Boardwalk Hurricane Repair

Oakland Nature Preserve, located on the south shore of Lake Apopka, Florida encompasses 48 acres of uplands and 80 acres of forested wetlands. Rescued from development, this property was put into permanent conservation easement. Open from sunrise to sunset every day, we provide a wheelchair accessible boardwalk, six nature trails and lakefront picnic pavilions, all free of charge to the public. 

Our boardwalk through the forested wetlands is one of the few public accesses to Lake Apopka, a regional significant aquatic ecosystem. Constructed in 2002, our 3,100-foot-long boardwalk allows visitors to see three different ecosystems, ending with a spectacular lake view. 

 This was built entirely by volunteers, who persevered through the dense undergrowth and deep mud; removing only a single tree to construct the winding pathway. 

September 10-11, 2017 hurricane Irma made its track to the west of the Oakland Nature Preserve downing many trees and causing major damage to this iconic  boardwalk. Insurance claims have be placed, but like all Floridians,  the Preserve's coverage includes a large hurricane deductible. This campaign is to cover the deductible for the rebuild of some sections to be completed by licensed contractors, and major repairs and restoration to handrails and planks, some of which can be completed by qualified volunteers.




The Preserve receives phone calls and emails daily asking when the boardwalk will be opened to visitors, it is our hope, with your help, to begin major repairs at the beginning of the year. Thank you for your support.