The Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) will host a grand opening ceremony celebrating the 86-acre expansion of the Orange Lake Overlook Preserve on Friday, Feb. 28.
The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook (19865 N US Hwy 441, Micanopy).
This expansion will enhance the conservation of one of North Central Florida’s most scenic and historically significant landscapes. Originally inhabited by the Timucua people in the 16th century, the area later became a hub for citrus farming in the 19th and 20th centuries. The land’s preservation efforts have been a community-driven initiative to safeguard its natural beauty and historical significance from development.
The Orange Lake Overlook now offers public access to hiking and nature trails, providing visitors with a glimpse into Florida’s past while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Guests should note that the trails are unpaved, feature steep inclines, and may be muddy or uneven in some areas. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed at all times.