ONP boardwalk repairs in progress

Repairs are in progress to restore the popular boardwalk leading to Lake Apopka, which has been closed since Hurricane Milton caused significant damage. Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, the preserve staff is hopeful the boardwalk will reopen by Thanksgiving.

The donation has enabled the preserve to cover the costs of hurricane recovery, including tree removal across the property and repairs to fences, sheds and the boardwalk itself. This support comes as a relief to both the preserve’s leadership and visitors who have missed this key feature of the site.

“We are grateful for the generosity that has made these repairs possible,” said Nicole O'Brien, ONP director. “The boardwalk is a vital part of what makes the preserve special, and we are working diligently to have it ready for visitors as soon as we can.”

ONP staff also thanks the dozens of volunteers who assisted with tree and debris removal in the weeks following the storms. Their assistance was key to allowing most of the trails to reopen within days, O’Brien said, and their continued help has reopened crucial habitat restoration areas.

An official reopening date will be announced soon.

Oakland Nature Preserve is a community-focused organization dedicated to conservation, education and connecting people with the area’s natural environment.