Trout Lake Nature Center
We are almost back to normal after the break-in with a few repairs
remaining to be completed on our wildlife mounts in the diorama.
Our Education Building has reopened with the new flooring (courtesy of Lowe’s, Mt. Dora and Legacy Flooring). The diorama is viewable but not completely reinstalled. We are adding a spectacular new wildlife mount to the diorama. This installation and other mount repairs are scheduled for October 3.
As always our trails are open and with our recent wet weather, the mushrooms are sprouting. Another activity, we have installed along the trails at TLNC, is stone critters. We have three groupings of raccoons and three sitting foxes placed along our trails for you to seek and find. Approximately every two weeks they are moved to different locations so you can return for a critter hunt over and over.
Staff and volunteers are eager to do impromptu presentations about nature for small groups (under 10) that follow physical distancing guidelines. Our education ambassadors (turtles and snakes), wildlife mounts and other artifacts help to tell natural history stories. Just ask when you visit.
First Saturday Birding has resumed but you must register in advance and numbers are limited to protect our guides and visitors. As birding conditions improve, we will hold additional birding events throughout the month. Check out our social media to learn about upcoming events.
Please come out to visit, enjoy our trails, and have some fun in nature.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing our newly renovated natural history museum with you!
Real Florida, Real close
At Trout Lake Nature Center we are on a mission to educate and inform people of all ages about not only our environment but on how to protect and preserve the lands, waters and their inhabitants. As a regional educational resource, we hold numerous demonstrations, talks, events and educational opportunities that will interest all ages. We are committed to working with Lake County schools so children gain a unique perspective of our area’s wildlife and lands and make positive nature connections.
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Why we do what we do
We love to share great nature experiences. We offer many events every year to bring our visitors on the journey with us. From nature walks, musical events, the Nature Sprouts program, scouting events, holiday events and more, we bring excitement to the study and enjoyment of nature and wildlife. Tell your friends, neighbors and classmates about us and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date.
To see the joy on children’s face as they encounter one of our turtles, snakes or other critters reminds us why we do what we do. A walk on a trail and boardwalk to the dock on Trout Lake is a peaceful and scenic experience. The 230-acre property features a museum, educational displays, several trails, a swinging bridge and a picnic area. Don’t miss our stunning grandfather oak.
Our visitors
Last year Trout Lake Nature Center had over 12,900 visitors, not including students and program participants. TLNC is a wonderful place to experience natural Florida and learn about this very special region of the state. Visitors enjoy walking the many trails, visiting the museum and strolling the peaceful lake boardwalk.
– BILL H. I. via TripAdvisor
Our Amenities
Our Capital Building Fund
Due to our popularity and the need to provide more programs, a capital building campaign is underway. We plan to construct a new natural history museum to replace the aging double-side trailer museum, add classroom, smaller meeting spaces, outdoor bathrooms and improved parking and infrastructure.
To date, approximately $900,000 has been raised.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE ORDER FORM HERE.
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Interpretive Trails
Throughout our 230 acre property, there are many trails for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Most trail are easy hikes that can be strolled by young and old.
Interpretive signs can be found throughout the property that tell about the things you will see. Keep an eye out for our resident turtles! Download and Print the Map here.
We have wonderful Volunteers
For some people volunteering is about giving. For Trout Lake Nature Center volunteers, it’s about living and sharing with others. Thank you for all that you do!
Our latest news
Extra Hours on Thursdays
TLNC will stay open later on Thursdays to give visitors an opportunity to walk the trails and enjoy the sunset at the lake. The gate will be open until 7:00 and visitors are asked to depart by dusk.
Find Hidden Figures
Walking in the woods is enjoyable and many of us are getting outside for both our physical and mental health but it can get boring to walk the same area or trails day after day. To help make each walk at the Trout Lake Nature Center an adventure or to give your walk...
Keep Wildlife in the Wild
By Anthony SmejekIf you're enjoying the outdoors with your family and your child comes across a cute little wildlife critter like a turtle, baby bird, or any number of animals in the woods, it is tempting to gather it up and take it home. However, this can become a...