Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area: Baker Dairy

Baker Dairy is part of the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area which also includes Torrelli South, Horse Creek, Huckleberry Island, Snell Creek and Lake Marion.

Hilly scrub, pine flatwoods and riverine swamp forest provide habitat for a variety of Florida’s native plant and animal species at the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area.

At the Torrelli South Trailhead, you can take a quiet hike along the sugar-sand hills where you may see a rare scrub jay. At lower elevations you will find shady, fern-carpeted tree hammocks.

C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area

On May 9, 2024, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board officially declared this area as a Stormwater Treatment Area (STA).

Future recreational activities at the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) will include hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, photography and limited entry waterfowl and alligator hunts.

Nubbin Slough Stormwater Treatment Area

Located in Okeechobee County, the Nubbin Slough Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) cleans water going into Lake Okeechobee, which ultimately leads to a healthier Everglades.

The area includes many recreational opportunities. With more than seven miles of levees, this is the perfect place to access a hiking trail, go bicycling, fishing and see wildlife such as Florida sandhill cranes, snapping turtles, American bald eagles, and eastern meadowlarks.

Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area

Located in western Martin County, the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) plays a crucial role in the restoration of the Lake Okeechobee watershed by improving the quality of water flowing into the lake.

Lakeside Ranch STA is open to the public to enjoy hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing or simply relaxing. The recreation area is surrounded by levees that are accessible to visitors on foot or on bicycle.

For more information, please call the District Recreation Hotline at 866-433-6312 or email recreation@sfwmd.gov.

Kissimmee River Public Use Area: Yates Marsh

Chandler Slough is a beautiful tract of cypress swamp, oak and cabbage palm hammocks and marsh habitats. This is a great spot to watch wildlife, including wading birds and waterfowl, and hikers can also access the Florida National Scenic Trail which runs through the property.

To the south, overhanging oak limbs frame a view of the Old Kissimmee River as it winds its way between Telex and Yates marshes. You can also visit Seaboard Marsh to the north by boat. Watch for bluegill beds in the spring and summer in the shallows of the riverside.

Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area

Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area offers great opportunities to see a variety of birds and wildlife along five miles of hiking and biking trails. Located in St. Lucie County, the area is adjacent to the Ten Mile Creek. It provides water storage and treats water flowing from the creek.

The preserve is next to the Ten Mile Creek Gordy Road Recreation Area, which is managed by St. Lucie County and provides additional recreational opportunities, including a frisbee golf course.

Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 (STA-5/6)

Located in eastern Hendry County, Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 (STA-5/6) has become a premier bird watching area in Florida through a long-standing partnership with the Hendry-Glades Audubon Society. More than 200 bird species have been spotted on the seasonal, guided tours offered by the local Audubon chapter. The site is also a waterfowl hunting area.

Hiking, bicycling and bird watching are among the activities visitors can enjoy from the public use area. In addition, a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs along the L-3 Levee on the west side of the STA.