APOPKA, Fla. – The Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Drive is celebrating a decade of success this year, marking 10 years since this remarkable area was opened to the public as a destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

Once farmland known for its vegetable crops like Zellwood sweet corn, cabbage, and radishes, the 20,000-acre North Shore area has undergone a significant transformation.

For over 30 years, dedicated restoration efforts have turned this once intensely farmed landscape back into a thriving wetland ecosystem that supports an incredible variety of wildlife.

Jim Peterson, with the St. John’s River Water management District, reflected on the anniversary and the evolution of the land.

“This property was purchased to restore Lake Apopka, and a side benefit is all the recreation out here,” Peterson said. “It’s great to see people enjoying the property, being safe, and respecting the wildlife.”

200 thousand visitors a year make their way through the Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Drive. (WKMG-TV)

The Wildlife Drive—a scenic 11-mile, one way path through the restored wetlands—is now one of the most popular sites managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, attracting nearly 200,000 visitors annually on Fridays, weekends and holidays.

Everett Montiel lifted his camera to his eye and focused on a water bird. He snapped the shutter and smiled. “They’re too far out, they need to be a little closer,” he said.

Everett Montiel explores the Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Drive (WKMG-TV)

Visitors like Montiel can expect to see an impressive array of birds, with more than 369 species spotted in the area, making it one of Florida’s premier birding locations. Alligators, bobcats, otters, and other wildlife are also commonly seen, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Before the restoration, the North Shore area was heavily farmed for vegetables, contributing large amounts of phosphorus to Lake Apopka.

“They were taking water in when they needed it for irrigation,” Peterson said. “And then they were pumping it out at about eight to ten times higher with phosphorus.”

This nutrient overload caused harmful algae blooms that deprived the lake of submerged aquatic vegetation, crucial habitat for fish and other aquatic animals.

Legislation starting in 1985 unlocked funding and authority to start cleaning up the lake. More than $100 million was spent purchasing farm properties, allowing the transformation of the landscape from nutrient-polluting farmland back to wetlands.

Visitors are almost guaranteed to see alligators on the wildlife drive. (WKMG-TV)

“We put Lake Apopka on a nutrient diet,” Peterson explained. Efforts such as controlling phosphorus runoff, pumping water through marsh flowways to filter nutrients, and actively restoring native submerged plants have contributed to improving water quality and bringing back the bass fishery for which the lake was once famous.

“We’ve had a lot of different agencies from all over the United States and from other countries come here and visit Lake Apopka to look at our projects ,” Peterson said. “So it could be a template for other projects.”

The restoration continues today with ongoing projects including infrastructure maintenance, habitat management, and public education to ensure the sustainability of this remarkable natural area.

As the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Wildlife Drive takes place, Peterson said its the combined efforts of scientists, legislators, and the community that’s created a lasting environmental and recreational treasure.

“We know we’re not where we want to be yet on the restoration of the final water quality and habitat but we know we’re getting better,” Peterson said. “So if we continue our restoration work, which we will, I think we’ll see great things for the lake in the future.”

For those eager to explore, the Wildlife Drive is open Fridays through Sundays and on federal holidays, with a 20-mile loop trail accessible daily for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.