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Community Invited To Use Preserve

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: January 28, 2009

In spite of the chilly weather, the recent grand opening celebration for Conner Preserve in Land O' Lakes went ahead with area schools and some residents attending to get a look at the conservation lands.

The 2,980-acre preserve, located 3.5 miles east of U.S. 41 on State Road 52, now offers bicycling, hiking and walking paths, a model airplane flying field and trails for equestrian use from sunrise to sunset with camping becoming available in 2010. The property was purchased by the Southwest Florida Water Management District for $9.7 million to preserve water resources and natural habitats.

Students from Academy at the Farm, a charter school in Dade City, and Countryside Montessori in Land O' Lakes, learned a lesson about the environment from representatives from Swiftmud like land use specialist Kim Devary and environmental scientist Catherine Wolden.

"We are teaching them about the property and what they might see," Devary said. "We are hoping to encourage them to come back with their parents and to love nature."
Countryside Montessori student Parker Kopins, 10, said he liked the preserve and he didn't even mind the cold.

"I think it is pretty cool out here," Kopins said. "I am going to ask my parents if I can come back."

Throughout the morning, model airplanes could be seen dipping up and down in the sky. Charlie Poulton, president of the Bay City Fliers of Land O' Lakes, said his group has been flying at the preserve since 2006 and he is happy to have the beautiful piece of property opened up to the public.

For information about Swiftmud's public-use conservation lands, visit swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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