Lake Monroe Conservation Area: Kratzert Tract - Osteen, FL
Posted by: 
Janila
N 28° 49.913 W 081° 11.486
17R E 481324 N 3189374
Lake Monroe Conservation Area is a wildlife area dedicated to the memory of Minnie Kratzert whose family previously owned the land.
Waymark Code: WMZ2YD
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 09/02/2018
Views: 2
When we first started visiting our vacation home in Florida regularly about ten years ago, we kept noticing signs for Florida Birding Trails and out of curiosity one day, we decided to check out where the signs led. As a hiker, I was thrilled with the findings, as a couch potato, my husband not so much. Since that time, although not a bird watcher, I have used these trails as guidelines for interesting places to hike.
The Lake Monroe Conservation Area is near our home so it was a logical first stop for me. And now I am happy that it is the first Florida Birding Trail that I can submit on Waymarking.
From the Greater Florida Birding website:
Although this property is largely composed of freshwater wetlands, a mile long multi-use trail on slightly higher topography provides a different experience than the surrounding marshes. The best birding here is in spring and fall. Start by picking up a map at the entrance kiosk and hike the loop trail through hardwood/sabal palm hammock and longleaf pine restoration plots. Swallow-tailed Kites and Blue Grosbeaks have nested here in the past. Migratory songbirds include Gray-cheeked Thrushes, Ovenbirds and Louisiana Waterthrushes. Expect resident woodpeckers such as Downy and Pileated, and in summer nesting Northern Parula and White-eyed Vireo. Sandhill Cranes are possible. Primitive camping is permissible via a separate foot trail located off SR 415. Mosquitoes can be bad so come prepared. Seasonal hunting may take place when the lake drops below the average water level; call ahead for more information.
Website is at this link:http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/cooperative/lake-monroe