Winter Wanderings: Get Outdoors This Holiday Season

Central Florida’s mild winters create the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather during the holiday season; so in this month’s article, we’ll be discussing six beautiful natural areas that you might consider visiting! These locations offer fun for the whole family, with many of them providing opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even camping. You’ll also have the chance to spot some of Central Florida’s unique wildlife, including several rare or endangered species. Whether you’re a Polk County resident or someone just visiting, a trip to one of these locations might be the bow on top of your holiday season.

CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE

4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland

One of Polk County’s most famous outdoor destinations, Circle B Bar Reserve offers prime birdwatching, especially for migratory species in winter. Keep an eye out for wading birds like roseate spoonbills and wood storks, or for bald eagles soaring overhead. You’re also almost guaranteed to see alligators, which will be out soaking up the sun on cold days. The variety of walking trails and kids’ activities at the Polk Nature Discovery Center also make this location great for families!

CROOKED LAKE PRAIRIE

985 Ohlinger Rd., Babson Park

This quiet preserve offers a rare glimpse of Florida’s ancient scrub ecosystem. These scrub habitats were once islands, and they now exist as elevated, sandy areas that are home for many rare and threatened Florida species. At Crooked Lake Prairie, you might be able to spot a Florida scrub jay, a rare bird found only in the Sunshine State, along with gopher tortoises and seasonal scrub wildflowers. Bring binoculars, a hat, and keen eyes – Crooked Lake Prairie rewards those who slow down and look closely.

GATOR CREEK RESERVE

9120 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland

Situated on the edge of the Green Swamp, Gator Creek Reserve offers wide multiuse trails winding through a variety of ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, cypress domes, and oak hammocks. In winter, cooler weather makes longer rides or hikes especially pleasant! Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer or wild turkeys and bring binoculars to look out for warblers and migratory birds!

MARSHALL HAMPTON RESERVE

3115 Thornhill Rd, Winter Haven

With its scenic oak hammocks and views of Lake Hancock, Marshall Hampton Reserve is perfect for a peaceful winter stroll. If you want to get out in the sun to shake the chill, the open Osprey Overlook Loop Trail is your best bet, while the Acorn Hammock Loop Trail provides an arching oak canopy with a beautiful saw palmetto understory. With a special use permit, equestrians may even bring their horses to ride through the scenery. Whether you’re looking to get some steps or miles in, or to exercise your horse, Marshall Hampton Reserve truly has it all.

SUMICA

14020 Hwy. 60 E., Lake Wales

SUMICA is the largest of Polk County’s Environmental Lands and provides an excellent opportunity to feel as though you’re really in the backcountry. Habitats range from marshes to oak hammocks to pine flatwoods, some of which bear the remnants of the once-thriving historical logging community. “SUMICA” stands for Societe Universelle Mining Industrie, Commerce et Agriculture, a French logging company that once used the land, though the town of SUMICA practically vanished in the early 1900s once all of the trees had been harvested. The property has since returned to its natural Florida glory, and it is excellent for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. When winding through the trails, you might catch sight of the fluffy Sherman’s fox squirrel or hear the drumming of a red-cockaded woodpecker, a federally endangered species.

LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK

14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales

This expansive park offers nearly everything: camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even living history demonstrations of old Florida at the Cow Camp. You can even rent a canoe or kayak during the months of November through April to paddle the Buster Island Paddling Trail, where you’ll be immersed in creekside flora and fauna. Among the park’s 12 distinct natural communities, wildlife is abundant – look for birds such as sandhill cranes, crested caracaras, and wild turkeys, or large mammals such as white-tail deer or the occasional bobcat. Kid- and pet-friendly, it’s a great place for a full-day or overnight adventure.

WHY GET OUTDOORS?

Visiting these natural areas benefits more than just your weekend plans – it also helps support conservation efforts, raises awareness for rare species, and boosts the local economy through ecotourism.

Any money put towards entry fees, camping or horseback riding permits, or even souvenirs from the gift shop feed back into supporting the conservation activities of these parks – so by visiting them and taking advantage of their services, you are actively giving back to Florida’s natural areas!

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

Contribute to Citizen Science – If you have your phone out on the trail, you can use apps like iNaturalist to document wildlife sightings. This contributes to valuable research about the presence and abundance of our wildlife species!

Be Sun & Bug Smart – Even in winter, Florida’s sun is strong, and mosquitoes can still be active. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water, so you don’t have to leave the trail earlier than intended!

Leave No Trace – It is our responsibility as outdoor recreationists to minimize the negative impacts we have on these lands. You can help protect habitats by packing out trash and staying on marked trails. Check out www.lnt.org for more guidelines on how to be a responsible outdoor enthusiast!

Check Park Rules – Some locations limit pets, bikes, or horses to protect sensitive areas, so it’s best to know before you go!

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of fresh air and new experiences. And, after visiting one of our beautiful natural areas, tell a friend about the experience you had to encourage them to join you next time.

Whether you’re seeking rare birds, exploring Florida’s scrub habitats, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk, Central Florida’s natural areas offer something for everyone. Bundle up (lightly – even in the winter, it’s still Florida!), grab your camera or binoculars, and get outdoors to make some wild memories.

To learn about more locations to enjoy Polk County’s Environmental Lands, visit www. polknature.com. For more insights into the conservation lands and places to experience wild Florida in Polk County, readers are encouraged to connect with the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow or email Shannon at scarnevale@ufl.edu.