Places to Shoot: 25-50 Miles

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park

The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park features educational kiosks, 2.5 miles of walking trails, and scenic boardwalks. This environmental landmark receives approximately three million gallons of treated wastewater and storm water daily. The engineered ecological system of the park will reduce nutrients and other pollutants in the water it receives. The now polished water will recharge or give water directly back to the aquifer. An additional benefit of the park will be outdoor passive recreation and the educational components. The Marion County Audubon Society has observed over 140 distinct bird species at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.
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Howie Mansion

A restored 20 room mansion built in 1925 by the community’s founder, William J. Howey. Photography is allowed throughout the mansion.
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Tuscawilla Park (Ocala)

Tuscawilla Park is located in Ocala. It has black-bellied whistling ducks, mallards, wood ducks and muscovy ducks.
Don Baird’s photos
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Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Great for photographing native Florida wildlife, including shore birds, water birds, manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are offered three times daily.
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Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

It is one of the top three birding areas for the entire state (includes Everglades National Park and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge). During the winter months, more than 150 species regularly use the property, from showy herons and egrets to numerous tiny warblers and flycatchers.  Other wildlife routinely seen include numerous American alligators, turtles, river otters, bobcats and coyotes. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is open between sunrise and sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and most federal holidays.
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Rainbow Springs State Park

At the main headsprings entrance, visitors may swim in the freshwater headsprings of the Rainbow River, rent canoes and kayaks, view waterfalls and gardens, and enjoy a picnic area with grills, and pavilions. (Make sure you use the headsprings entrance and not the tubing or campgrounds entrances.)
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Sholom State Park

Native plants are combined with cultivated ornamentals, perennials, and annuals creating a beautiful and resilient landscape. Sholom Park offers a place of natural beauty, comprised of meadows, woodland areas, added flowers and trees, as well as native wildlife for everyone to enjoy.
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Monkey Island (Homosassa)

Five spider monkeys are the current inhabitants of Monkey Island, a tiny chunk of land sitting in the Homosassa River.
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Endangered Animals Rescue Sanctuary (EARS)

Endangered Animals Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) provides a permanent home for unwanted and/or abused  endangered animals.  EARS also rescues animals that are in need of help. From tigers, lions, cougars, bears and primates. Photography only for groups.
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Avian Reconditioning Center (Apopka)

The Avian Reconditioning Center, or ARC, is a bird of prey rehabilitation and education facility located in Apopka, Florida.  Many mid-sized species of hawks and owls and larger raptor species, such as Bald Eagles. Photography for groups.
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St John’s Eco River Cruise (Astor)

Departs from the Blackwater Inn in Astor, FL. A leisure boat tour to the many tributaries of the St. Johns River. Where you will experience exotic plant and wildlife steeped in history dating back to ancient Indian and Spanish civilizations. You will experience wildlife, alligators, bald eagles, manatees, and plant life, air plants, ferns large cypress trees and much more.
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Oakland Nature Preserve

Guided walking, hiking and paddle boat tours are offered each month. Many species call the Preserve home, from Bobcats and Gopher Tortoises, to Painted Buntings and Osprey.
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