The Se7en Wetlands park was once a portion of the Bonny Lake Mine, a phosphate mining operation that began in 1947. The mine closed in 1984 and a few years later was purchased by the City of Lakeland for use as a Wetland Treatment System. Changes and upgrades to the site included changes to clay settling area berm elevations and slopes, installation of water control structures and pipes and the planting of wetland and upland vegetation. The wetland treatment system became operational in 1987. The new park is part of a 1,600-acre area comprised of marshes, swamps, and open water lakes designed to help naturally clean already treated wastewater as it meanders through the retention areas. Once completely treated in the wetlands, the water is either released to the Alafia River or used by Tampa Electric’s Polk Power Station as a cooling agent.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Access is through Loyce E. Harpe Park via Gopher Tortoise Gate.
The trails have no shade, so wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing and closed toe shoes. Carry plenty of water. Drinking water is only available near the Gopher Tortoise and Wood Stork gates.
HIKE: 2.0 miles round trip
OR
Turn right and go downhill and follow the red trail signs back to the Gopher Tortoise Gate entrance. HIKE: 3.0 mile round trip.
THINGS TO SEE
In addition to the treatment provided, the Wetland offers outstanding habitat for a diverse community of plant and animal species including birds, alligators, turtles, otters, bobcats, gopher tortoises and other animals.
This is a Letterbox Hybrid cache. For anyone not familiar with Letterboxing, there is a log in the cache for you to sign and stamp (with your stamp), then you stamp your own log or paper (with stamp that is in the cache). If you do not have your own stamp, then stickers or hand drawn artwork are acceptable or if you do not have your own stamp, you can just sign the log. DO NOT TAKE THE STAMP WITH YOU; IT IS NOT A TRADE ITEM!!!
This geocache is a part of the Trek Ten Trails 2023-2024 program. Participation in that program, while a lot of fun, is not required to log this cache.
New validation game cards that participants stamp are available at various locations and are listed on the Friends of the Parks website and OUTPOST 27 CACHE. Trek Ten Trails 2023-2024 program maps, game cards, and other information about each of the featured nature trails may be downloaded from the Friends of the Parks website. Check out our Profile for more details.