A new way for people to connect with nature was unveiled Thursday in west Orange County.
Officials opened the county’s first bird blind at Johns Lake Conservation Area at 880 Avalon Road.
A bird blind is used in nature-based recreation to allow birdwatchers to observe wildlife without being seen.
District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the installation highlights the importance of the county’s conservation efforts.
“I think that you don’t preserve what you don’t love,” Wilson said. “Having the ability to really come and observe the beauty of it and the importance of it in our overall ecosystem hopefully will get people even more energized to continue to look for opportunities for conservation and preservation.”
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Several local volunteer groups were also on-site to participate in land restoration activities.
In December 2023, the Board of County Commissioners voted to update the county’s Wetland Conservation Areas Ordinance.
According to the county, the changes are expected to slow the rate of wetland acreage loss and improve the permitting process for applicants.
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