Delaney Bolstein

(Above) In Autumn, Wekiwa Spring’s wildflowers flourish. The dry ground found on the latter end of the White Trail loop provides the perfect soil for composites, or flowers in the daisy family. These yellow buds also support the migrating butterfly and moth populations, especially Polyphemus moths. The purple flowers, dense gayfeather, however, are native to the summer-time and die in the fall and winter months. This cycling of plants keeps Wekiwa Spring’s soil fertile and provides necter for pollinators. Two years ago Lake County Parks and Trails and the Florida Wildflower Foundation teamed together to develop pollinator habitat Wekiwa-Ocala Greenway. By planting small trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and, most importantly, milkweed, they hope to raise the bee population which has seen a dramatic decline in the past years due to the increase use of pesticides in nature.

Past the magic of Disney, the thrill of Universal, and the chaos of I-Drive, is the often overlooked Wekiwa Springs State Park. The park was originally used for cypress logging, but due to the protection of The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Program by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the springs became protected by the federal government. Teeming with ​alligators, turtles, river otters, raccoons, herons, and multiple species of fish, Wekiwa Springs provides a safe haven for both Central Florida wildlife and residents, housing over 13 miles of hiking trails. During the summer, thousands of visitors flock to crystal clear, 72 degree year round waters to beat the heat by swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking the Wekiwa River. During the colder months, visitors explore the tree-canopy lined trails to embrace the change in weather. Wekiwa Springs is also the oldest tourist attraction in Orlando, founded in the 1860 as an attempt to draw Northerns to Florida. Wekiwa Springs State Park offers an oasis for nature lovers, a reprieve from the sweltering sun, and a sanctuary for wildlife.