The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve is Now Open on Weekends

Visit one of Central Florida’s best hiking spots

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA — July 29, 2009 — Now open on weekends, The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve consists of 12,000 acres of restored wetlands, pine flatwoods, cypress domes and prairie. The preserve, located just outside Poinciana, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entrance is free.

Cited as one of Central Florida’s best hikes by the Orlando Sentinel, the preserve features a 2.5-mile trail that leads to Lake Russell, one of Central Florida’s last remaining undeveloped lakes. Relax on a rocking chair at the Conservation Learning Center’s porch, hike the trail or enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake. Absorb the sights and sounds of Florida’s wilderness at the headwaters of the Everglades.

Come visit us seven days a week from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Trails close at 4:30 p.m. For directions or to learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve, visit our Web site at www.nature.org/florida or call (407) 935-0002.

Visitors should call ahead as access to the preserve may be limited due to flooding or land management projects.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. With funding from the Florida Forever program and our generous donors the Conservancy has helped protect more than 1.2 million acres in Florida since 1961.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.