ARTICLE
Sometimes I can spend hours getting lost in the beauty of nature. I find myself most relaxed when observing animals and listening to the sounds of wind against the trees while surrounded by nature. One place that I have found to be a perfect escape from the real world is Circle B Bar Reserve. Circle B opened in 2001 after a local cattle rancher, Alfred Bellotto, sold his 1,267 acres (about twice the area of Central Park in New York City) of pastureland to the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 2000. Circe B has been visited by over 5,000 nature enthusiasts during certain times of the year. It is located on the southwest side of Lakeland by Polk State College. If you have not been to Circle B before I encourage you to take the time to experience the wonder and beauty of this nature preserve. The natural sights at Circle B are endless. From alligators and bald eagles to wild hogs and frogs, there is no shortage of animal species for you to discover. I enjoy taking a stroll along the dirt path lined with ginormous oak trees near the dock on Lake Hanock to see how many alligators are lurking in the water. The last time I was at Circle B I was able to see quite a few butterflies and an armadillo. Circle B offers many unique, marked paths to choose from. These paths vary in length and intensity but considering Florida’s terrain, are not too treacherous when it comes to an incline. Some of the paths you will encounter are paved, while others are a more natural dirt or grass trail. Depending on the route you choose you may encounter more wildlife within the vast landscape. To be best prepared for your Circle B adventure I recommend some comfortable shoes, plenty of water and sunscreen. Circle B is no stranger to the Florida heat so make sure you are prepared to treat yourself to a post walk ice cream or just a cold shower. Although the heat can be brutal, the views and wildlife are sure to distract you while enjoying this nature reserve. If you are a nature lover like me or searching for an escape from reality, take a stroll through Circle B. It is a wonderful place to marvel at wildlife in close proximity and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us right here in Lakeland. When you find a place, you love in Lakeland be sure to use #ExploreLKLD on your social media to share your experience with us. Written by Faith Carr Photos by Faith Carr
Sometimes I can spend hours getting lost in the beauty of nature. I find myself most relaxed when observing animals and listening to the sounds of wind against the trees while surrounded by nature. One place that I have found to be a perfect escape from the real world is Circle B Bar Reserve.
Circle B opened in 2001 after a local cattle rancher, Alfred Bellotto, sold his 1,267 acres (about twice the area of Central Park in New York City) of pastureland to the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 2000. Circe B has been visited by over 5,000 nature enthusiasts during certain times of the year. It is located on the southwest side of Lakeland by Polk State College. If you have not been to Circle B before I encourage you to take the time to experience the wonder and beauty of this nature preserve.
The natural sights at Circle B are endless. From alligators and bald eagles to wild hogs and frogs, there is no shortage of animal species for you to discover. I enjoy taking a stroll along the dirt path lined with ginormous oak trees near the dock on Lake Hanock to see how many alligators are lurking in the water. The last time I was at Circle B I was able to see quite a few butterflies and an armadillo.
Circle B offers many unique, marked paths to choose from. These paths vary in length and intensity but considering Florida’s terrain, are not too treacherous when it comes to an incline. Some of the paths you will encounter are paved, while others are a more natural dirt or grass trail. Depending on the route you choose you may encounter more wildlife within the vast landscape.
To be best prepared for your Circle B adventure I recommend some comfortable shoes, plenty of water and sunscreen. Circle B is no stranger to the Florida heat so make sure you are prepared to treat yourself to a post walk ice cream or just a cold shower. Although the heat can be brutal, the views and wildlife are sure to distract you while enjoying this nature reserve.
If you are a nature lover like me or searching for an escape from reality, take a stroll through Circle B. It is a wonderful place to marvel at wildlife in close proximity and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us right here in Lakeland.
When you find a place, you love in Lakeland be sure to use #ExploreLKLD on your social media to share your experience with us.
Written by Faith Carr
Photos by Faith Carr