The Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, located in the Lisbon/northeast Leesburg area, is a seasonal wildlife drive that allows visitors to see the district’s restoration work, view the marsh and see wildlife from the comfort of their vehicle.
Emeralda Marsh Wildlife Drive takes you away from the hustle, where all you might hear is the tall grasses rustling.
In 1974, the Emeralda Marsh area was designated as a National Natural Landmark through a program of the National Park Service.
An iridescently colorful sunset can be enjoyed at the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Lake County
Land management activities in the Emeralda Marsh areas focus on restoring and enhancing natural communities.
The silvery green sheen and sway of the tall grasses at Emeralda Marsh can be utterly mesmerizing.
The seasonal interpretive drive is open to vehicular access through the fourth Sunday in May (May 26). During those dates, the drive is open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Anhingas and other shorebirds nest in the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area.
Emeralda Marsh’s uplands are managed to improve important habitat that supports site-appropriate floral and faunal species.
The verdant, big sky-engulfing Emeralda Marsh Wildlife Drive is a narrow, sometimes bumpy one-way corridor 4 miles long and designated a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
As you drive along its scenic stretch, palm trees and oaks line Sunnyside Drive, creating a postcard-like panorama.
Frank Stanfield once wrote that “Sunnyside Drive is a narrow, twisting two-lane country road, with beautiful views of Lake Harris and massive oak trees crowding the right of way, practically begging to be hit by careless drivers.”
The Sunnyside area is a favorite spot for joggers and bicycle riders and there are limited sidewalks, making for some close calls. If you drive here, proceed slowly and safely.
Homes and estates of all sizes from all periods line Sunnyside Drive. An 1861-built house featured in the film “Away We Go” once stood on Sunnyside Drive but was destroyed in a fire.
Sunsets can be surreal driving on Northshore Drive, along Lake Eustis.
Pine Meadows Conservation Area, a 770-acre public land featuring more than six miles of passive recreational trails, is a peaceful and scenic place to enjoy the sunset hour.