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 Often referred to as the "Nature Lover’s
Paradise" , Lake County offers residents and visitors an escape from the
fast pace of modern living. Because there are more than 1,400 lakes in
the county, fishermen and pleasure-boaters have plenty of freshwater to
explore and enjoy. Many of these lakes are part of the Harris Chain of
Lakes, a series of interconnected waterways that allow boaters to travel
from one lake to another. If they desire, they can actually continue on
through other rivers and lakes until they reach the Florida coasts.
 It is estimated that about 17% of Lake
County’s 722,000 acres is made up of lakes of all sizes and shapes. Lake
Harris, which is near the town of Leesburg, is the largest in the chain,
and its shores are lined with native plants and trees. Bass and
pan-fishing in the Harris Chain are considered excellent. Records show
that many bass over 13 pounds have been pulled in (a majority of which
have been caught on plastic worms).
The Pringle community of Royal Harbor is
located on the shores of Little Lake Harris. The lake not only provides
residents with an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, it also
serves as a beautiful backdrop to the community.
As you might expect, the Royal Harbor Yacht
Club is one of the community’s most popular activities. A community
marina is also being planned (see "Yacht Club" article this issue). In
the mean time, Hickory Point Marina, which is located just across the
road from the community, offers multiple launch ramps, fishing piers,
and picnic facilities.
 Lake Griffin is another major link in the
Leesburg-to-Atlantic Ocean chain of lakes. Bass fishing is best in its
canals, and in the winter months, specks (or crappies) are abundant.
There are many access points for both boating and fishing, and Lake
Griffin State Park, just north of Leesburg, provides boat ramps, picnic
areas, and campsites.
The Dora Canal is a mile-long waterway that
connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, both of which are large lakes that
provide excellent fishing. Because of its scenic beauty, it has been
called the "most beautiful half-mile of water in the world", and if you
ever have a chance to cruise the canal, take it! You’ll see what locals
refer to as "The Real Florida".
About 20 minutes north of Leesburg is
another "must see", the Ocala National Forest. It attracts over two
million visitors per year and covers over 450,000 acres. It is the
oldest national forest east of the Mississippi, and its home to hundreds
of varieties of birds and animals.
 The Lake County Water Authority and the St.
Johns River Water Management District have purchased and maintain three
large preserves that allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of
Florida. The Emeralda Marsh near Lake Griffin protects wildlife habitat
and provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Bird watchers have
observed over 30 species that thrive in the area, such as the Bald
Eagle, the Purple Gallinule, the Savannah Sparrow, and many others. The
Hidden Waters Preserve near Eustis provides varying wet conditions,
which are perfect for growing a diverse range of vegetation. With rich
soil, lots of shade, and plenty of moisture, it is an ideal location for
many varieties of ferns. In addition, over 35 species of birds have been
observed in this area during the winter months. Finally, the Sawgrass
Island Preserve is a 1,137 acre preserve that protects the water quality
and wildlife of nearby Lake Yale.
Picturesque Lake County truly is every
Nature Lover’s "Paradise". It provides both residents and visitors with
an endless number of outdoor encounters. So please do yourself a favor;
the next time you’re planning to visit Central Florida, be sure to allow
some time in your schedule to stop and smell the roses, and the orchids,
and the water lilies, and - well, you get the picture.
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