Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In celebration of Earth Day 2013, the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department is hosting a volunteer stewardship event at the soon-to-be-opened Lake Alto Preserve on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.  The public is invited to participate.  Because there will be multiple volunteer teams, participants are asked to RSVP prior to the event.  

Participants may choose from three team projects:

·        remove trash and exotic plants from the swamp surrounding the new boardwalk

·        remove trash from the edge of Lake Alto and near the newly refurbished dock

·        install interpretive signs along the trail system

Participants should bring a water container, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, hats and work gloves.  Those wanting to pick up trash on Lake Alto by boat should bring a boat and enough personal floatation devices for their team. 

The 662-acre Lake Alto Preserve is located in the northeast portion of Alachua County between Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe.  It is adjacent to Lake Alto Swamp, a Suwannee River Water Management District property.  Biotic features of the Preserve include seven distinct natural communities, some in excellent condition, and a quarter of the entire shoreline of Lake Alto.

Lands within the preserve were acquired to improve and manage environmentally significant lands, to protect water resources, wildlife habitats and natural areas suitable for resource-based recreation.

The Preserve comprises four tracts, which were purchased between 2005 and 2008, for a total of $3 million. Acquisitions were funded through the voter-approved Alachua County Forever Bond and the Suwannee River Water Management District.

To RSVP, or for more information, contact Alachua County Senior Environmental Specialist, Susie Hetrick at 352-264-6835, 352-213-1217 or shetrick@alachuacounty.us.