Field Trips

September 20, 2025 – Saturday

Birding by Kayak

Kayak the Mosquito Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach. We expect to see a variety of our favorite wildlife including birds, porpoises, manatees, raccoons, and more!

Meet 8:00 am at JB’s Fish Camp
859 Pompano Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 

You can rent your kayak or paddleboard from JB’s

Contact Leslie Martin at: Woodstork.Martin@gmail.com

October 18, 2025 – Saturday

Black Hammock Wilderness

Black Hammock Wilderness Area is a 700-acre property acquired as part of a comprehensive effort to preserve significant habitat along the shores of Lake Jesup. It is composed of mixed hardwood swamp, sand pine scrub, and pine flatwoods. These, in turn, provide food and shelter for an equally diverse population of birds and other wildlife. The variety of habitats and the beautiful boardwalk and trail system make this property a popular destination. All levels and ages of birders are welcome.

Meet 8:00 am at the parking lot 
3276 Howard Ave., Oviedo, FL 32765

We will be walking on trails with uneven surfaces that might be difficult to navigate. No restroom facilities.

Coordinator, Chuck Honaker: cwh.jr@hotmail.com

November 15, 2025 – Saturday

Sylvan Lake Park

Join us on the new boardwalks to view wildlife and aquatic plants while crossing sensitive wetland areas on the new ADA-accessible Loop Trail.

Meet 8:00 am at the park
845 Lake Markham Road, Sanford, FL 32771

All levels and ages of birders are welcome. Restrooms available.

Coordinator, Chuck Honaker: cwh.jr@hotmail.com

December 13, 2025 – Saturday

Birding at Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island is a 1,650-acre park located on the St. Johns River, southwest of DeLand. We will take a ferry over to the island and then go on a 3-mile walk through mesic flatwoods, floodplain forest and hydric hammock. Restrooms are available on the island. All levels and ages of birders are welcome.

Meet 7:45 am at the ferry boat landing
Hontoon Island State Park, 2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand FL

We will be walking on trails with uneven surfaces that might be difficult to navigate. Note: some trails may be muddy. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Coordinators: Cecilia & John Carey

January 16, 2026 – Friday

Yankee Lake Treatment Facility: Florida Scrub Jays

This is a guided tour of the only habitat in Seminole County for Florida Scrub-Jays. Along with Audubon Florida, SAS was instrumental in getting this habitat preserved in 1993 when the treatment facility was being planned, so we visit this property each year.

Meet 8:00 am at Seminole County Northwest Water Reclamation Facility
501 Yankee Lake Road, Sanford, off SR46 – just before the entrance to the Seminole Forest

Restroom in the administration building. We will be riding in the management company’s pickup trucks. We may be joined on the tour by County administration staff. All levels and ages of birders are welcome.

 Limited to 12 people – Reservations Required
Contact Phyllis Hall: phylliscath814@gmail.com

January 17, 2026 – Saturday

Lyonia Nature Preserve

Lyonia Preserve is a joint project of Volusia County, the Volusia County School Board and the State of Florida to provide environmental education to the public and restore and maintain habitat for scrub-dependent species, including the threatened scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. The preserve, named after the scrub plant rusty lyonia, consists of 360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat. Our tour guide, Stephen Kintner, is a volunteer at the preserve and VP/Conservation Chair of West Volusia Audubon. All levels and ages of birders are welcome.

Meet 8:00 am at the Lyonia Environmental Center
2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, FL

Moderate walking over uneven terrain.
Restrooms are available in the Environmental Center.
Donations to the preserve are appreciated.

 Limited to 15 people – Reservations Required
Contact Chuck Honaker: cwh.jr@hotmail.com

February 12, 2026 – Thursday

Orlando Wetlands Park

Join us for birding on a guided tram tour of the park. Enjoy visiting the new education center and walking on the boardwalk. This is a premier birding area where over 220 bird species have been documented. Moderate walking over uneven terrain to the boardwalk.

Meet 8:00 am in the parking lot
25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, FL 32709

All levels and ages of birders are welcome. Restrooms are available

 Limited to 16 people – Reservations Required beginning in January
Contact Cecilia Carey: cacarey@cfl.rr.com

March 14, 2026 – Saturday

Emeralda Marsh

This conservation area is owned by the St. Johns River Management District and is actively managed to support the ongoing restoration of water resources in Lake Griffin and the Ocklawaha River. The district’s efforts here focus on reducing excess nutrients entering the lake and increasing submerged aquatic vegetation by targeting leftover phosphorus and pesticides from past farming activities, as well as restoring connectivity of the marsh systems to Lake Griffin. A notable feature of this property is its seasonal wildlife drive, which allows visitors to observe the district’s restoration efforts, view the marsh, and see wildlife from the comfort of their vehicle. This drive is open only to vehicles from February to May

Meet 8:00 am Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
36900 Emeralda Island Road, Leesburg, FL 34788
Access: East of Weirsdale

Public parking areas and access are provided off County Road 452 | 28°53’12.0″N 81°47’26.0″W.

Coordinator: Leslie Martin Woodstork.Martin@gmail.com

April 18, 2026 – Saturday

Bird-Watching Cruise

St. Johns River Eco Tours offers the best possible way to learn first-hand about the rich history and the diverse wildlife of the river. You will experience our central Florida wildlife in a completely natural environment.

Meet at 9:30 am to pay
$35/person | $30/Seniors, Veterans, First Responders & Students | $20 Children 12 and under
488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary, FL.

Most of our trip will involve exploring the backwaters on our eco-friendly 35-foot hybrid gas and electric pontoon boat. Restrooms are available at the dock.

 Limited to 28 people – Reservation is Required
Contact Phyllis Hall: phylliscath814@gmail.com