Trout Lake Nature Center
Trout Lake Nature Center was established over three decades ago as a group of Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society (also known as OVAS) members and Lake County citizens gathered together to dedicate the property now known as the Trout Lake Nature Center. Through yard sales and other fundraising activities, these pioneers put together the funds to purchase 130 acres around and including part of Trout Lake. That, along with a 100-acre conservation easement from the City of Eustis, created a peaceful oasis and the beginning of the nature center.
Dedicated volunteers built a boardwalk and dock on the lake and installed the trailer that became the museum. In 1994 they began school field trips, creating memories and an appreciation for nature across generations through experiential education. In 1997 the Education Building was built. A part-time naturalist was hired in 2001, and they now have two full-time and two part-time staff members. The introduction of environmentally-focused programs allowed the Trout Lake Nature Center to grow our reach within the community, a mission that continues to grow and prosper.
They have great hopes for the future, as evidenced by their plans to upgrade the facilities, build new classrooms, and renovate our natural history museum. Please visit us and follow their journey into the future.
The mission of Trout Lake Nature Center is to conserve and protect the natural environment and educate the public about its importance. Trout Lake Nature Center conserves, protects and educates, helping people to connect to nature and understand the wonders of our natural systems and how as part of the system they can help make things better.
Trout Lake Nature Center’s Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of Trout Lake Nature Center.
Trails
Although the trails at Trout Lake Nature Center are short and mostly shaded, they take you through a variety of habitats. Some trails have foot bridges to help you traverse wet areas and, of course, the boardwalk takes you over the marsh to the edge of Trout Lake and our Education Dock.
The Trout Lake Nature Center is committed to providing education about Central Florida’s natural resources, ecosystems and wildlife to the community, families, visitors to the area and youth. A casual visit to Trout Lake Nature Center can be an educational experience, as their interpretive displays and materials inform while their staff and volunteers offer answers to the many questions about local plants, animals and ecosystems. They also enjoy introducing the resident turtles and snakes to visitors! Their scheduled programs are an opportunity to learn from animal experts, plant experts and scientists. Trout Lake Nature Center offers a variety of programs including guided birding hikes, naturalist presentations, chair yoga, watercolor painting and more. Other programs and activities are scheduled throughout the year.
Education for Adults & Families
Education for School & Youth
Trout Lake Nature Center has an established history of providing educational field experiences and creating memories for generations of Lake County students. They offer both on and off-site programs for public and private schools, youth organizations, student clubs and homeschoolers. It’s well documented that young people do not have the same connection with the natural world as in the past. Technology can inform but there is no substitute for the real world. Trout Lake Nature Center offers programs that are not only aligned with grade-level state standards but also incorporate key science concepts in a memorable environment.
Join us in supporting Trout Lake Nature Center
75% of this month's donations will go towards this month's partner
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help Trout Lake Nature Center as they conserve and protect the natural environment and educate the public about its importance.