Orlando Wetlands Park

I recently spent a lovely morning hiking at the Orlando Wetlands Park 

located in Christmas, Florida. 

With land formerly used as cattle pasture, the City of Orlando created a 1,220 acre man-made wetlands.  Daily, nearly 35 million gallons of highly-treated reclaimed wastewater is pumped 17 miles from the Iron Bridge Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Orlando Wetlands for nature to provide the final filter or "polish." 

The Orlando Wetlands Park is a wonderful success serving as a natural home to raccoons, alligators, coyotes, bobcats, deer, and otters.  The variety and number of birds found at the park will delight any birder.  

The park closes annually from November 15 to January 31.  After re-opening in February, the Orlando Wetlands Festival is held to celebrate the wonderfully beautiful Orlando Wetlands Park.