Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook now open to the public

June 2nd, 2022

On Saturday, May 21st, Alachua Trust (ACT) held a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook. More than a hundred guests gathered at the Park including members of the McIntosh Town Council, Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, and Jim Hoy, husband of the late Marjorie A. Hoy. After the dedication ceremony, guests were able to explore the 1.3 miles of new hiking trails and take in the breathtaking view of Orange Lake.

Locally referred to as “OLO,” the 71-acre property was purchased by ACT in November 2019 from the Huff Family with significant support from the local community. This conservation purchase was made possible thanks to a $1 million bridge loan from The Conservation Fund, an additional bridge loan from a private supporter and $300,000 in donations from individuals and organizations. In 2021, ACT paid off the $1 million loan on the property thanks to a generous donation from the Estate of Marjorie Hoy.

Marjorie A. Hoy was an American entomologist and geneticist internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research involving pest management and Florida citrus. She also was a professor and Eminent Scholar at the University of Florida, and was previously a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

The remaining costs associated with the acquisition were paid off with grant support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act Program, which focuses on the protection of wetlands habitat for the benefit of birds. As a result, the property will remain protected as conservation land in perpetuity, and open for the public to enjoy.

Frequented by bald eagles, belted kingfishers and sandhill cranes, the property also serves as a critical wildlife corridor for several of Florida’s endangered species. And because OLO is a significant source of food, as well as breeding and resting grounds for flocks, the area is humming with activity during migrating months.

For the past year, ACT has been working toward the goal of restoring OLO and opening it up for public recreation. ACT is now in the process of transforming the former packing shed and orange shop into a community event space and museum highlighting the history of the area.

ACT is honored to open the Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook to the public as a nature preserve and community space that will continue to be cherished by locals and visitors alike.

First two photos by Kim Davidson. Header photo & last photo by Alison Blakeslee.