Lake Apopka designated a UNEP Restoration Road Trip destination

Lake Apopka receiving the honor from the United Nations Environment Programme in February.

By Annabelle Sikes
| 9:00 a.m. March 29, 2024

Lake Apopka is the headwaters of the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes.

West Orange Times & Observer
News

Lake Apopka has been designated a United Nations Environment Programme Restoration Road Trip destination.

A sign announcing the designation was unveiled Monday, March 18, at Newtown Park, with Lake Apopka receiving the honor in February.

The honor means Lake Apopka is recognized as a destination worthy of visiting to see effective restoration efforts in person.

The global map on the UNEP's website also now includes Lake Apopka as a designated destination.

This effort is thanks to the ongoing endeavors made by Friends of Lake Apopka since 1991 to restore the lake and wetlands. The map also directs visitors to the FOLA website to find more information about the history and progress of the restoration.

The UNEP has been highlighting ecological restoration efforts throughout North America since 2021.

Located at the shore of Lake Apopka, at 31 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden, Newton Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Amenities at the park include a boat ramp, playground and picnic areas.

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Annabelle Sikes

News Editor Annabelle Sikes was born in Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology. Her past journalism experiences include serving as a web producer at the Orlando Sentinel, a reporter at The Community Paper, managing editor for NSM Today, digital manager at Centric Magazine and as an intern for the Orlando Weekly.