This afternoon we decided to visit a site that’s very close to home for us. It is a beautiful Sunday, warm and sunny, with a nice breeze…perfect for a quick upland hike.
Lake May Reserve fit the bill perfectly. This site has had some extensive trail additions since we last visited. There have also been additions of interpretative signs, but often the signs did not seem appropriately placed. We quickly found examples of the three most common pines (sand, slash, and longleaf), with some great examples of the Longleaf broomstick phase.
There’s a lot to see in this oak hammock, including both xeric and wet areas. The areas with more water had some lovely wildflowers.
This adventure really highlighted for us the truth in the saying that the more you know the more you see. Before learning about Florida’s different pines and oaks, we would not have noticed the diversity in this small reserve.
Is this the one off Abrams Rd?
Oh! You’re thinking of Hidden Waters, a Lake County Water Authority property. What a great spot for a short hike with elevation changes…I think you’ve given me my next Uplands Adventure post.
Lake May is on 44A, on the right as you are heading toward Eustis city limits. Let me know if you ever want to go on a weekend.
Thanks for stopping by, Julie!