FIELD TRIP: Circle B Bar Reserve

Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Location: Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL

Trip Leader Name: Steve Palmquist

Trip Leaders Contact information: 561-703-8763

Trip/area Description: This 1,267-acre preserve in Central Florida lies next to Lake Hancock. There are areas of marshes and uplands with a wide variety of plants, birds and other wildlife, especially alligators. There is no admission fee. The bird checklist has over 220 species. This is a former cattle ranch that serves to conserve the Upper Peace River/Lake Hancock watershed. Habitats include freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, and oak hammocks. The open waters and wetlands have many ducks and shorebirds, including whistling ducks, American Avocet, King Rail, Wood Storks, Limpkins, and Purple Gallinules. Bald Eagles and Florida Sandhill Cranes are always present. Large numbers of American White Pelicans occur in winter. The oak woodlands have migrant songbirds while the pastures have Eastern Meadowlarks and wintering sparrows. Trails by the nature center are paved and are wheelchair friendly.

Duration of trip: Meet at the at 7:00am. Driving time is about two hours. We will likely be at the park for at least 4 hours.

Walking distance (if applicable): 2-4 miles on firm pathways

Degree of difficulty: There are several trails. The most popular trail is about 4 to 5 miles, but each person can decide to hike less or more.

Where you’d like participants to meet: IHOP parking area at 8800 20th Street in Vero Beach on Route 60.

Time of meeting: 7:00 am

Limit to number of participants: No limit.

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