Circle B Bar Reserve, Protected wetlands near Lakeland, Florida.
Circle B Bar Reserve is a protected wetland area near Lakeland containing freshwater marshes, oak and hardwood swamps, and shoreline habitat. The reserve spans approximately 1,200 acres (490 hectares) and includes diverse ecosystems within the larger landscape.
The site was originally used as a cattle ranch before becoming a protected area in 2000. This change happened through a land purchase that prioritized environmental conservation over agriculture.
The Polk Nature Discovery Center teaches visitors about the wetland ecosystem through hands-on exhibits and guided walks. This helps people understand how the different habitats here support the animals and plants living in them.
The reserve is explored through unpaved trails that span about 3.5 miles and connect to the larger Fort Fraser Trail system. The paths are generally flat and accessible to most visitors, though conditions can be muddy during rainy seasons.
The restored Banana Creek marsh draws white ibis, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, and many other wading birds throughout the year. This concentration of water birds makes the area particularly rewarding for visitors interested in seeing diverse wildlife.
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