more than 150,000 visitors each year now experience the one-way, 11-mile drive that traverses a network of wetlands, levees and canals, providing a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Photo by Robin Thornton shared on Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Facebook Page

To celebrate the anniversary, District staff and volunteers with the Orange Audubon Society will be stationed at two locations along the drive, which begins at 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, Fla. 32703, on Sunday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will be available to help visitors identify wildlife, answer questions about the property and distribute giveaways. Vehicle pullovers on the drive provide opportunities for stopping at preferred sites. Visitors can also hike or bicycle the 17-mile Lake Apopka Loop Trail, further exploring the area’s natural systems and learning about water resource protection and conservation.

Photo by Carol Canter Fuggi, shared on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Facebook Page

“Restoring the Lake Apopka North Shore has taken a combination of innovation, dedication and a lot of hard work,” said the District’s Strategic Planning Basin Coordinator for the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin Jim Peterson. “We’re proud to celebrate the progress we’ve made, and the District remains committed to its ongoing restoration. We’re also incredibly thankful for the many volunteers from Orange Audubon, whose ongoing support and ambassador program have played a vital role in sharing the success of this property and welcoming visitors each week.”

Part of the District’s 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore restoration area, the drive has become a favorite for birders, nature lovers and families. With 377 bird species recorded —including bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites and great blue herons—it’s recognized as one of Florida’s top birding destinations. Along the scenic route, visitors often spot alligators and may also encounter otters, turtles and even bobcats.

Photo by Stino Cervini, shared on Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Facebook Page

Once used for farming, the North Shore was acquired by the District between 1988 and 2001 to improve Lake Apopka’s water quality and restore wetland function. The transformation of this land into a thriving wetland system showcases the District’s innovative, multi-benefit approach to restoration—combining science, engineering and environmental stewardship to support wildlife habitat, water resource protection and public recreation.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open for vehicular access from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. While there is no cost to visit the wildlife drive, donations are welcome and go directly toward its upkeep. For those who would like to contribute, donations can be made here.

More information about recreational opportunities on District lands is available at www.sjrwmd.com/recreation.