Tide for a Cause ESL Series: Cypress Lakes Preserve
All photographs courtesy Roots Creative Co.
Project Rundown
Our first project for this initiative will be a collaboration between Tidal Brewing Company, Hernando County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL), and Roots Creative Company. We are happy to announce that over the course of the next two years, we are bringing five limited-edition beers to the taproom representing each of the five main preserves here in Hernando County. Each beer will be accompanied by a special event and beer release.
The project aims to provide an array of unique opportunities that will educate Hernando County residents on how they can help restore local sensitive wildlife habitats and landscapes, protect our water quality, partake in nature-based recreational activities, and preserve the quality of life here on the Florida Adventure Coast.
To learn more about this initiative, visit our main project page.
What is the Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program?
The Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) Program was established in 1988 by County voters with the purpose of acquiring and managing properties within Hernando County determined to provide environmental benefits such as protection of water quality and water recharge areas, preservation, and restoration of wildlife habitats, and providing nature-based recreation activities.
The mission of the Hernando County ESL Program is to preserve the County’s natural, cultural, and scenic resources while enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations.
Cypress Lakes Preserve
Cypress Lakes Preserve was the first property acquired by the ESL program, so it is fitting to be the first Preserve featured in A Tide for a Cause! It is 331 acres located in Ridge Manor, FL, and is comprised of 8 natural vegetative communities. Five of which are designated by the Florida Natural Area Inventory (FNAI) as imperiled. The Preserve is adjacent to the Withlacoochee River and hosts several threatened and/or endangered species such as Gopher Tortoises, Indigo Snakes, and the Florida Mouse.
The ESL program has been working hard to manage and restore scrub habitat, home to the Florida Scrub Jay, which is an endemic species to the State. In addition, significant public access improvements for hiking, birding, photography, and other passive recreation have been made. There are currently 4+ miles of hiking trails at Cypress Lakes Preserve including a segment of the Florida Trail which extends from the Everglades to the State line in the Panhandle. All of this can be accessed from the newly improved parking at 33241 Ridge Manor Boulevard.
Launch Party
Join us on May 6 at the brewery to try our Cypress Lakes Hazy Pale Ale that is aged on Cypress wood. Michael Singer, the Director of the Hernando Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program, will be in the taproom to chat and answer any questions you may have about the program or various preserves across the county!
All photographs courtesy Roots Creative Co.
Visit Cypress Lakes Preserve
Address: 33241 Ridge Manor Boulevard
Directions: State Road 50/98 and Ridge Manor Boulevard in eastern Hernando County. The entrance to the unimproved parking area is behind the Fire Station on SR 50/98.
Contact Hernando county ESL Program
Website: www.HernandoCounty.us/ESL
Instagram: @esl_hernando
Email: MSinger@co.hernando.fl.us
