Lake Jesup Conservation Area: East Lake Jesup Tract

An important water resource for Seminole County, Lake Jesup is undergoing a number of restoration projects to improve water quality, flood protection and ecosystem protection. The East Lake Jesup Tract consists primarily of hardwood/sabal palm hammock, with some freshwater marsh along the lake’s shoreline. A 1.4-mile loop trail leads through the hammock to an observation tower with a view of the marsh and lake. Look for Yellow-throated Warbler, American Redstart and other songbirds in migration, and White-eyed Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher year-round. Least Bittern (year-round) and American Bittern (winter) feed in the marsh near the tower, but are tough to spot. Short-tailed Hawk, Swallow-tailed Kite and Painted Bunting have occurred here. Trail maps are available at the entrance kiosk. Hunting does not take place at this site, but may occur in the lake below the ordinary high water elevation.