Lake Overstreet is a superb example of a pristine freshwater lake. This lake is one of the last remaining lakes in Leon County that have a completely undeveloped shoreline. The scenic 144- acre lake can be reached via the trail system at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. The lake and surrounding land were a part of the Lafayette Land Grant which took place in the early 1800s. This was was a gift of land from the United States government to the Marquis de Lafayette who loaned money to the government during the American Revolution. The fertile soils around the lake were ideal for growing crops in the 1900s, with much of the area being cleared for cotton production.
One of the unique features of this lake is that although it has not been developed, it has not fallen prey to any exotic species of plants or animals. This maintains the ideal habitat for native flora and fauna. The natural resources in the lake provide for freshwater fish, turtles, alligators, otters, wading birds, and migratory waterfowl. Among the abundance of native vegetation, water lily and pickerelweed can be seen growing in the lake. Bald Eagles have also been known to nest in the trees along the shore. The hardwood forest which surrounds the lake is also home to deer, grey foxes and turkeys. The lake is closely managed to ensure that the natural beauty of the lake remains intact. The restrictions on public use, such as no fishing or boating, keep the lake in its pristine condition.
