Small groups are welcome to visit during public hours for self-guided exploration. If you plan on bringing a group of more than 10 please contact us to verify our capacity for that timeframe. Our education staff lead field trips and programs and some areas may be inaccessible during class times. Class times are not always published, you will need to call to inquire about availability. Please remember to leave the spaces tidy for other visitors. Use of facilities and trails for events such as weddings, parties or classes must receive prior written authorization from the Managing Director.

Accessibility

The Boardwalk to Lake Apopka is an accessible trail and two restrooms at the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center as well as the museum and classroom are accessible. Other trails are natural with sand and trip hazards such as roots.

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. Group gatherings must not block trail or facility access.
• 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.
• Loud noise 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

Drone Usage on Property

Visitors are not permitted to use or fly drones over the property at any time without prior approval from the ONP staff.

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.   For more information, contact us (407) 905-0054. 

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.