Twin Oaks Conservation Area
In June 2010, Osceola County purchased the Twin Oaks Conservation Area through the Environmental Lands Conservation Program, formerly known as SAVE Osceola. The 370 acre parcel provides protection and enhancement of water resources, flood storage and wildlife habitat along Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho), part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Twin Oaks is accessible by Henry Partin Road, south of Neptune Road.
Twin Oaks is characterized by improved pastures, live oak hammocks, wet prairies, freshwater marshes, shrub wetlands and remnant cypress. The property has historically served as a cattle ranch and sod production area. As such, the property required restoration efforts to return the landscape to its natural state. The first phase of land restoration required over 45,000 new native plants to be introduced by hand.
The goals of habitat restoration at Twin Oaks are to return the landscape to its natural state in an effort to maintain healthy ecological function of the property, through proper hydrological enhancements and to reestablish native vegetation to attract wildlife. Reintroduced plants included saw palmetto, longleaf pine, cabbage palm, cypress, oak, beautyberry, sweetgum, magnolia , wire grass, and wildflowers. Twin Oaks provides a conservation area for native wildlife and a source of passive recreation to the public.
Location
2001 Macy Island Road
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Amenities
- Equestrian trails
- Fishing
- Hiking trails
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Primitive camping (groups)
- Wildlife viewing