Field Trip: SUMICA - Polk County Environmental Lands

Date: Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Location: SUMICA, 4 miles past River Ranch at 14020 State Road 60, Lake Wales, FL

Leader Name: Ricky Ray

Trip/area Description, with any special characteristics: SUMICA is the largest of Polk County's Environmental Lands and an excellent place to take gorgeous nature pictures. Boasting an expanse of pine flatwoods, the land also supports a diversity of marshes and a picturesque oak hammock. If you climb up to the former railroad bed that runs through the SUMICA property and rises six feet above the landscape, you'll have a great shaded vantage point of the countryside. This 4,031-acre tract sits on the shore of Lake Weohyakapka.

Two hikes on the same day: #1- Hike to hardwood forest that is a great place to see Red-headed Woodpeckers and migrating birds. 3-4 hours at 3-4 miles of hiking.

#2- Hiking along forest road that may be wet in spots. Swamp and forest along the road. Easy walking but if the road is too wet, the group may decide to cancel this walk. 2-3 hours and 3-4 miles of hiking.October

Where you’d like participants to meet: Meet at the IHOP parking lot at 8800 20th St. in Vero Beach.

Time of meeting: 7:00 am.

Number of participants limit (either individuals, or vehicles if a driving tour): No limit.

Host or Publisher Pelican Island Audubon Society