The liquid heart of Florida lies in the remaining backcountry between Tampa and Orlando.   Encompassing 870 square miles, the Green Swamp is the state’s second-largest wetlands system after the Everglades and covers portions of Polk, Lake, Sumter, Pasco, and Hernando counties.  This unique and fragile ecosystem is a mosaic of pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, cypress swamps, prairies and sandhills.   

WHERE TO GO…

· The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve encompasses over 120,000 acres owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Preserve is divided into three management units which include portions of Lake, Polk, Sumter and Pasco counties. Discover the many recreational opportunities that the Preserve offers at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation . To learn more about the Green Swamp check out www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/greenswamp .

· Lake Louisa State Park lies on the shore of Lake Louisa in the northeast corner of the swamp in Lake County. Recreation activities include swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing and horseback riding. RV and primitive camp sites are available. New cabins will be available soon. For more information call 352-394-3969 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa .

· Hilochee Wildlife Management Area, which straddles Lake and Polk counties, provides ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. For more information visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website: www.floridaconservation.org/recreation/hilochee .

· The General James Van Fleet State Trail is a safe and pleasant place for bicyclists, hikers, joggers and horseback riders to enjoy. The 29 mile former railroad track extends through the Green Swamp from Polk City through Bay Lake to Mabel. For more information call 352-516-7384 or visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways & Trails website: www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/general_james.htm .

· Gator Creek Reserve is located in the Green Swamp north of Lakeland on U.S. 98. This 1086 acre property managed by Polk County features a 0.6 mil paved loop nature trail with handicapped access, picnic tables, restrooms and more than four miles of marked trails. For more information visit: www.polk-county.net/county_offices/natural_resources/environmental_lands/gator_creek.aspx