Polk County Florida Parks and Trails: 2011

12/22/11

Celebrating the 1st Day of Winter 2011 @ Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland

In Polk County I can always find a reason to explore a new trail or walk a familiar park, however today, December 22, 2011 - the first day of Winter, warranted an intentional outing to investigate something with mystique and intrigue. For me, that was to see if the brown pelicans were back at Circle B Bar Reserve.

It was January 2011 when I first discovered the hundreds that would fly over Wading Bird Way and into the sunset at Circle B Bar Reserve. It was mesmerizing and it brought me back night after night. I couldn't get my fill.

Here's all that I saw while celebrating today:

The sign to guide you

The windmill is opposite the sign

The Wading Bird Way

Cycling Wading Bird Way

Ibis Convention (kidding)

All Summer, this marsh was filled with lush, green plantlife; so much so that you could barely see any water.

There were hundreds of American Coots making a great commotion

The beautiful Blue Heron

This is wonderfully helpful in identifying the birds here

I observed several flocks of Sandhill Cranes flying West at Sunset.

Have you ever heard them trumpeting? Beautiful!

Pelicans in the sunset

Sandhill Cranes

Pelicans

Scenery

Sunset

And last but not least, one of the great things about Florida Winters,

you can most likely still wear your short sleeves and capris!

Links for Circle B Bar Reserve

byPolk County.net

bySouthwest Florida Water Management District

by Visit Central Florida

8/25/11

Storks, Sunset and Moonrise at Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland, FL

Droves of storks landing on this tree during the brewing storm

One can never tire of visiting Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, for the ever changing scenery of nature and the diversity of wildlife one sees on each visit.

One trail, the Rabbit Marsh Run Trail had been closed most of the Spring due to aggressive alligators during mating season. It was August 12/11 when we finally ventured over on our bicycles to see what was new.

Please view this LINK to share in the whole evening adventure we had.

8/12/11

Bike Ride Marsh Rabbit Run Trail, Friday August 12, 7:00 pm

Enjoy a bike ride tonight with Heartland Christian Outdoor Enthusiasts at Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland.

All details HERE

8/11/11

Invitation to join HCOE on Van Fleet State Trail Bike Ride

This activity is facilitated by Heartland Christian Outdoor Enthusiasts group.

We are a FREE Christian nondenominational group enjoying our Father's Creation via human-powered activities in the heart of Central FL.(Based out of Winter Haven/Lakeland).
We are a member-facilitated group and encourage each member to post and facilitate events, sharing your skills and abilities. Ages 16 , all levels, abilities and activities.

Details of our 08/13/11 Bike Ride

We will meet at the Greenpond Station Trailhead (which is 10 miles north on the trail from the Polk City trailhead) and bike North on the Trail, a minimum of 1 hour and then return.
There are restrooms and picnic tables and a parking lot at this location.

Pace: moderate, not slow

Directions and map: LINK

If you wish to carpool, contact Activity Facilitator, Lori Clinch Adams personally. Lori has a bike rack which can hold 2-3 bikes.
Come prepared for cycling in hot, humid weather. Bring sufficient water, cycling gear, helmet, sunscreen.

Driving: the Greenpond Rd Trailhead is 12.3 miles or a 20 minute drive from the Polk City Trailhead located at Berkley Rd & County Road 655.
Head northeast on FL-33 N/Commonwealth Ave N toward W Arbor Vitae Ln
10.3 mi
Turn left onto Greenpond Rd
Destination will be on the right 2.0 mi

Please be ready to start riding at 8am.
All participants are required to RSVP on our Facebook page or notify Lori if you plan to attend.

Activity Facilitator: Lori Clinch Adams
Cell (863) 662-1225
Our Blog and Event info: http://heartlandchristianoutdoorenthusiasts.blogspot.com/