Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
WEBSITE:
http://www.ourorca.org/

The Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area, or ORCA as it is affectionately called, consists of almost 500 acres of various Florida habitats from boggy wetlands to dry pine scrub.  The visitor to ORCA can experience much of what natural Florida must have been like to the early settlers and Indians who lived here.

Several hiking trails lead through a forest of ancient oaks, scrubby pine flatwoods, coastal wetlands and the finest maritime hammock in the county all filled with native plants and wildflowers.  Informative signs are posted throughout ORCA to help the visitor identify the surrounding plants and wildlife.  Along with the mangrove forest and salt marsh, the coastal wetlands also contain mosquito impoundments constructed during the 1950s and ‘60s to aid in controlling the mosquito population by periodically flooding their breeding grounds to deprive the insect of the moist soil necessary for egg laying.  The mosquito impoundments are still in use today.

An observation tower overlooking one of the impoundments often provides rich views of the diverse birdlife that frequents the wetlands.  Most commonly seen are wading birds like the Great Egret, the Great Blue Heron, the Snowy Egret, the Wood Stork, and the White Ibis.  Overhead, look for Cormorants and Anhinga flying by.  Listen for the chattering call of the Belted Kingfisher and look for its quick flight as it darts amongst the mangroves.  Other wildlife one might see hiking the trails include tree frogs, songbirds, woodpeckers, opossums, raccoons, and the stealthy bobcat.      

The ORCA entrance is located on Oslo Road (9th St. S.E.) just east of U.S. 1.  After passing the shopping center, look for the ORCA sign and parking lot on the left.  ORCA is open from dawn to dusk.  There are no restroom facilities.  Visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water since none is available in ORCA.  Insect repellant is also advised depending on time of year.  Though the trail is well maintained, some uneven ground should be expected and sturdy shoes should be worn.  For more information, visit the ORCA website at http://www.ourorca.org/

< < < back to Audubon Academy 2008