Are you a nature-loving, trail riding, hiking adventure kind of traveler? We have those eco-friendly experiences right here in Florida. Make the most of your visit to Florida and enjoy some Florida eco-fun as well.
Forever Florida
Forever Florida is a unique eco-tourism attraction located in St. Cloud, Florida; just one hour southeast of Orlando. Departing from a picturesque Florida cattle and horse ranch, guest’s journey deep into the 4,700-acre Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area. Enjoy a horseback, zipline, or coach safari. The profits from these adventures fund the Allen Broussard Conservancy that seeks to preserve Florida lands and species.
The Florida Trail
More than 1,000 miles of scenic trails traverse the state along The Florida Trail. The section of the trail that passes through central Florida and Kissimmee takes serious hikers into the heart of Florida’s cattle country and the Kissimmee River floodplain. Pick up the trail at one of 12 trailheads that access 100 miles of natural beauty. At Yates Marsh, stroll through pine forests and open prairie, thickets of palm and open cattle ranches. Hit the trail at the Chandler Slough trailhead and walk under a canopy of live oaks and weave in and out of wetlands. The trail also follows the route of the Kissimmee River and heads through the bird-rich Kissimmee Prairie and by numerous area lakes.
http://floridahikes.com/florida-trail
Gatorland
Alligator and crocodile park with free-fligh aviary, petting zoo, and animal shows. Gatorland has the exciting “Trainer for a Day” experience where you can experience what it takes to be able to work with and around dangerous animals.
Reptile World Serpentarium
Maybe snakes are more your interest. Hold a snake or two, watch a venom extraction show, feed the turtles or iguanas, pet a baby alligator.
http://www.reptileworldserpentarium.com/
Big Cat Rescue
Big Cat Rescue, one of the world’s largest accredited sanctuaries for exotic cats, is a leading advocate in ending the abuse of captive big cats and saving wild cats from extinction. We are home to about 80 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, servals and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. We are a sanctuary, not a zoo, so our animals come first. We do not allow people to wander around unescorted. Our tours are all guided and provide an educational experience that includes the plight of big cats in the wild and in captivity and what you can do to save them. You will be expected to follow the Tour Rules.
http://bigcatrescue.org/visit-the-big-cats/
Vandy Pacetti-Donelson is a Library Media Specialist. She is a Florida Native, library advocate and Board Director for the Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME). Find her online at www.eliterateandlevelingup.com or follow her on Twitter @VandyPD.
