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Oakland Nature Preserve 

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West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a "hidden gem".  A 150-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages.

Find us at 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, Florida 34760

  1. Take Exit 272, FL-50/Colonial Drive, off Florida’s Turnpike.
  2. Head west on FL-50/W Colonial Drive, towards Clermont, for 0.87 miles.
  3. Turn right onto FL-438, Oakland Avenue, for 1.16 miles.
  4. Turn left onto Machete Trail, and proceed through the Preserve entrance, to the parking lot.

RegulationsPhoto Screech owl in Owl Box

These regulations help us protect the Preserve's resources while also providing you a safe and enjoyable experience.

 The following activities are prohibited in the Oakland Nature Preserve:

  • Traveling of boardwalk or trails by vehicle or bicycle.
  • Bringing dogs or other pets onto Preserve property. *Service animals are welcome to visit with their owners. Please clean up after your animal and have them leashed at all times.
  • Willfully approaching wildlife, including nesting birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
  • Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) on Preserve property without prior permission.
  • Hunting or feeding wildlife, including fishing.
  • Traveling off boardwalks or designated trails.
  • Throwing anything off boardwalk or trails.
  • Smoking on Preserve property.

ADMISSION

There is no cost to enter the Preserve, hike our trails or visit the Museum, however donations are greatly appreciated in any of the donation stations around the Preserve or Education Center. 

 Visit

747 Machete Trail
Oakland, FL 34760
(407) 905-0054

 Write

PO Box 841
Oakland, FL 34760-0841

 Trail Hours

Open 365 days a year

Sunrise to Sunset

Accessibility

The Healthy West Orange Boardwalk to Lake Apopka is an accessible trail and two restrooms at the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center are accessible.

Photography

Drone Usage on Property

Visitors are not permitted to use or fly drones over the property.

Personal Photography/Video

Visitors are permitted to take photographs and videos of the Preserve for personal use only. Personal photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes. Portrait photography is permitted when the Preserve is open from sunrise and sunset. 

Commercial Photography/Film

Photographs, video or film for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Director in advance. Commercial photography is subjected to fees and permitting.  For more information, contact us (407) 905-0054. 

Respect for the Preserve’s Sanctuary and Program

      • All visitors (including photographers) must remain on the trails at all times.  Going off trail violates sensitive wildlife habitat and disturbs resident wildlife.
      • Photographers may not block trails during their session.
      • Do not pick the flowers or plants or rearrange the natural environment for any reason.
      • Do not climb or sit on split rail fences or railings.  Stand or sit in front of them for photography.
      • Fallen logs are not to be used as staging props for groups – use benches provided.  Do not climb trees, downed trunks, or other natural items.  The Nature Play children’s play area is the only place this activity is permitted, and then only on the equipment provided.  Do not enter the woods around the area.
      • No props are permitted without prior written approval from ONP staff.  NO helium or air filled balloons are permitted at any time.  Because of the nature of the facilities no birdseed, rice, flower petals, glitter or confetti of any sort may be used or thrown anywhere on ONP property.  Smoke bombs are not permitted.
      • Photographers and their clients must respect other visitors.  Loud noise, running on trails, and stomping on the boardwalk is inappropriate and must be avoided.
      • Do not ask staff/volunteers to stop work or move equipment/tools.  Other visitors on the property must not be approached and asked to relocate their activity.
      • At no time should wildlife be chased, teased, petted, fed or otherwise harassed.  Live wildlife is not provided as part of a photography background – this is their home.  
      • Photographers are expected to be aware of ONP education programs being conducted at the Preserve and to avoid disturbing these groups.  

Photography/Video Consent

As part of the consideration for entrance to Oakland Nature Preserve, visitors give consent to the Preserve, the Town of Oakland and its contractors to photograph or videotape them and any minor children who accompany them to the Preserve and use the photograph(s) for informational, educational, promotional or publicity purposes concerning the Town, the Preserve and their services. The photos or videos may be used on the Town or Preserve's website, in Town or Preserve publications or displays, newspapers, magazines, reports or other public documents; or electronic or digital recordings. Any photos or video taken in the Preserve may be used without any further consent or authorization from its visitors and visitors will not be entitled to any compensation for use of the photos and video.  By accepting admission to the Preserve, visitors voluntarily accept and agree to these terms.

Florida Communities Trust LogoFunding for the acquisition of this site was provided by the Florida Communities Trust using Preservation 2000 funds.

 

  

Call: +1 407-905-0054


Address:
P O Box 841

747 Machete Trail

Oakland, FL 34760


A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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