We visited Colt Creek
State Park in Lakeland, Florida by accident not long after it opened in
January, 2007. We did a lot of day trips to various parts of natural Florida at
that time, honing our nature photography skills and wrestling with the question
of starting a photography business. At the time,
someone suggested we check out the Green Swamp area.
Map and atlas in hand,
we drove along route 471 and suddenly saw the state park sign. We pulled in and
looked around. At that point the park consisted of a dirt road and a couple of
areas to hike, but not much else.
Last week we decided
to go back to the park. As we pulled in, we found a ranger station, a very
helpful volunteer, and a paved road. We drove along the main park drive and
parked next to a new building with an enclosed pavilion and restrooms. Most of
our fellow visitors stood on a nearby dock fishing in Mack Lake. We walked the
road toward the back of the pavilion and picked up part of the Flatwoods Trail.
We met a ranger who pointed out the area that would be made into a family
camping area, hopefully by the end of the year.
I remembered good
birding from our previous visit, and found the same again. The lakes and swamp
areas attract numerous water and wading birds. During one short walk I saw
American Coots, Anhinga, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tri-color, and many
White Ibis.
We are looking forward
to future visits, and to the opening of the campground. Located in the Green
Swamp wilderness area, the park itself is peaceful and a wonderful way to enjoy
Florida’s unique natural areas.
