Oakland Nature Preserve recaps year of growth

Four of the six summer camps at the Oakland Nature Preserve were filled on the first day of registration, more than 6,000 volunteer hours were logged, and more than 1,000 native plants and trees were planted in the last year.

Jennifer Hunt, the nature preserve’s managing director, reported these statistics and more during her annual update at the Tuesday, Aug. 27, Oakland Town Commission meeting.

“It’s exciting; it’s had its challenges,” Hunt said. “This year we changed things a little bit.”

An estimated 35,000 visitors explored the preserve in the last year, she said. This includes hundreds of students from Innovation Montessori Ocoee and Oakland Avenue Charter School, as well as students in the homeschool series. In the summer camp program, 144 campers enjoyed visits from the Bat Conservancy, Avian Reconditioning Center and Orange County History Center; beekeepers and fossil hunters gave presentations too.

Hunt said education is the cornerstone of the preserve.

A future outdoor education space will allow ONP to expand its offerings, she said, and she hopes the preserve can secure funding for the cleanup and creation of the space on the Briley Farm property.

Equally important are the volunteers, and the more people who volunteer, the more likely the preserve is to receive higher grant dollars.

“We can show there is value coming in with our volunteers,” Hunt said.

A total of 189 individuals and 14 groups worked more than 6,000 hours assisting with restoration, events, animal care, data entry, museum docents, eco interpreters and project construction.

Other programs are bringing folks to the preserve, including the UF-Florida Master Naturalist adult certification program, scout badge work, firefly hikes, blue hikes and Story Time at the Preserve.

Nature Fest brought an estimated one thousand people and 38 vendors and partners to ONP, and 1,675 visitors enjoyed the Pumpkin Glow Jack-o’-lantern Trail. The Oakland Heritage Festival and Pours at the Preserve are always popular events.

Eight Eagle Scout candidates created their projects at the preserve, and more than $20,000 in scholarships was awarded to six high school students.

Hunt introduced Nicole O’Brien, who will be taking over Hunt’s position when she retires this month. O’Brien said she and the staff have some exciting programs planned.

ISSUES ON THE ROADS

The commission heard from several residents concerned about speeding vehicles on East Vick and Vandermeer avenues and other parts of historic Oakland. They suggested the town install signs telling drivers to slow down and lower the speed limit in the area to 10 mph.

“The reason I think 10 mph is appropriate is it is a dirt road, there are kids playing there and pets that roam around, and the dust and dirt kicked up would lessen,” the resident said. “I have concerns every time my kids go out.”

Dump trucks along Starr Street are failing to stop at the stop signs where the West Orange Trail crosses as well, resident Donna Reed said.

“I have videos of these dump trucks flying through the stop signs,” she said.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the Oakland Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, safety and security requirements at Oakland Avenue Charter School, the school’s internet policy, and the town’s dispatch agreement with the Winter Garden Police Department.

• The commission made appointments to the Auditor Selection Committee. Mayor Shane Taylor will lead the six-member group.

• Commissioners approved switching the employee health insurance provider from United Healthcare to Florida Blue, resulting in an employer cost savings of $131,492.

• The tentative budget hearing is Monday, Sept. 9, and the final budget hearing is Tuesday, Sept. 24. Both will take place at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Meeting Hall.

• The commission issued four proclamations declaring Sept. 20 West Orange Healthy Selfie Day, September National Preparedness Month, Sept. 2 Labor Day and Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month.