Water Authority Hosts Unique Preserve Hike and Creek Viewing

On Nov, 21, 2021, the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) hosted a hike and creek viewing at Wolf Branch Sink Preserve. Over 200 members of the public came to visit and hike during the four-hour opening, while five members of the LCWA staff and volunteers provided historical, hydrological, and environmental information. The one-mile hike takes visitors around the property.

The creek flows only during periods of extended rainfall. The hike was planned weeks in advance to give the public notice of the event. Fortunately, there were several inches of rain that provided ample flow to highlight the waterfall and creek as it flows directly into the Upper Floridan aquifer by way of a sinkhole. This preserve provides a quiet natural oasis in the middle of rampant development around the new expressway terminus in Mount Dora.

There are examples of collapsed sinkholes, and the Wolf Branch Sink active sinkhole directly recharges the Florida aquifer. The creek drops over a small but rare waterfall before disappearing into the sinkhole. The branch creek, sinkholes, and trail are surrounded by oldgrowth oak and reintroduced native longleaf pine trees. The LCWA provides environmental and biological management, limiting invasive species and creating opportunities for native vegetation to thrive. This has included planned burns, tree removal in specific areas, and replanting of native species.

This preserve is only open to the public one or two times a year for these LCWA-sponsored occasions due to environmental sensitivity. The 154-acre preserve was purchased by LCWA from 1992 to 1999. Located east of Mount Dora, the property surrounds one of only two creeks in the sinkhole hydrologic systems in Lake County and is within a high aquifer recharge area.

This large native area provides a protective buffer that reduces the chance of pollutants directly and indirectly reaching the aquifer. Significant stormwater improvements have been made along the SR46 corridor during construction, also limiting the impact of the vehicles and roadway on the surface water.

The LCWA was established in 1953 by the Florida Legislature specifically to: S Control, conserve, protect, and improve the freshwater resources in Lake County. S Foster improvements to streams, lakes, and canals. S Improve the fish and aquatic wildlife in the county by improving the streams, lakes, and canals. S Protect the freshwater resources of Lake

County through assisting local governments in the treatment of stormwater runoff.

The LCWA owns and manages nearly 7,000 acres of property to protect unique water features, and owns and operates a 65-acre active recreation facility at Hickory Point.

For more information, visit the LCWA website at www.lcwa.org or call 352-324-4161. S