Taylor Ye
Have you ever yearned to escape the stress of daily life, to reconnect with nature and find peace among towering oaks and quiet trails? For many, Split Oak Forest has served as that sanctuary—an untouched haven of biodiversity on the border of East Orange and Osceola Counties. But now, this treasured conservation area is under threat.
On February 14, 2025, at around 8 a.m., a group of dedicated hikers gathered at the entrance to Split Oak Forest, roughly a 45-minute drive from Windermere. Their mission was clear: to raise awareness and gather support for the ongoing battle to save the forest from a proposed toll road development. Their campaign is called “Save Split Oak Forest.”
The Importance of Gopher Tortoises
Among the many species that call Split Oak Forest home is the gopher tortoise, one of Florida’s keystone species. Known for their role in creating burrows that provide shelter for over 350 other species, gopher tortoises are vital to the local ecosystem. The importance of preserving natural habitats like Split Oak Forest cannot be overstated, as they offer home not just for the tortoises but for countless other species that rely on this protected land.
The Toll Road Threat
For years, Split Oak Forest has been under siege by the proposed construction of a toll road that would slice through some of Florida’s most protected conservation land. If developed, the toll road would destroy irreplaceable habitats and disrupt the balance of the local ecosystem. The fight to preserve the forest has reached a critical moment, with developers pushing forward and environmentalists and local residents fighting back.
“A lot of Latino people often come here. It’s good for their mental health and self-care,” said Maria Lopez, an advocate from the Alianza Center, an organization that works to ensure equitable access to nature for marginalized communities. “This forest isn’t just a place for wildlife—it’s a space for our community to connect with nature.”
As the development threatens to move forward, groups like “Save Split Oak” and “Friends of Save Split Oak” are ramping up their efforts to protect the land. These grassroots organizations have gathered hundreds of supporters who are committed to preserving the forest for future generations.
A Call to Action
Upon finishing their hike through Split Oak Forest, Bob Johnson, Team Lead of the “Save Split Oak” campaign, delivered a call to action in front of the hikers. In addition to its environmental significance, Split Oak Forest remains one of the last remaining habitats for native and endangered species like the gopher tortoise. This April, local activists are pushing for Gopher Tortoise Day to raise awareness about the important role these animals play in Florida’s ecosystem.
As the battle between the developers and protectors continues, the future of this conservation hangs in the balance. Will it become another casualty of development, or can the community rise to protect it? Only time will tell, but the fight for Split Oak Forest is one that demands action—and the time to act is now.