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# Friends of Split Oak Forest

A group of locals protecting Split Oak Forest for the future

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/blog/)
- [FWC 12/5 Meeting Summary and Next Steps](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2023/12/07/fwc-12-5-meeting-summary-and-next-steps/) - Despite hearing 60+ commenters opposing and a handful supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) releasing their conservation easements on Split Oak and several commissioners admitting to having less than a week of prior knowledge of the existence of Split Oak or the issue at hand, FWC commissioners decided to consider releasing their
- [Your emails are needed today](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2024/02/05/your-emails-are-needed-today/) - The Orange County Commission is going to make another decision on Split Oak tomorrow, February 6th. We need your emails today opposing the land swap and standing firm on protections for Split Oak and conservation land throughout the state. What to do Email list (copy and paste these emails below into your BCC field, put
- [We are disappointed with the Orange Board of County Commisioners' decision](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2024/04/12/we-are-disappointed-with-the-orange-board-of-county-commissioners-decision/) - Friends of Split Oak Forest (FOSOF) is disappointed in the decision Tuesday by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (Orange County BCC) to accept 968 acres of the swap land that is within Orange County. Yesterday’s decision was not an explicit endorsement of the Osceola Parkway Extension (OPE) through Split Oak. However, it allows
- [Resources for the FWC Meeting on December 5, 2023](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2023/11/22/resources-for-the-fwc-meeting-on-december-5-2023/) - The meeting was December 5th from 8:30am to 5pm at the Hyatt Regency Orlando at 9801 International Drive. This blog post provided resources for folks interested in attending and speaking in opposition to FWC releasing its conservation easements over Split Oak Forest. Confused? Jump to the FAQ Folk who can attend the meeting should plan
- [Orange County decides to respect the will of the voters and stop supporting the road through Split Oak](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2023/11/28/orange-county-votes-to-respect-the-will-of-the-voters-and-stop-supporting-the-road-through-split-oak/) - Commissioner Emily Bonilla requested that the Orange County Commission clarify their position on Split Oak in advance of the FWC meeting on 12/5 (see her commissioner's report here). Since the Nov 2020 election where protecting Split Oak passed by 86%, Orange County staff have still been expressing support for the road through Split Oak, including
- [Road through Split Oak to be considered April 20 at the FCT Board meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2022/04/13/road-through-split-oak-to-be-considered-april-20-at-the-fct-board-meeting/) - The agenda for the upcoming Florida Communities Trust meeting on April 20 has been released and allowing the Osceola Parkway Extension to be built in Split Oak will be considered. Please call in or attend in person in Tallahassee to voice your opposition. Call in instructions are in the Agenda.
- [New species found during the Fall Bioblitz 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2019/01/20/new-species-found-during-the-fall-bioblitz-2018/) - For 48 hours, from 7pm October 26 through 7pm October 28 we had 26 participants who found 243 species of plants, animals, and fungi in a total of 627 separate observations. Our participants found 60 species completely new to Split Oak Forest and 10 additional species that had been seen by FWC but were not
- [New Species Finds - January and February 2019](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2019/03/12/new-species-finds-january-and-february-2019/) - Thanks to all of the intrepid citizen scientists tireless documenting (and uploading) their observations, seven new species have been documented for Split Oak in the past two months: three plants, one moth, one mammal, a cicada, and a dragonfly! To see all of the species found in Split Oak by citizen scientists to date, check
- [Lawsuit Update April 2019 EP2  - The Split Oak Podcast](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2019/04/22/lawsuit-update-april-2019/) - Show Notes Original Complaint | Motion to Dismiss | Amended Complaint | 2nd Motion to Dismiss The next bioblitz will be focused on the genus Asclepias, aka. milkweeds. Contact us if you'd like to help with planning or volunteer during the blitz. Article on Florida monarch decline. St. Mark's Monarch-Milkweed Initiative website Florida Native Plant
- [Your emails are needed immediately!](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2020/06/10/your-emails-are-needed-immediately/) - IMMEDIATE CALL TO ACTION! The CFX board is having their virtual June meeting tomorrow morning at 9. They are proposing appointing Charles Lee to the Environmental Stewardship Committee. THIS IS NOT GOOD. Sacrificing the Osceola portion of Split Oak Forest to appease the developers in return for other, inferior land has been his pet project
- [ACTION ALERT - Orange County Charter Review Meeting Today](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2020/04/20/action-alert-orange-county-charter-review-meeting-today/) - Our Split Oak Charter Amendment is likely going to pass another significant hurdle tonight @ 5:30pm 💚Want to do a public comment in support? Please consider it! You must email katie.smith@occompt.com and jessica.vaupel@occompt.com with a request to speak, they'll respond with an invite to the WebEx meeting.Your concise and well-articulated public comment could provide the
- [Press Release - Voluntary lawsuit dismissal by Friends of Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2020/02/28/press-release-voluntary-lawsuit-dismissal-by-friends-of-split-oak-forest/) - Friends of Split Oak Forest, Inc. on Friday February 28, 2020 filed a notice of voluntary dismissal “without prejudice" of their ongoing Sunshine Law lawsuit (Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Case No. 2018-CA-00152) against Osceola County in order to utilize their resources to oppose any changes to Split Oak Forest’s protections at the state level. “Without prejudice” means the
- [Protesting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2020/02/11/protesting/)
- [The Split Oak Podcast EP1 Just an Update](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2019/04/16/the-split-oak-podcast-ep1-just-an-update/) - First episode! Quick update on the lawsuit and we are tabling at several upcoming community events.
- [World Wetlands Day 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/03/world-wetlands-day-2018/) - Happy Friday and Happy World Wetlands Day! This year's theme is 'Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future', which is apt, because it's likely that Split Oak will be surrounded by a suburban/urban Orlando-style development in the not-so-distant future. I've recognized this "holiday" since I learned about it last year. It celebrates the 'Convention on Wetlands'
- [Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day with Friends of Split Oak - April 10th](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2019/04/06/celebrate-gopher-tortoise-day-with-friends-of-split-oak-april-10th/) - Festivities are on April 10th, 2019 from 1-5pm at Split Oak’s Main Entrance, 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando, FL NARCOOSSEE- Learn about gopher tortoises and their habitat with hands-on activities: science, arts, native plants, nature walks on the Florida National Scenic Trail at Split Oak Forest. Meet Sheldon, an ambassador gopher tortoise! Events will
- [Press Release: Lawsuit Challenges Osceola's Support of Road Through Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/12/30/press-release-lawsuit-challenges-osceolas-support-of-road-through-split-oak-forest/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [PDF] Lawsuit claims that the decision was made in violation of Florida’s Sunshine Law KISSIMMEE- The first hearing for this lawsuit is scheduled for January 2, 2019, 2:00 pm in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, Osceola County Courthouse, Room 6A in Kissimmee, Florida. In their most recent filings with the court, Friends
- [New Brochure](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/12/02/new-brochure/) - We have a new letter-sized brochure fresh out and easy to print. (click here to download)
- [Updated Burn Map from FWC](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/10/16/updated-burn-map-from-fwc/) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission updated their burn map for Split Oak Forest to correspond with their two June burns from this year that resulted in the well-documented profusion of ground orchids. These orchids depend on fire to flower, and are so rare that the State of Florida has them listed as Threatened.
- [New Species Finds - mid-August to mid-September 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/08/23/new-species-finds-mid-august-to-mid-september-2018/) - Current Species County in iNaturalist: 574iNaturalist Species Count August 15: 555 Twenty four new species to report! New Endangered Plants Eulophia ecristata Giant Orchid by Bryan Ames (found previously by FWC but first find in iNaturalist!)Pinguicula lutea Yellow Butterwort by Danny Goodding (found March 17, 2018 but I must have missed it!) New Herps Hyla
- [New plants found in Split Oak Forest from the BioBlitz through July 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/07/16/new-plants-found-in-split-oak-forest-from-bioblitz-through-july-2018/) - I've been inspired by our hiking group finding a new plant species to look at how many new plant and animal species we have documented in Split Oak since the BioBlitz on May 4-6, 2018. This summer-blooming wildflower in the Aster family was not vouchered in Osceola County and it had not been recorded in
- [October Flower is a bit early, hm?](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/08/23/october-flower-is-a-bit-early-hm/) - During my August 13th hike with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) employees and their consultants we walked around Lake Two, where I noticed a small scrubby-looking plant with white flowers. Peering down at the plant revealed a mass of delicate flowers. October Flower (Polygonella polygama), also known as Jointweed or Showy Jointweed, is a
- [Environmental Roundtable with Florida State Senator Linda Stewart](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/08/19/environmental-roundtable-with-florida-state-senator-linda-stewart/) - This Thursday I had the honor of being included in Senator Stewart's meeting of environmental advocates. We packed her conference room and discussed her team's plans for the upcoming session and our concerns. Our major discussion topics were: Water quality measures that have been removed over the last eight years under the Scott administration. Sen
- [New Species Finds Update - mid-July to mid-August 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/08/16/new-species-finds-update-mid-july-to-mid-august-2018/) - Current Species County in iNaturalist: 555 iNaturalist Species Count July 14: 548 New Endangered Plant Species Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant, seen by Bryan Ames May 3rd, brought to my attention June 16 Tillandsia urtriculata Spreading Airplant, seen by Danny Goodding May 6th, brought to my attention July 17 New Common Plant Species Buchnera floridana Florida
- [Split Oak Forest Burn History and Fire Management](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/24/split-oak-forest-burn-history-and-fire-management/) - In light of an incorrect statement by an elected official about Split Oak Forest's burn history, I have decided to describe Split Oak's fire management and why it's critical to the integrity of the park. I requested Split Oak Forest's burn history from the managers of the site, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC),
- [Action Alert: Brevard County Landfill to pollute the St. John's River](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/06/02/action-alert-brevard-landfill/) - Indicative of the political and environmental climate in Central Florida, Brevard County wants to put a dump on the Osceola County line directly feeding into the headwaters of the St. John's River. The public notice states that water flows directly into the St. Johns River and Lake Washington from the site. Lake Washington is where
- [Linear Facilities Editorial](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/05/13/linear-facilities-editorial/)
- [CFX Board considers road through Split Oak feasible](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/03/08/cfx-board-considers-road-through-split-oak-feasible/) - Today the entire board and many members of Friends of Split Oak Forest as well as members of Speak Up Wekiva and concerned local residents attended and spoke at the Central Florida Expressway governing board meeting. On the agenda were the three projects taken over from the Osceola County Expressway Authority. The chairman of that
- [Whatever happened to E-1?](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/25/whatever-happened-to-e-1/) - You may have seen our maps and posters at events or on the website depicting a purple-and-pink-toned map of a curvy route around both Lake Ajay Village and Split Oak Forest but through Country Meadows. This route is old, and was bumped from consideration by November 2015 by Kimley-Horn, the consultants for the Osceola County
- [Florida Pennyroyal](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/03/05/florida-pennyroyal/) - Florida (or wild or false) Pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) is a native plant in the mint family that grows in Split Oak Forest. It grows into pretty obvious mounds and usually flowers in the spring. It can be used to make a delicious tea or mixed drink. You'll find it throughout peninsular Florida in the dryer
- [Invasive species in Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/26/invasive-species-in-split-oak-forest/) - This post kicks off National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2018! Split Oak Forest has been incredibly well-managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for over 20 years. They've kept a tight burn rotation as well as aggressively controlled the few invasive species that were onsite when Split Oak Forest was acquired by the
- [Osceola County BCC Meeting February 19, 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/20/osceola-county-bcc-meeting-february-19-2018/) - Today at the commission meeting I was joined by several supporters of Split Oak. Also in the audience and speaking up for Split Oak on Item #18 about the agreement for the $70m in escrow for the Osceola Parkway Extension were Wanda Rentas, Jeremy Fetzer, and Joann Nagy. Wanda Rentas is running for the seat
- [The League of Women Voters opposes any road through Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/20/the-league-of-women-voters-opposes-any-road-through-split-oak-forest/) - We gained four strong voices today in the fight to save Split Oak Forest from the Osceola Parkway Extension: Wayne Liebnitzki, a Republican running for the US Senate Seat in District 9 The League of Women Voters of Florida The League of Women Voters of Orange County The League of Women Voters of Seminole County
- [CFX Environmental Advisory Group Meeting January 31st, 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/01/2018-01-31-cfx-eag/) - The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) Environmental Advisory Group (EAG) meeting today, January 31st, was from 9-11:00am in the Osceola Heritage Park. This is a long-standing advisory group that covers all projects that CFX is currently undertaking. Most environmental organizations and affected governmental agencies are invited. We had not been previously invited, though Florida Audubon,
- [New CFX Alignments East 5 v. East 6](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/02/04/new-cfx-alignments-east-5-v-east-6/) - To reduce the project's effects to wetlands, we recommend that alternatives 1, 2, and 3 be redesigned to terminate at County Road 15 (Narcoosee Road)." - John Wrubilik, US Fish and Wildlife Service, page 18 We prefer that the road begin at the airport and stop at SR 15/ Narcoossee Road, a position that multiple
- [Osceola Soil and Water Conservation District opposes road through Split Oak](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/01/19/osceola-swcd-opposes-any-road-through-split-oak-forest/) - The Osceola Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) created a resolution opposing the Osceola Parkway Extension through Split Oak Forest. The Osceola SWCD is tasked with protecting the soil and water of Osceola County and promoting conservation. The CFX Board has alternate routes around the park that would leave this area undisturbed. We urge them
- [Dave and I's first joint interview](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/2018/01/19/dave-and-i-s-first-joint-interview/) - Wednesday Dave and I were interviewed by Teresa Watkins on "In Your Garden" live on 790AM out of Leesburg. She's been following along on Facebook since December and asked us Monday to be on the show. Dave and I tried to tag-team the questions but the lag made it easy to interrupt each other. I

## Pages

- [Home](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/) - Urgent Call To Action Make your voice heard by emailing county commissioners, FWC, FTC, and CFX. Express your concerns and urge them to prioritize the protection of Split Oak Forest. > See List of Decision Makers Please personalize your message. Osceola County residents Describe how you feel ignored by your board of county commissioners –
- [Board](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/board/) - Valerie Anderson, President Dave Wegman, Vice President Gretchen Robinson, Secretary Mary Nesler, Board Member at Large
- [Split Oak Forest: A Jewel of Natural Heritage](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/about-split-oak-forest/) - Split Oak Forest: A Jewel of Natural Heritage Split Oak Forest, a 27-year-old mitigation park, lies at the intersection of Orange and Osceola Counties, east of SR 15/Narcoossee Road. Spanning 1,689 acres but initially planned to be larger, it forms a crucial part of a 3,000-acre ecological corridor of private and publicly conserved lands, including
- [About Us](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/home/) - Friends of Split Oak Forest is a grassroots organization of people working to protect the threatened forest straddling Florida's Orange and Osceola Counties.
- [Press](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/news-coverage/) - January 5, 2024 "Osceola County battles Orange County over new plan for Split Oak toll road" by Asher Wildman, Spectrum News January 5, 2024 "Osceola County battles Orange County over new plan for Split Oak toll road" by Ashlyn Webb, Channel 9 January 4, 2024 "New Osceola County plan could squelch opposition to road through
- [Contact Local Representatives and Decision Makers](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/contact-rep/) - Make your voice heard by emailing county commissioners, FWC, FTC, and CFX. Express your concerns and urge them to prioritize the protection of Split Oak Forest. > See List of Decision Makers Please personalize your message. Osceola County residents Describe how you feel ignored by your board of county commissioners – Despite years of public
- [The Road Threat](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/the-road-threat/) - About the Road Threat A developer, The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), proposes constructing a road through the southern region of Split Oak Forest. This development, even with the inclusion of bridges or wildlife underpasses, would be a significant barrier, disrupting wildlife habitats, limiting public access, and complicating essential management practices. The southern part of
- [Trails](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/trails/) - Split Oak has over 24 miles of trails. Most of these trails are also used as firebreaks for the frequent prescribed fire used to maintain the park's beautiful ecosystems. This soft footing means an excellent workout for people and horses alike. Trail Map There are five named trails in Split Oak, totaling 7.7 miles: North/South
- [Flora & Fauna](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/flora-fauna/)
- [Split Oak Documents](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/split-oak-docs/) - Timeline of Split Oak Forest Here because of my editorial in the Osceola News-Gazette? Go to the fully referenced version of that editorial here. 1991 December - Orange County signals intent to create Split Oak with Osceola County via a Resolution: 91-ENV-03 and the counties submit the initial application to the Florida Communities Trust (FCT).
- [History of the Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/about-split-oak/) - by Deborah Green, Orange Audubon SocietyMarty Sullivan, League of Women Voters Orange County, Natural Resources CommitteeValerie Anderson, Friends of Split Oak Forestand other members of the Split Oak coalition What is Split Oak Forest? It is a 22-year-old permitted mitigation bank straddling the Orange County- Osceola County line east of SR 15/Narcoossee Road. It has
- [Board Docs](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/board-docs/) - Minutes 2023 2023-04-02 2023-03-05 2023-02-05 2023-01-01 2022 2022-12-04 2022-11-08
- [Help Save Split Oak Forest!](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/help-save-split-oak-forest/) - The Central Florida Expressway Authority has designated its “preferred” alignment alternative for the Osceola Parkway Extension toll road project. The selected alignment would destroy and fragment over 200 acres of critical natural resources, including wetlands and endangered and threatened species habitat. Orange and Osceola Counties purchased Split Oak Forest from a developer in 1994. FCT
- [Welcome to our member area!](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/welcome-to-our-member-area/) - We really appreciate your membership. You can edit your profile below. You are a
- [Split Oak Charter Amendment](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/split-oak-charter-amendment/) - We need as many people as possible to attend (and speak, if you can) in support of the Amendment. The next meeting is January 9th, 2019 [event] at the Wekiva High School Auditorium at 6:00pm. Whether or not you can attend the meeting, please contact the committee members and tell them your support this Amendment.
- [Policies](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/policies/) - Conflict of Interest Policy
- [Get Email Updates](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/get-email-updates/) - Want to know what we're up to and when we need you to do something? Sign up for emails!
- [Gift a Holiday Card from Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/gift-a-holiday-card-from-split-oak-forest/) - Your holiday gift this year can help the environment rather than harm it. Please let me know what date you would like your card to arrive by. Flat Photo Card - Happy Holidays Donate $20 and I will hand write and send our beautiful single-sided card of a threatened Byssus Skipper (Problema byssus) nectaring on
- [Horseback Riding](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/horseback-riding/) - Horseback riding is allowed every Saturday in Split Oak Forest. It is regulated, so you must do the following: Go to the Moss Park Ranger Station with the Coggins for each horse you would like to ride in Split Oak Forest. Staff will make a copy of your Coggins and keep it on file. This
- [Youth Conservationist of the Year Award, 2018 at Ethos](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/youth-conservationist-of-the-year-award-2018/) - On August 18th, 2018, we gave Megan Sorbo our first ever Youth Conservationist award. In fact, this was our first award we had given to anyone, ever. We presented the award during a meeting at Ethos Vegan Kitchen during their fundraiser for us. This award recognizes a person under the age of 21 that has
- [Videos](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/videos/) - Pete Clarke at Split Oak Forest from Craig Duddles on Vimeo. Save Split Oak Forest from Craig Duddles on Vimeo.
- [East Central Florida Land Protection Working Group](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/east-orange-county-land-protection-working-group/) - First meeting, August 16, 2018 At a meeting with Senator Linda Stewart, I explained how land trusts advocate for specific parcels to be purchased (or easements purchased) by state and federal agencies. Senator Stewart requested that we identify land that should be protected in East Orange County and Seminole County, specifically within her district. The
- [Donate](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/donate/) - Please help us stop the road from going through Split Oak.
- [Save Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/splash-page/) - Split Oak is a wildlife preserve near Lake Nona that the Central Florida Expressway Authority wants to put a road through. Help us stop it by clicking the link to where you're based: Osceola County Orange County Lake County Brevard County Seminole County Elsewhere Please also sign our petition.
- [Save Split Oak Video](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/save-split-oak-video/) - Save Split Oak Forest from Craig Duddles on Vimeo.
- [Seminole County Contacts](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/seminole-county-contacts/) - Seminole County's representative on the CFX board is Brenda Carey. She's a Seminole County Commissioner and is seeking re-election to District 5. Andria Herr, one of Governor Scott's appointees, lives in Seminole County and is quite involved there. Check out her bio. Click on her picture to email her. While you're at it, go ahead and contact

## Events

- [Gopher Tortoise Day 2025](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day-2025/) - Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day with Friends of Split Oak Forest!Join the Friends of Split Oak Forest for our Gopher Tortoise Day Festival, a celebration of the proclamation recognizing April 10th as an official day to honor the gopher tortoise, a threatened keystone species vital to Florida's ecosystem. Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM -
- [Annual Membership Meeting 2024 / Sierra Club Central Florida Group Joint Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/annual-membership-meeting-2024-sierra-club-central-florida-group-joint-meeting/) - Join us for FOSOF's Annual Membership Meeting co-hosted with our local Sierra Club's regular November meeting! Valerie will give a Split Oak status update.
- [Spring Bioblitz 2024](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/springbioblitz2024/) - Join us for an exciting community-driven Bioblitz at Split Oak Forest in Orange County, Florida! Sign up here! When: May 3rd - 5th Where: Split Oak Forest, 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 Calling all nature enthusiasts, citizen scientists, and volunteers! It's time to explore the incredible biodiversity right in our backyard and
- [Love Your Forests Picnic: Split Oak Forests' 30th Birthday](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/love-your-forests-picnic-split-oak-forests-30th-birthday/) - Join the Friends of Split Oak Forest as we celebrate the 30th birthday of this incredibly sensitive habitat with an on-site picnic and hike. Register Here: https://forms.gle/wEQTWFZc6HzzUimf7 Questions? Email SaveSplitOak@Gmail.com or valerie@friendsofsplitoak.org
- [Coalition Meeting to Save Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/2187/) - Register Here: https://forms.gle/CBF2cxbTXQ7Bhp699 Coalition Meeting: (Hybrid meeting in-person and virtual) The Friends of Split Oak Forest and Coalition Members of the Save Split Oak Campaign will be meeting to discuss the history of the fight to save Split Oak Forest, an overview of the recent updates from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners November
- [Gopher Tortoise Day Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day-hike/) - *Register Here* Dave Wegman will host a hike through Split Oak Forest with elected officials, Friends of Split Oak Forest, Volunteers, and environmental enthusiasts across the region to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day!
- [Speak Up for Split Oak @ Orange County Board of County Commissioners](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/speak-up-for-split-oak-orange-county-board-of-county-commissioners/) - The Orange County Board of County Commissioners will bring back the Split Oak Forest agreement topic for a work session on February 6 from 9 am to 1 pm. Your opportunity to speak will be during the Public Comment section of this meeting at 9 am. To register in advance to speak, you can fill
- [The Final FWC Decision on Split Oak](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/the-final-fwc-decision-on-split-oak/) - The final FWC decision on Split Oak will likely be at the next FWC board meeting, a two-day affair (we don't know which one), on Feb 21-22 on the FSU campus in Tallahassee. If you can, please take the time off. We will be arranging accommodations and transportation for those who want to travel as a group.
- [Split Oak at the Orange BCC](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-at-the-orange-bcc/) - Commissioner Emily Bonilla requested that the Orange County Commission clarify their position on Split Oak in advance of the FWC meeting on 12/5 (see her commissioner's report here). Since the Nov 2020 election where protecting Split Oak passed by 86%, Orange County staff have still been expressing support for the road through Split Oak, including
- [FWC December Meeting - Split Oak Easement Release is on the table](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/fwc-december-meeting-split-oak-easement-release-is-on-the-table/) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the government agency that manages Split Oak. It also holds a conservation easement in the Osceola County portion of Split Oak and is a party to the Grant Award Agreement with Orange and Osceola Counties to the Florida Communities Trust (FCT). At this meeting the board
- [Fall 2023 Bioblitz](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/fall-2023-bioblitz/) - Experience citizen science during the 48-hour Split Oak Forest Bioblitz from 7pm October 27th through 7pm October 29th. Drop by anytime during the 48 hours to contribute to our iNaturalist project to find as many species as possible! A general interest hike will be lead by our Pine Lily Chapter of the Florida Native Plant
- [2023 Annual Members Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/2023-annual-members-meeting/) - Join us to mingle with other Split Oak supporters. We'll have a short hike, a quick meeting, and light refreshments. Agenda 3 - welcome 3:15 - hike begins 4 - refreshments, sandwiches, salads, and chips and hummus 4:15 - Split Oak update - David Wegman 4:40 - Q&A Please register here. Members in good standing
- [Gopher Tortoise Day at Split Oak Forest 2023](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day-at-split-oak-forest-2023/) - Gopher Tortoise Day is our main annual outreach event to show our appreciation for the keystone species that helped fund the public purchase of Split Oak. Activities: Observe Gopher Tortoise Burrows and Learn about GT Habitat and this important Keystone Species Guided Hike at 8 AM and 11 AM Self Guided Hikes All Day See
- [A Foraged Feast: A Fundraiser for Split Oak by Regenerative Designs](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/a-foraged-feast-a-fundraiser-for-split-oak-by-regenerative-designs/) - Registration is closed. Join us for a night of community and feasting. We’ll be serving a four course meal with wild native edibles and local foods.
- [New Years Day Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/new-years-day-hike/) - New Year's Resolution - Save Split Oak! Come hike a few miles with us and toast our persistence! Start your 2023 off right.
- [Fall BioBlitz 2022](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/fall-bioblitz-2022/)
- [Roadside Wildflower Program](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/roadside-wildflower-program/) - We are joining the Pine Lily Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for their monthly meeting. They have an excellent guest speaker: Lisa Roberts, Florida Wildflower Foundation Executive Director on How to Create a Roadside Wildflower Program in Osceola County. Pine Lily FNPS meets the 4th Thursday of every month at the KUA building,
- [Yoga at Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/yoga-at-split-oak-forest-2018-04-07/) - A one-hour+ Hatha yoga session led by Charlie Reed in a shaded oak grove at Split Oak Forest. Bring water and mats, some tarps will be laid out for between your mat and the ground, or bring an under-layer of choice. Short hike to follow session. Main entrance and parking at 12175 Clapp Simms Duda
- [Easter Eve Hike 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/easter-eve-hike-2018/) - Sunset 7:42pm - FULL MOON rise 8:04pm
- [2022 Member Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/2022-member-meeting/) - Get an update about what's going on with Split Oak and vote. Members in good standing are Founding Members or people who have donated $20 or more this calendar year (which means you can join at the meeting). John Boardman will be speaking on the native bromeliads that live in Split Oak and also bring
- [Summer Party with a Purpose: Save Split Oak Forest at The Porch!](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/summer-party-with-a-purpose-save-split-oak-forest-at-the-porch/) - Even after all the hard work of the Save Split Oak team, this incredible *TAX FUNDED* Conservation area is still under attack by the Central Florida Expressway. That's Why the Friends of Split Oak Forest are raising money and working with various community partners to retain legal support to attempt to save this critically sensitive
- [Save Our Forests Fundraiser](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/save-our-forests-fundraiser/) - This fundraising event will benefit two important causes - #SaveSplitOak and #SaveSpruceCreek - hosted by Yaupon Brothers American Tea and Friends of Split Oak Forest. Light hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks, and tea will be served. The event will include local speakers, a plant raffle, and a silent art auction. All proceeds from this
- [Gopher Tortoise Day at Split Oak](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day-at-split-oak/)
- [2021 Member Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/2021-member-meeting/) - Get an update about what's going on with Split Oak and vote in our board elections. Members in good standing are Founding Members or people who have donated $20 or more this calendar year through 12/20. Existing members will receive an email later this week with voting instructions.
- [Split Oak Fall BioBlitz 2021](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-fall-bioblitz-2021/) - Experience citizen science during the 48-hour Split Oak Forest Bioblitz from 7pm October 29 through 7pm October 31. Drop by anytime during the 48 hours to contribute to our iNaturalist project to find as many species as possible! https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/split-oak-fall-2021-bioblitz-d774fd63-3a76-497a-a337-28b22a2eebf5
- [Save Split Oak and Revote! Sign Waving](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/save-split-oak-and-revote-sign-waving/) - Please come out before the Orange BCC meeting and pressure the Orange County Commission to redo their rushed vote on Split Oak!
- [Split Oak Subcommittee of the Orange County Charter Review Committee](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-subcommittee-of-the-orange-county-charter-review-committee/) - Please attend and support a resolution to tell the Orange County BCC to not talk any action on Split Oak Forest until Split Oak goes to the voters on November 2020. Please be prepared to say a few words in support. RESOLUTION to the ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Regarding Central Florida Expressway Authority
- [Caravan/Bus to Tallahassee (FCT Board Meeting)](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/caravan-bus-to-tallahassee-fct-board-meeting/) - In case Split Oak makes it to the Florida Communities Trust board meeting agenda for April 16th, please hold this date to drive up to Tally and give 'em hell. The meeting will be in Conference Rooms A&B of the DEP Douglas Building.
- [Membership Kickoff at Castle Church Brewing](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/membership-kickoff-at-castle-church-brewing/) - We're kicking off our membership at Castle Church Brewing! Throw down a pint and make your love for Split Oak Forest official. Stop by any time between 12-4. Schedule TBA.
- [Tabling at Eggcellent Easter at Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/tabling-at-eggcellent-easter-at-back-to-nature-wildlife-refuge/) - We're tabling and leading a hike at this Easter-themed wildlife event at our neighbor's place!
- [Gopher Tortoise Day](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day/) - We will be set up from near the main entrance of Split Oak Forest with tents and refreshments. There will be kids activities, talks, and hikes on the hour to a different gopher tortoise burrow each time. We will even have Sheldon a captive, un-releasable rescued gopher tortoise onsite courtesy of Swamp Girl Adventures! Stop
- [Gopher Tortoise Day Planning Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day-planning-meeting/) - Coming up on Saturday, April 11, Friends of Split Oak Forest will be celebrating all things Gopher Tortoise! We will do some event planning, discuss activities, gather volunteers and talk about Gopher Tortoise issues in general. All are welcome. Bring your lunch, a blanket and your creativity! We'll be gathering at the sign at the
- [County Line & Lake Two Hike - 2 miles](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/county-line-lake-two-hike-2-miles/) - A two-mile hike featuring the meadow, a view to the area of the proposed toll road, the Orange / Osceola County line and the beautiful Lake 2. The Gopher Tortoise Day (April 11) planning committee will meet following the hike. If you'd like to help, please stay. Meet at the main entrance.
- [Split Oak at the Orange County Charter Review Commission](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-at-the-orange-county-charter-review-commission/) - This meeting is where the Orange County Charter Review Committee will consider a good amendment to protect Split Oak Forest by preventing Orange County from taking any action to harm Split Oak Forest. Public comment is taken at these meetings and the public is welcome to attend. Please come if you can! Whether you can
- [MAJOR Orange County BCC Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-is-discussed-at-the-orange-county-bcc/) - Orange County has before it a resolution to submit the application to FCT to remove Split Oak's protections. Please attend! The road is the Osceola Parkway Extension that's going from the Airport to the 417 to Narcoossee Road to the not-yet-developed Deseret Ranch. This road would not only directly destroy the 60 acres that the
- [Split Oak Committee - Orange County Charter Review](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-committee-orange-county-charter-review/) - This is a small meeting of the committee formed to explore the idea of an amendment to the Orange County Charter that would protect Split Oak Forest by preventing Orange County from taking any action to remove protections from Split Oak Forest, such as amending the Florida Communities Trust Agreement. Public comment is taken at
- [Split Oak at the Charter Review Committee - First Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-at-the-charter-review-committee-first-meeting/) - Please come to this meeting and show your support for a charter amendment to protect Split Oak Forest. Please take off work and make arrangements to be here, this is very important. Prepare to speak briefly on why Split Oak is important, if you can. If you don't feel comfortable speaking, we would appreciate your
- [Fall Bioblitz 2019](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/fall-bioblitz-2019/) - SAVE THE DATE - Join us for our second-annual Fall BioBlitz. Volunteer Opportunities Spreadsheet We would appreciate help manning the welcome table. Knowledge of iNaturalist and friendly demeanor are very helpful here. A BioBlitz is a is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated
- [2019 Annual Member Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/2019-annual-member-meeting/) - Membership meeting, elections, and discussion.
- [Valencia College East Earth Day 2020](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/valencia-college-east-earth-day-2020/) - Valencia Collega and Valencia Earth Studies Association (VESA) celebrates Earth Day! Friends of Split Oak Forest will be one of the organizations tabling.
- [The Orchid Hunter: An Orange-Fringed Orchid Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/the-orchid-hunter-an-orange-fringed-orchid-hike/) - There's a reason why people steal orchids - they're gorgeous. We will be looking for the Orange Fringed Orchids (Platanthera ciliaris) that sometimes come up around the sawgrass marsh in the year of and the year after a burn. Route 6.7 miles. Cover photo by jtalbert04 CC BY-NC 4.0
- [Sandhill Hunting Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/sandhill-hunting-hike/) - After-work post-burn hike. Could be long. Help Valerie get American Turkey Oaks (Quercus laevis) into iNaturalist so she can submit a better restoration proposal to FWC.
- [Tabling at Great Outdoors Day (St. Cloud)](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/tabling-at-great-outdoors-day-st-cloud/) - A celebration of St. Cloud's nature! Friends of Split Oak will be tabling for the third year!
- [Osceola Sandhill Post-Burn Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/osceola-sandhill-post-burn-hike/) - Finally our beautiful and overgrown sandhills were burned this summer, one in June and one in July. This hike will be at 75 Days Post Burn for Unit 19A and 44 days post-burn for Unit 23. Meet @ the main entrance. Route: 4.75km/3.95mi including sections of the Florida Trail, North/South Trail, and County Line Trail.
- [A Fung Time in the Woods with Jon Martin](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/a-fung-time-in-the-woods-with-jon-martin/) - REGISTRATION REQUIRED Learn wild mushrooms, help save a forest! Join Fungi Jon for a Fung Time in the Woods at Split Oak Forest as we search for native fungi to identify and learn about together! This guided mushroom walk & community mycology adventure will walk participants through the process of mushroom identification, help participants become
- [Split Oak Documentary Screening](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-documentary-screening/) - The insatiable development of Florida signals a dim future for the lush sunshine state. But when our government threatens to sever the roots of a community, who stands to ensure their environmental values are preserved? How can life defend itself without a voice? Join us this Thursday evening for the premiere of Split Oak, a
- [Tabling at Animalversary at Back to Nature](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/tabling-at-animalversary-at-back-to-nature/) - Animalversary is Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge's annual birthday celebration. We have tabled there for two years and look forward again to tabling this year and leading a hike.
- [Gopher Tortoise Day](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/gopher-tortoise-day-2019/) - We will be set up from 1-5pm near the main entrance of Split Oak Forest with tents and refreshments. There will be kids activities, talks, and hikes on the hour to a different gopher tortoise burrow each time. We will even have a captive, un-releasable rescued gopher tortoise onsite courtesy of Swamp Girl Adventures from
- [Tabling at St. Cloud's Earth Day](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/tabling-at-st-clouds-earth-day/) - There will be music, food, butterfly release, native plant sale, recycling crafts, face painting, tree planting, environmental exhibits, animal ambassadors, and more!
- [Sunshine Violation Lawsuit Second Hearing](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/sunshine-violation-lawsuit-second-hearing/) - It has been scheduled! BE EARLY! Hearing Room 6A, Fourth Floor.
- [Orange BCC discusses resolution to protect Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/orange-bcc-discusses-resolution-to-protect-split-oak-forest/) - Request to speak ahead of time: http://orangecountyfl.net/BoardofCommissioners/BoardAppearanceRequest.aspx Public comment begins at around 9:20. Please arrive by 9:00. Here is a link to the resolution.
- [Sunshine Violation Lawsuit First Hearing](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/sunshine-violation-lawsuit-first-hearing/) - Judge: The Honorable Margaret H. Schreiber Hearing Room 6A of the Osceola County Courthouse. BE EARLY! The hearings are short and we will all need to be in the room before it starts. This is a courthouse so, obviously, no weapons and bring as little as possible because you'll have to go through security. Get
- [Kids Blitzteam](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/kids-blitzteam/) - Get your kid involved in citizen science by attending Split Oak Forest's Fall BioBlitz! We are teaching your kids how to use a smartphone to document plants and animals FOR SCIENCE.
- [Fall BioBlitz 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/fall-bioblitz-2018/) - This is a massive weekend citizen science project put on by UCF PhD candidate Danny Goodding. We are using the iNaturalist app or paper forms to collect data about the epic biodiversity of Split Oak Forest. Schedule
- [First Ever Membership Meeting (+ Potluck)](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/first-ever-membership-meeting-potluck/) - Our first ever membership meeting will be held at the outdoor pavilion at Back to Nature, just up the road from Split Oak. Bring a dish to share. Contact Gretchen @ 520-576-6706 for more info.
- [sunrise hike to the Split Oak](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/sunrise-hike-to-the-split-oak/) - Led by Nathalie Van Turnhout this 3.5 mile hike starts just after sunrise (7:28) and will go the forest's namesake, The Split Oak. It will also pass by lake 1 and the large cypress dome.
- [Short and sweet 2 mile hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/short-and-sweet-2-mile-hike/) - Led by Nathalie Van Turnhout, this two mile hike will feature lake 2 and the area just to the south of it. Sunset is at 6:52, so nice 'golden-hour' light for photographers!
- [Pine Lily Plant Nerds Blitzteam Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/pine-lily-plant-nerds-blitzteam-hike/) - The Pine Lily Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is co-fielding a team of EPIC PLANT NERDS to document SPECIES NEVER BEFORE SEEN in Split Oak Forest and smash plant list records!
- [Sherry's Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/sherrys-hike/) - A hike for Sherry, who's not in town too often.
- [Yoga in the Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/yoga-in-the-forest-october-2018/) - Just a short walk into Split Oak Forest we assemble under the oaks. Led by a volunteer professional yoga instructor, we practice for about an hour. The class is free, and donations to Friends of Split Oak Forest are accepted. A few extra mats are usually available, but try to bring your own. Ditto for
- [Scrub Jay Island Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/scrub-jay-island-hike-2/) - 4.20 mile hike to 'Scrub Jay Island' and the area around it
- [August Full Moon Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/august-full-moon-hike/) - 3.5 mile hike includes lakes 2 and 3 / center portion of split oak. Sunset 7:53, Moonrise 8:17
- [Lake Loop Trail Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/lake-loop-trail-hike/) - 3.5 mile hike includes cypress dome, lake loop, Bonnet Pond overlook, THE split oak, lake one
- [Ethos Vegan Kitchen 5% Day for Friends of Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/ethos-vegan-kitchen-5-day-for-friends-of-split-oak-forest/) - Eat Ethos with us and they'll give us 5% of their sales for that day.
- [The July Flower Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/the-july-flower-hike-2018/) - We're leaving from the South entrance early in the morning to find all sorts of amazing July wildflowers: meadowbeauties, grass pinks, butterfly peas, butterfly orchids, tarflower, Florida milkweed, partridge pea, candyroots, and milkworts. Known plants (we'll probably see these): Calopogon multiflorus, many-flowered grass pink Sabatia grandiflora, largeflower rose gentian Eryngium yuccifolium, rattlesnake master Rhexia mariana,
- [Split Oak Forest Spring BioBlitz](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-forest-spring-bioblitz/) - This is a massive weekend citizen science project put on by UCF PhD candidate Danny Goodding.
- [Save Split Oak Forest Fundraiser](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/save-split-oak/) - Join us for our kickoff fundraiser at Mead Garden! We have some lovely silent auction items donated to us.
- [Palm Sunday Hike 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/2018-palm-sunday-hike/)
- [Spring Equinox Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/spring-equinox-hike/) - Celebrate the arrival of Spring at 4:15pm sunset at 7:36 pm
- [International Day of Forests 2018 Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/intl-day-of-forests-2018-hike/) - Celebrate the International Day of Forests with a hike in your favorite Central Florida Forest!
- [National Wildlife Week Kickoff and Extra Hour Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/national-wildlife-week-kickoff-and-extra-hour-hike/) - National Wildlife Week is March 12-16, let's celebrate with our extra hour by looking for wildlife in Split Oak Forest!
- [St. Patrick's Day Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/st-patricks-day-hike/) - Hunting for leprechauns!
- [March Sunday Morning Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/march-sunday-morning-hike/) - From the main parking lot on Clapp Simms Duda Road. T-shirt's available 9:30-10. Hike 10-1 includes the spoil area of lake One, the Split Oak, picnic table (bring a snack!) and return to the trailhead by the west side of the cypress dome. Approximately 3.5 miles. AFTER HIKE: T-SHIRTS AND TAILGATE TABLE INFO 1 -4pm
- [The BIG Board Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/the-big-board-meeting/) - This is the meeting where the CFX board will vote on the feasibility of the Osceola Parkway Extension which currently has most of the alternative routes through Split Oak Forest. Please attend this meeting, we'll have t-shirts!
- [Yoga at Split Oak Forest](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/yoga-at-split-oak-forest/) - A one hour to one-hour-fifteen minute Hatha Yoga session will be instructed by Charlie Reed in a shaded area of the forest close to the main parking lot on Clapp Simms Duda Road. Bring your own mat and water. Some tarps will be available to be between your mat and the ground. If you have
- [On the County Line Three Times Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/on-the-county-line-three-times-hike/) - This hike will hit 3 separate portions of trail that sit on the Orange/Osceola county line.
- [CFX Public Meeting in Poinciana](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/cfx-public-meeting-in-poinciana/) - This is the second-to-last night of the last round of CFX Public Meetings to continue the Osceola Parkway Extension on to PD&E. This is the closest meeting to residents in South Kissimmee, Poinciana, Loughman, and Intercession City. Only one alignment in this public presentation avoids Split Oak (East 6) but it unnecessarily takes homes
- [CFX Public Meeting in Lake Nona](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/cfx-public-meeting-in-lake-nona/) - This is the second night of the last round of CFX Public Meetings before the CFX Board votes to continue the Osceola Parkway Extension on to PD&E. This is the closest meeting to residents in South Orlando, Narcoossee, and Lake Nona. Only one alignment in this public presentation avoids Split Oak (East 6) but it
- [CFX Public Meeting in Saint Cloud](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/cfx-public-meeting-in-saint-cloud/) - This is the first night of the last round of CFX Public Meetings before the CFX Board votes to continue the Osceola Parkway Extension on to PD&E. Only one alignment in this public presentation avoids Split Oak (East 6) but it unnecessarily takes homes in Lake Ajay Village. The road could avoid both Split Oak
- [Blue Moon Hike and Learn About Fire with Zach Prusack](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/blue-moon-and-fire-learn-hike/) - Learn from the Nature Conservancy’s Florida Fire Manager and all-around-great-dude Zach about prescribed fire: how to do it, why to do it, and where to do it, all while hiking through fire-maintained ecosystems! This hike is honoring Prescribed Fire Awareness week, Please RSVP to valerie@friendsofsplitoak.org or say you’re going on Facebook since Zach would like
- [February Sunday Morning Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/february-sunday-morning-hike/) - Get familiar with the forest with Val and Dave.
- [January Saturday Afternoon Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/january-saturday-afternoon-hike/) - 2 miles - from main entrance to Lake Two, around the lake to south of county line trail, OFF TRAIL, different approach to the Structure, meadow back to parking lot
- [Scrub Jay Island Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/scrub-jay-island-hike/) - From main entrance south meadow to county line trail, south to n/s trail, Scrub Jay Island, west to western border, north along meadow - 4.25 miles
- [January Sunday Morning Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/january-sunday-morning-hike/) - 4.5 mile hike: From the Main Entrance to Lake Two, take the trail North of canal to the perimeter of Lake Three, then follow the eastern border to the Utility Site. Return on the trail South of the canal to the fire break, then to the Lake Two spoil pile. Then take County Line Trail
- [Split Oak/Road Quick Update](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/split-oak-road-quick-update/) - Video in using Hangouts or meet up in-person for a quick update on Split Oak and the Osceola Parkway Eastern Extension.
- [Florida National Scenic Trail Celebration Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/florida-national-scenic-trail-celebration-hike/) - Celebrate the new Florida National Scenic Trail at Split Oak at 1pm with Teresa Jacobs, Emily Bonilla, and Jennifer Thompson and then have a relaxed hike to Lake Two while the sun sinks low in the horizon. We’ll be back at the Main Entrance by dusk. Please RSVP on Facebook or to hello@friendsofsplitoak.org
- ['Dillo Says Get Off Your Tail Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/dillo-says-get-off-your-tail-hike/) - A long hike to move around after the holiday stupor. We're doing the entire North/South Trail which is 8.7 km/5.4 miles.
- [First Day of Winter Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/first-day-of-winter-hike-2017/) - A hike from the main entrance / trailhead to the meadow via the spoil area of Lake One, Moss Park and back a different way!
- [Osceola County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/event/osceola-county-board-of-county-commissioners-regular-meeting/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX)](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/osceola-parkway-extension/central-florida-expressway-authority-cfx/) - Posts about or related to the Central Florida Expressway Authority (identified here and elsewhere as CFX, not to be confused with CSX, the railway company). CFX began investigating the feasibility of the road through Split Oak Forest in September of 2017 when they took over this and other projects from the Osceola County Expressway Authority.
- [Osceola Parkway Extension](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/osceola-parkway-extension/) - This is the toll road that could go through Split Oak Forest.
- [Osceola County Expressway Authority](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/osceola-parkway-extension/osceola-county-expressway-authority/) - Posts about or related to the Osceola County Expressway Authority (OCX). OCX has been planning the road through Split Oak since 2013.
- [Osceola County Board of County Commissioners](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/osceola-county-board-of-county-commissioners/)
- [Management](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/management/)
- [Flora and Fauna](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/) - Flora and fauna present currently or historically in Split Oak Forest.
- [Wildflowers](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/wildflowers/)
- [Trees](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/trees/)
- [Insects](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/insects/)
- [Herps](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/herps/)
- [Meetings/Partnerships](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/meetings-partnerships/)
- [Butterflies and Moths](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/insects/butterflies-and-moths/)
- [Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/insects/dragonflies-and-damselflies-odonata/)
- [Mammals](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/flora-and-fauna/mammals/)
- [Gopher Tortoise Day](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/meetings-partnerships/gopher-tortoise-day/)
- [The Split Oak Podcast](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/category/the-split-oak-podcast/)

## Tags

- [hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/hike/)
- [Osceola County](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/osceola-county/)
- [wetlands](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/wetlands/)
- [sawgrass marsh](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/sawgrass-marsh/)
- [EAG](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/eag/)
- [press release](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/press-release/)
- [news](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/news/)
- [meeting notes](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/meeting-notes/)
- [road alignments](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/road-alignments/)
- [lwvf](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/lwvf/)
- [league of women voters](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/league-of-women-voters/)
- [wayne liebnitzki](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/wayne-liebnitzki/)
- [video](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/video/)
- [pubic comment](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/pubic-comment/)
- [Wanda Rentas](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/wanda-rentas/)
- [prescribed fire](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/prescribed-fire/)
- [controlled burning](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/controlled-burning/)
- [controlled burns](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/controlled-burns/)
- [Atlee Mercer](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/atlee-mercer/)
- [Maury Carter](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/maury-carter/)
- [NISAW 2018](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/nisaw-2018/)
- [invasive species](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/invasive-species/)
- [Fred Hawkins Jr.](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/fred-hawkins-jr/)
- [fnps](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/fnps/)
- [Florida Native Plant Society](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/florida-native-plant-society/)
- [Piny Lily Chapter](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/piny-lily-chapter/)
- [Florida Wildflower Foundation](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/florida-wildflower-foundation/)
- [Lisa Roberts](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/lisa-roberts/)
- [KUA](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/kua/)
- [class](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/class/)
- [summer flowers](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/summer-flowers/)
- [rhexia](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/rhexia/)
- [plant list](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/plant-list/)
- [species list](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/species-list/)
- [herp list](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/herp-list/)
- [insect list](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/insect-list/)
- [Florida Forever](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/florida-forever/)
- [Amendment 1](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/amendment-1/)
- [Senator Linda Stewart](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/senator-linda-stewart/)
- [Florida State Senate](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/florida-state-senate/)
- [full moon](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/full-moon/)
- [night hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/night-hike/)
- [Lake 2](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/lake-2/)
- [Lake 3](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/lake-3/)
- [photography](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/photography/)
- [golden hour](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/golden-hour/)
- [the Split Oak](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/the-split-oak/)
- [fwc](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/fwc/)
- [maps](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/maps/)
- [orchids](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/orchids/)
- [Calopogon multiflorus](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/calopogon-multiflorus/)
- [Many-Flowered Grass Pink](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/many-flowered-grass-pink/)
- [potluck](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/potluck/)
- [lawsuit](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/lawsuit/)
- [hearing](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/hearing/)
- [new species](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/new-species/)
- [iNaturalist](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/inaturalist/)
- [Gopher Tortoise Day](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/gopher-tortoise-day/)
- [Animalversary](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/animalversary/)
- [Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/back-to-nature-wildlife-refuge/)
- [podcast](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/podcast/)
- [audio](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/audio/)
- [EP1](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/ep1/)
- [sunshine law](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/sunshine-law/)
- [milkweed](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/milkweed/)
- [film](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/film/)
- [documentary](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/documentary/)
- [mushrooms](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/mushrooms/)
- [guided hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/guided-hike/)
- [sandhill](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/sandhill/)
- [native orchids](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/native-orchids/)
- [Florida Communities Trust](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/florida-communities-trust/)
- [FCT](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/fct/)
- [Tallahassee](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/tallahassee/)
- [public comment](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/public-comment/)
- [letter writing](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/tag/letter-writing/)

## Event Categories

- [Advocacy](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/)
- [County Commission Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/county-commission-meeting/)
- [Hike](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/hike/)
- [Class](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/class/)
- [Central Florida Expressway Authority](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/central-florida-expressway-authority/)
- [Public Involvement Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/central-florida-expressway-authority/public-involvement-meeting/)
- [Board Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/central-florida-expressway-authority/board-meeting/)
- [Yoga](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/yoga/)
- [Party](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/party/)
- [Fundraiser](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/fundraiser/)
- [BioBlitz](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/bioblitz/)
- [Blitzteam](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/bioblitz/blitzteam/)
- [Annual Membership Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/annual-membership-meeting/)
- [Legal](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/legal/)
- [Hearing](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/legal/hearing/)
- [Orange County BCC](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/county-commission-meeting/orange-county-bcc/)
- [Outreach](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/outreach/)
- [Tabling](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/outreach/tabling/)
- [Special Event](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/special-event/)
- [Orange County Charter Review Commission](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/orange-county-charter-review-commission/)
- [Gopher Tortoise Day](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/special-event/gopher-tortoise-day/)
- [Florida Communities Trust](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/florida-communities-trust/)
- [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Board Meeting](https://friendsofsplitoak.org/events/category/advocacy/florida-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commission-fwc-board-meeting/)