The Problem
In the heart and center of Pinellas County is Moccasin Lake Nature Park located at 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, 33759. Moccasin Lake accounts for 51-acre of nature preserve land, and is surrounded by highly dense, urban communities. The park incorporates trails and boardwalks that navigate under a mature oak canopy, offering plenty of opportunity to explore the beautiful habitat. This land is also home to a diverse variety of animals from gopher turtles to birds (such as hawks and bald eagles at the on-site sanctuary). Moccasin Lake and surrounding greenspace were originally established in the 1940s to offset the installation of the U.S. 19 overpass in Clearwater. Over the years, the space has transformed from a lifeless stormwater pond to a 51-acre nature preserve with oak-covered boardwalks, trails, and creeks. Early on, the park modeled many sustainable practices, which reinforced its commitment to conservation. From restrooms featuring organic decomposition as waste treatment, to windmill power and state-of-the-art water purification systems, the park became known for its tangible actions toward resiliency. Unfortunately, the sustainable infrastructure fell into disrepair and is no longer in place as a result of budget cuts and limited staff. This, when paired with a growing urban low income neighboring population, has resulted in increased waterway debris and proliferation of invasive vegetation, and limited community engagement.
