Recreation guide to District lands
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Sunnyhill Restoration Area
Size:
4,405 acres.
Location:
North of County Road (CR) 42, stretching along nine miles of the Ocklawaha River in Marion County, east of Lake Weir and the town of Weirsdale.
Description:
This land was purchased to restore wetland functions on a portion of the historic Ocklawaha River floodplain. In cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the District plans to reestablish more than nine miles of the old Ocklawaha River channel and divert a portion of the water back into the area. This will improve wildlife habitat and water quality and provide for flood storage. An old farmhouse on the property, known as the Blue House, showcases an exhibit of the Ocklawaha River Basin and how the area has changed over time.
Wildlife viewing:
All kinds of wading birds feed in the marshes, including glossy and white ibis, little blue and tri-colored herons, and great and snowy egrets. Thousands of sandhill cranes spend the winter in the Ocklawaha River Basin. Red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, osprey and three owl species live here year-round. Other animal species, including black bear, river otter and bobcat, are returning to the area as restoration proceeds.
Recreational activities:
- Hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, bicycling, picnicking and primitive camping. more info
- Bank fishing is available at the canal at the western edge of the property.
Restrictions: more info
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted.
Access:
The entrance for the Blue House and for tours is on the north side of CR 42, 5.9 miles east of Weirsdale. Two parking areas are along the west side of Southeast 182nd Avenue Road. Boat ramps at Moss Bluff and CR 42 provide access along the western river boundary.
For more information:
Call the District’s Bureau of Operations at (386) 329-4404; for information on the Blue House meeting facility, call (352) 821-1043.
