|
Tom Shupe |
Emeralda Marsh PSGHA consists of more than 7,000
acres in north central Lake County, along the east side of Lake
Griffin. The St. Johns River Water Management District is in the
process of restoring the wetlands on this area, which provide waterfowl
feeding and nesting sites as well as a wintering ground for
sandhill cranes.
Bald eagles soar overhead year-round but are
most abundant in winter and spring. The wetlands also attract
white pelican,
purple gallinule,
limpkin,
glossy and
white
ibis,
wood stork,
alligator,
and
otter.
The area is part of the
Great
Florida Birding Trail. Each spring large flocks of
bobolinks
may be seen near the entrances along Emeralda Island Road.
Visitors may hike along levees and other marked trails to view
wildlife in the hammocks, pastures, and extensive sawgrass and
wet prairie marshes. Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch a
glimpse of a
bobcat or
white-tailed deer. Additional recreational activities
include waterfowl hunting, fishing, bicycling, paddling,
horseback riding, and boating. There is one boat ramp on the
area. The Water Management District has created a self-guided
driving tour along the levees that is normally open on weekends
from February through May (exact dates available by calling
386-329-4404). For additional information, a
recreation guide is available from the St. Johns River Water Management
District. |
