Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook

SUMMARY

Size: 157 acres
Year conserved: 2019-Present

ABOUT THE OVERLOOK

Located just south of McIntosh, FL on U.S. 441, the historical significance of Orange Lake Overlook (OLO) dates back to the 17th Century when it was likely utilized by the Timucua People. The town of Potano is believed to have been located just West of Orange Lake near Evinston. OLO was likely utilized by the Timucua People due to its location near Potano and high ridges making it easy to see for long distances. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it became part of Florida’s prestigious agricultural scene. The entire 300-acre hill was planted with citrus, and in the 1950s, the little buildings and mill on top of the hill became the Ollie Huff Citrus Shop and packing house.

For over 30 years, O.D. “Buddy” Huff Jr. managed the groves, while his wife, Ollie, ran the orange shop, which offered fresh-squeezed orange juice to travelers passing through North Central Florida. The groves suffered a setback in 1983 from a hard freeze and were re-planted only to be decimated by a second hard freeze in 1984. Following Buddy’s death in 1984, the Huff family left the citrus business and leased the land for cattle grazing.

The now abandoned citrus shop, former packing shed, and stunning view has served as a hub for a wide range of artists and has acted as a catalyst for conserving some of the best views of “old Florida,” or real Florida, in the region through their artwork. With the threat of residential development of the land, the local community rallied to save the overlook, supporting efforts by Alachua Conservation Trust to purchase 71-acres of land and the remaining structures.

The OLO (pronounced oh-low) is an incredible wildlife corridor. There are eagles’ nests all over the place. Every morning in the winter, the sandhill cranes use the hill as a runway. - Sean Dowie

ABOUT MARHORIE A. HOY

Marjorie A. Hoy is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research with the first laboratory-modified natural enemy deployed in a pest management program. The natural enemy had been genetically improved through selection to be resistant to three pesticide classes. Hoy is also highly regarded for the development of classical biological control of invasive pests of Florida citrus.

MORE ABOUT MARJORIE HERE

HELP SUPPORT OLO

In 2023 with donations and bridge loans, ACT purchased 86 acres to the north of OLO from the Sawallis Family. This land has more than doubled the size of the preserve to 155 acres and will expand public recreation in the area once opened.

ACT is currently fundraising to pay back the bridge loans on this addition. Once all of the loans are paid back, ACT will be able to begin work to expand trails and recreational access from the existing public preserve.

OLO is one of North Central Florida’s crown jewels. Many rallied to save the original 71 acres from development and we now have the opportunity to save even more of this iconic view. Will you help us by making a donation in support of Orange Lake Overlook?

DONATE HERE