Protecting 40 acres of woodlands on the western slope of the Lake Wales Ridge, Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve provides a sanctuary for numerous native species.
Donated to the Green Horizon Land Trust in 2010 by Jim Pedersen, it is named after his mother.
This important conservation area stands in stark contrast to surrounding lands that have been subject to extensive farming and development.
In 2012, the preserve became accessible to the public, featuring two separate trails built by volunteers.
Shady footpathResources
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Overview
Location: Lake Wales
Length: 1.3 miles
Trailhead: 27.991833, -81.595556
Address: 6609 N Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Green Horizon Land Trust
Phone: 863-678-1237
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the junction of US 27 and SR 60 west of Lake Wales, head north on US 27 for 1.8 miles before turning right onto W Mountain Lake Cutoff Rd. In 0.7 miles, make a left onto SR 17N, and continue for 4.8 miles, where the entrance to the preserve will be on the left side of the road.
Hike
At the parking area, a trio of signs provide information about the preserve and some of the obstacles to keeping the ecosystem in a more natural state, free of invasive species.
The trail begins alongside a picnic bench standing in the dappled shade of a thick canopy.
Signs and picnic table at the trailheadIn a hundred feet, turn right to begin the loop as it winds through a mix of various hardwoods, pine, and cabbage palms.
Beautyberry and coral bean shrubs border the trail alongside fallen logs covered in fungi.
Mixed forestThe trail takes a sharp turn to the left, passing an impressive oak, its heavy limbs covered with resurrection ferns and Spanish moss.
Beyond the oak, begin a slight descent towards the lake. Waterfowl and chirping frogs can be heard in the distance.
Large oakReaching 0.3 miles, follow a short side trail down to the shoreline of Lake Annie, where an inviting bench sits alongside the placid waters.
The trail gradually ascends along the southern half of the loop, returning to the parking area at 0.7 miles.
Bench overlooking Lake AnnieTo explore the second loop, head down the driveway and look for a trailhead sign on the left.
While walking down the pavement, look for milkweeds and other attractive wildflowers emerging from this cleared section undergoing scrub habitat restoration.
Milkweed in bloomA picnic table sits under the shade at the beginning of the trail, offering a spot to sit and listen to crickets and songbirds.
This loop weaves through the forest for half a mile before returning to the paved driveway, a short distance from the parking area.
Shaded picnic benchTrail Map
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Video
Hiking Barbara B. Pedersen Wildlife Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Bok Tower Gardens Art, architecture, and nature intersect among fifty acres of gardens first planted a century ago atop Iron Mountain at Lake Wales.
Gobbler Ridge Trail From its showy start with a climb up an observation tower to its breezy loop along Lake Kissimmee, the 2.8 mile Gobbler Ridge Trail offers scenic views all along its length
Ridge Audubon Center Atop the Lake Wales Ridge, the nature trails at the Ridge Audubon Center in Babson Park do a fabulous job of interpreting the unique flora and fauna of this island of biodiversity.
Crooked Lake Sandhill On surprisingly steep slopes, the 0.8 mile trail at Crooked Lake Sandhill scrambles a forested ridge above Crooked Lake.
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