Biologist led Hidden Waters Preserve Hike -

Sue, Kurth, Lynn, Judy and Clark convened at the grassy west parking lot to meet up with Ben Gugliotti of the Lake County Water Authority. The relatively small parcel is located just north of Mount Dora and east of Eustis. The county purchased the property because of is value to the quality of water as they believed the 100 foot depression in the center of the preserve flows underground to surrounding lakes and possibly the aquifer.

Ben's presence, enthusiasm and knowledge made the hike all the more interesting. Right off, he started talking about the land management of such properties; that too many pines that had been planted might not be good for the considerable population of gopher tortoises, which were evident by the numerous burrows; and the more obvious evidence of a groper making good time across the un-mowed bahia grass and cactus. As we made our way downhill toward the featured "pond", we were treated with the unusual find of a rat snake making its way across the trail for which Ben had no hesitation of reaching into the brush and leaves and picking the fellow up for observation and interesting conversation. He was classified as a rather large rat snake. After being let go, I suspect that the snake would never tell any of his buddies about being in such humiliating circumstances.

All along the path, Ben pointed out the various vegetation, whether it was invasive or indigenous, how it affected the other plants and animal life and what it told you about he soil conditions. I discovered that there were 2 types of muscadine, a wild, pithy grape; the more common small leafed variety and the one with large velvet leaves. We came across persimmon, cherry, grape and plum trees, all of the wild variety and although editable; they lack the meatiness of cultured fruits, and typically are bitter or pethy to the taste. Down by the pond, Ben picked a leaf off of a willow like plant and indicated that it had medicinal value similar to aspirin. Another, an anesthesia quality that could numb your tongue if chewed.

On the eastern half of the property is a clear water stream flowing through white sand and not bigger than one would need to hop over it along the path. The source of the water was the steep ground on the eastern side of the property and the stream, making it way to the pond, travels through an unusually deep ravine as you get closer to its source. The majority of the property is wooded, especially the eastern slope. Ben said that in general, the eastern slope indicated widespread water seepage based on the types and size of the trees and plants. Sweet Gum, Magnolias and Bay, Hickory and large oaks; ferns of various variety's covered the ground. We were treated by yet another reptile as a black racer slithered by us in an instant. He spoke about the amount of work it took to manage and maintain such a piece of property. They had just recently performed a controlled burn, which was barely noticeable, on the grassy and pine areas closer to the perimeter. They constantly work on ridding the place of invasive plants, some too numerous to tackle. The entire trip was very informative, giving us all insight to the work being done at county and state levels to manage places called "preserves".

I think we may have hiked as much as 2.7 miles total on the property, but with all the stories of interest that Ben had for us, we somehow spent 3 hours on the walk.

Hosted by: Clark Getz