Lake Hancock: Linking Watersheds and Wildlife

As we dive into Lakes Appreciation Month, let’s take a look at one of Polk County’s most distinctive water bodies, Lake Hancock. Nestled between Bartow, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, Lake Hancock is one of the largest lakes in the county, covering 4,583 acres. It is second only to Lake Weohyakapka (“Walk in Water”) for the title of the largest lake fully within Polk County’s border. However, size is just one of the lake’s attributes; Lake Hancock also plays a vital role in the Peace River Basin watershed and in linking Florida’s green spaces, supporting water resources and habitat connectivity throughout Polk County and beyond!

HANCOCK’S HEADWATERS

One of Florida’s key water systems is the watershed—an area of land that channels rainfall and groundwater into creeks, streams, and rivers, eventually reaching bays, harbors, and the ocean. Lake Hancock is a headwaters lake, meaning it’s one of the starting points for the Peace River Basin watershed. Water that flows out of the Lake Hancock outlet travels to the Peace River, then south through several counties before finally making its way to Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf Coast. This direct connection to the Peace River, coastal estuaries, and the Gulf makes what happens in and around Lake Hancock especially important—not just for Polk County, but for the entire watershed and its downstream communities. Supporting the ecosystems of Lake Hancock in turn supports the Peace River and everyone who depends on it–animals and humans alike.

BUT LAKE HANCOCK IS SO … GREEN?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection considers Lake Hancock an “impaired” lake, meaning that its water quality isn’t as good as we would like it to be. But the green water you might notice in Lake Hancock is not necessarily a bad thing. You may hear biologists refer to green lakes as “eutrophic” or “biologically productive,” which simply means that they produce a lot of life from the excess nutrients in the water column. Think about it this way–the algae that grow in these lakes support a ton of small fish, which then support larger fish, which then support alligators and birds, and so on!

WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CONNECTIONS

Lake Hancock and its surrounding green spaces don’t just facilitate the movement of water—these natural areas create what is known as a wildlife corridor, forming linkages between larger habitats and allowing animals to move safely across the landscape. For wide-ranging species like bears, deer, and the Florida panther, connected habitats are crucial for finding food, mates, and shelter. As development continues to expand, preserving and linking natural areas becomes increasingly important to prevent habitat fragmentation, which can isolate wildlife populations and limit their chances of survival.

LAKE HANCOCK AND HURRICANE RESILIENCE

One of the many important functions of Lake Hancock during and after major weather events is its ability to collect and store amazing amounts of excess rainwater and help prevent flooding. Unfortunately, high water combined with strong winds can cause damage to the shoreline around the lake, as seen after Hurricanes Irma and Milton, with the closure of Alligator Alley.

Fortunately, following each of these storms, important restoration work around Lake Hancock helped showcase hurricane resilience and lake rehabilitation. Thanks to efforts by Polk County Parks and Natural Resources, the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), parts of the lake’s shoreline were restored with native plants and stronger barriers to protect against future erosion. Shoreline vegetation stabilizes sediments and slows runoff, helping to reduce flooding and keep water clearer during heavy periods of rain and wave action. It also gives fish, birds, turtles, and other aquatic wildlife places to feed and reproduce. Continued shoreline restoration results in increased wildlife habitat, cleaner headwaters for the Peace River, and a more pristine natural area!

HOW YOU CAN HELP LAKE HANCOCK THRIVE

Everyone can play a role in the continued health and improvement of Lake Hancock and its surrounding green spaces, even with seemingly small actions. Here are a few simple ways to help:

· Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste, redirect gutters from the driveway to the yard, and keep grass clippings on your lawn.

· Adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles or add native Florida plants to your yard.

· Learn about local conservation efforts and get involved! · Spread the word! Share this article or something you learned with a friend!

To learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and how they can help lower pollution levels in the Peace River watershed, contact our Master Gardener Plant Clinic at 863-519-1067 or via text at (838) 868-0066.

If you’re interested in getting more involved in local conservation efforts, check out these local groups: Florida Native Plant Society’s Heartland Chapter, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Lakes Region Audubon Society, Ancient Islands Sierra Club, All Florida, and Polk Forever.

As we celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month, remember how lucky we are to have natural spaces like this right in our backyards—and how much power we have to keep them healthy! Lake Hancock is much more than just one of Polk County’s lakes; it’s a lifeline for downstream waters, a pathway for wildlife, and an everyday reminder of hurricane recovery and habitat restoration.

For more information, please reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County or directly to our office via email (scarnevale@ufl.edu). Looking for ‘learning on the go’? Check out the “Naturally Florida” podcast, available on all major podcast platforms.