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.

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.

Take in the beauty of picturesque flowering marsh plants. Pink marsh mallow “hibiscus,” purple pickerel weed, yellow primrose, creamy water hemlock and button-bush flowers are on display. The property also features a boat ramp, surrounded by grandfather oaks, a cypress dome and cabbage palms.

At Cornwell Marsh, split by the Kissimmee River, you will find canoe and kayak access at the 4E’s non-motorized boat ramp and airboat launch off US 98.

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.

The Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) is located east of Taylor Creek on a portion of publicly held land previously known as the Grassy Island Ranch in Okeechobee County. The area features a stand of ancient cypress trees. Native wildlife species and a variety of birds can also be seen here.

This STA removes phosphorus from water headed to Lake Okeechobee.

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.

Located in central Palm Beach County, Stormwater Treatment Area 1 West (STA-1W) features a 200-foot viewing platform with gazebos overlooking the wetland. A three-mile levee trail can be used by hikers, bicyclists and photographers. Bird enthusiasts may be able to spot great blue herons, mottled ducks and black-bellied whistling ducks, along with roseate spoonbills, white pelicans and wood storks. There is a composting toilet available.

Visitors have a great opportunity to experience Florida’s native wildlife in the midst of this Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). This vast wetland offers hiking, bicycling, bird watching, fishing and nature photography.