Liz Sparks

The 692-acre L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) in eastern Leon County, encompasses the eastern two-thirds of Lower Lake Lafayette and its associated wetlands and uplands. The swamps and marshes that comprise the majority of the property help to cleanse the water that flows into the lake, the wetlands that connect to the St. Marks River and the aquifer. The WEA is a regionally significant resource for fish and wildlife, and helps to sustain the largest colony of endangered wood storks in northwest Florida. Birdwatching is excellent and a variety of wading birds and waterfowl are reliably spotted. Seasonal waterfowl and gray squirrel hunting is available on limited days in the fall and winter. Anglers can cast their lines in Lake Lafayette or in the adjacent Piney Z Lake, specifically managed for productive fishing. The Lafayette Passage Paddling Trail meanders through mature cypress and hardwood swamps. Trails on adjacent conservation lands cater to hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders.

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