Trout Lake Nature Center
In 1988, the Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC) was founded by the Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society whose members financed and purchased the land where TLNC is located. Later the City of Eustis established a conservation easement on additional adjacent lands to expand TLNC to approximately 230 acres. Over the years TLNC has grown from a small group of volunteers with some land into a unique nature center that is a private nonprofit 501[c]3 corporation. TLNC has a series of nature trails that meander throughout the property and travel through a variety of habitats. A boardwalk will take you to the shores of Trout Lake where you can observe ospreys, alligators, whistling ducks, heron, cormorants and other wildlife. A Natural History Museum with live critters and examples of the different Florida wildlife is on-site along with an Education Building with the capacity to seat up to 125 people. Facilities are used by a variety of groups and TLNC offers programs for adults and youth throughout the year. TLNC also sponsors off-site activities and events such as paddle and hiking tours.
Trout Lake Nature Center's mission is to: Preserve and maintain the native flora and fauna within the ecosystems of TLNC Instill knowledge and understanding of the interrelationships in the natural world with particular emphasis on water, wetlands, and wildlife. Teach stewardship and promote conservation of our natural environment.
