Birders and other wildlife enthusiasts should be very interested and concerned about possible outcomes from the upcoming Lake Apopka Restoration Summit, being held December 14 at Lake Sumter Community College, Clermont campus from 8:30am-6pm.

The Lake Apopka area, one of Florida's Special Places andImportant Bird Area, is one of the foremost birding spots in Florida. At least 348 species have been seen there and during the 1998 Christmas bird count (CBC), 174 species of birds were identified, the highest species total for an inland count in the 100-year history of the annual CBC.

After years of slow but now steady progress in restoring the lake and wetlands after decades of abuse, there are proposals afoot to reduce funding for continuing the restoration and suggestions that could result in decreased lake and bird habitat quality. Learn more about the meeting by going to the Friends of Lake Apopka website.

Thank you to Audubon of Florida Board Member Robert Stamps, Orange County Audubon, Oklawaha Valley Audubon, and Seminole Audubon for their leadership on this important issue. Please share this message with others who care about Lake Apopka as much as you do. Together we can make a difference, so bring a friend or family member and we'll see you Wednesday!

Lake Apopka Restoration Summit

December 14, 2011: 8:30am-6pm

Lake Sumter Community College 1250 N Hancock Rd.

Clermont, FL 34711-5931