Field Trips 2026-2027
DO NOT PARK AT THE LAKE PLACID TOWER...cars are being towed. We are now meeting behind the Wawa Station at 611 Dal Hall Blvd. by Subway.
Check the meeting place carefully; changes have been made.
Unless otherwise noted, for information and to reserve:
Call Roberta at 863-599-0124. Plan to leave promptly.
Sunscreen, walking shoes, and other sensible attire recommended.
Please note there are now quite a few Saturday Trips
(E) Easy—(M) Moderate—(C) Challenging
Saturday Sept 26— NW Lake Okeechobee “Dr. Martin Stapleton Memorial Birding Trail.” Amazing observation tower at Harney Pond. Leave Lake Placid behind WAWA at 7:30 AM. Lunch at Local Restaurant (E)
Saturday Oct 10—Scrub Pens Road, Istokpoga Park, and Spring Lake STA. Wading birds, waterfowl, possible bald eagle sighting, and woodpeckers. Meet at 1564 Hwy 98, Lorida—7:30 AM. Lunch at Gator Shack (E)
Thursday Oct 22—Rafter T Ranch Local cattle ranch eco tour with 12 threatened and endangered animals, including Wood Storks, Crested Caracara, and Scrub Jays. Meet at 1564 Hwy 98, Lorida 7:30 AM or the Lodge 7400 Arbuckle Creek Road, 7:50. Bring Lunch (M)
Friday Nov 13—Circle B Bar Reserve & Nature Center in Lakeland Wetlands, and diverse habitat with lots of species. Leave Avon Park Walmart Garden Center at 7:30 AM. Lunch at nearby Restaurant (C)
Saturday Nov 28— Highlands Hammock State Park & Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park. Walking tour on established trails. Meet at HHSP entrance at 8:00 AM $6.00 Entrance Fee per car required. Late lunch at local Restaurant (M)
Saturday Dec 19—Paynes Creek Historic State Park An 1840s outpost with a museum and trails through the park’s natural areas. Payne’s Creek and the adjoining Peace River provide birding opportunities galore. Leave Avon Park Walmart Garden Center at 7:30. $3.00 Entry per car Bring Lunch (M)
Saturday Jan 9 —Myakka River State Park Wading birds, raptors, song birds, migratory birds and ducks. Leave Lake Placid behind the WAWA at 7:30 AM. Lunch at Mexican Rest in Arcadia (M)
Friday Jan 22—Platt Branch Wildlife Management and Environment Area (WEA) Red-cockaded Woodpeckers make their home in the old-growth longleaf pine. Florida scrub-jay habitats, seasonal wetlands, and gopher tortoise areas abound. Leave Lake Placid behind WAWA at 7:30 AM. Led by Steve Shattler of FWC Lunch at a local Restaurant (M)
Friday Feb 12 – Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary & Blair Audubon. Register online at: Visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary | Audubon under Highlands County Audubon E23 Reduced entrance fee when registering with our group, Boardwalk
tour winding through the swamp. Leave Lake Placid behind WAWA at 7:30 AM. Bring Lunch or eat at their cafe. (M)
Friday Feb 26—Buck Island Ranch Buggy Tour Swamp Buggy tour of working ranch. Explore pastures, prairies, woodlands and wetlands, and learn about the role of cattle ranches in Florida’s environment. Limit 16 participants. Fee: $20.00 per person. Call Roberta to reserve spot. 863-599-0124 Meet at Lake Placid behind WAWA Bring Lunch (M) Not Confirmed Check website frequently
Saturday March 13—Celery Fields and Park in Sarasota A variety of species at a favorite spot of locals for water and land birds. Leave Lake Placid behind WAWA at 7:30 AM. Bring Lunch or eat at local Restaurant (M)
Saturday March 27—Avon Park Air Force Range Various habitats exist to view a variety of birds maybe even the resident Red-cockaded-Woodpecker. Bring, water, and snacks. Meet at entrance by lake and boat ramp behind guard shack at 7:30 AM Led by Patrick Blake Lunch at local restaurant (M) New location of office is building 424.
Saturday April 10—Ft. DeSoto St. Petersburg. Migratory birds and shorebirds galore. Leave Avon Park Walmart Garden Center at 7:30 AM. Bring Lunch, water and Snacks (M)
Saturday April 24—Royce Unit: Bluebirds with a chance of chicks. Birds Galore. Be prepared to walk on dirt trails. Bring water and snacks. Leave Lake Placid Tower at 7:30 AM. Contact Rita at 305-498-8765 Lunch at local restaurant (M)