Palm Beach CountyDepartment of Environmental Resources Management

2300 North Jog Road, Fourth FloorWest Palm Beach, FL 33411-2743

(561) 233-2400www.pbcgov.com/erm

www.facebook.com/pbcerm

Connect with the Department of Environmental Resources Managementand download our mobile maps.

Printed June 2015

NATURE NOW - NATURE WOW Good Things to Know Before You Go Exploring...Palm Beach County’s natural areas protect and preserve hundreds of plant and animal species. Some, like the endangered four-petal pawpaw and Florida scrub-jay, have found one of their few remaining homes in our natural areas. Others, such as the state tree - cabbage palm - and state bird - northern mockingbird - are common sights along the trails.

Hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty offer visitors a chance to see nature up close and personal. Accessible concrete walking trails are less than ½ mile in length. Dirt hiking trails range from ¼ mile to three miles in length. Trail guides are available online and at information kiosks on select sites.

Many of the natural areas are part of the Northeast Everglades Natural Area (NENA). NENA contains approximately 165,000

acres of conservation lands providing residents and visitors a wide range of nature-based outdoor recreational opportunities. For more information about NENA, visit www.pbcgov.com/erm/nena.

What time are the natural areas open? The natural areas are open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, including holidays. What activities are allowed? Passive, nature-based recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, photography, environmental education, and scientific research. What is prohibited? Hunting, collecting of plants or animals, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, pets, skateboards, and motor vehicles. A more complete description of the natural areas rules is provided in County Ordinance 94-13, as ammended.

What activities require a permit? Collection of plants or animals for scientific research, camping, horseback riding, after-hours/nighttime use, and use of watercraft in wetlands for scientific research.

How can I obtain a permit? Call or write to the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management. A fee may be charged for the permit. Where can I find additional information? Visit www.pbcgov.com/erm, call (561) 233-2400, or write to: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management, 2300 N. Jog Road, 4th Floor, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33411-2743.

Every Litter Bit Hurts Help us keep your natural areas clean. Please dispose of trash responsibly. Food For Thought Feed yourself, not the animals. Potato chips are not what nature intended as a healthy diet for wildlife. When wild animals become dependent on handouts, they may lose their natural fear of humans and become dangerous. Too Close For Comfort Every animal has its limit of how close you can approach before it flees. Energy that the animal uses to escape human disturbances is no longer available for other activities, such as escaping predators or raising young. You are a visitor to the animal’s home, so respect its space.

Stay On The Straight And Narrow Please use the designated nature and hiking trails as you explore the natural areas. Going “off road” can damage delicate plants and get the explorer lost, especially on our larger sites.

Travel The Trails Safely During the summer it doesn’t take long to become seriously dehydrated while enjoying the great outdoors. Drinking water is not available at the natural areas. Bring a water bottle. Mosquitoes, deer flies, and gnats are present in the natural areas from late spring through autumn. Insect repellent is recommended.

Palm Beach CountyBoard of County Commissioners

Welcome to Palm Beach County’s natural areas, protected pieces of South Florida’s natural heritage. Since October 1987, the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has worked to preserve, protect, and enhance the land and water resources of Palm Beach County.

In 1991 and 1999, voters approved a total of $250 million in bond funds for the purchase of lands for conservation purposes. ERM now manages more than 31,000 acres of Palm Beach County’s last wild places. We invite you to visit these precious lands and experience the nature of Palm Beach County.

Experience Palm Beach County’s

Natural Heritage

Photos from left to right: red-shouldered hawk, great egret, white ibis and American alligator.

PALM BEACH COUNTY’S NATURAL AREAS

WANT MORE? www.pbcgov.com/erm pbcerm pbcerm

1. NORTH JUPITER FLATWOODS • 3377 Church St., Jupiter

This 160-acre natural area preserves slash pine habitat. Other plants found at North Jupiter Flatwoods include saw palmetto, giant wild pine, St. John’s-wort, largeflower rosegentian and pink sundew. Parking is available at Jupiter Community Park.

2. JACKSON RIVERFRONT PINES • 19745 Riverside Dr., Jupiter

This 3-acre natural area preserves a small portion of the Loxahatchee River shoreline. Even a tiny piece of protected habitat makes a difference – osprey, great horned owl, West Indian manatee and gopher tortoise have been recorded at this site.

3. JUPITER INLET LIGHTHOUSE • Jupiter

Explore endangered scrub habitat within this 120-acre natural area located in the shadow of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. A boardwalk leads to a covered observation deck overlooking a mangrove wetland restoration area.

4. DELAWARE SCRUB • 47 N. Delaware Blvd., Jupiter

A twenty-minute walk takes visitors through a pine flatwoods forest, over a cypress swamp, across desert-like scrub habitat, and ends at a mangrove overlook. Wildlife observed on the 16-acre site includes gopher tortoises, wood ducks, and red-bellied woodpeckers.

5. LIMESTONE CREEK • 6570 Church St., Jupiter

This 52-acre natural area protects remnants of Limestone Creek – a “blackwater” tributary of the Loxahatchee River. Wetland restoration along the C-18 Canal provides habitat for wading birds, manatees, and schools of fish.

6. CYPRESS CREEK • 10035 Indiantown Rd., Jupiter

A two-mile stretch of NENA’s Historic Jupiter – Indiantown Trail passes through the western half of this 2,041-acre natural area. The multi-use trail allows hikers, bikers, and equestrians access to several wetland overlooks and shade shelters. Additional hiking and equestrian trails

are located in the eastern portion of the natural area.

7. PINE GLADES • 14122 W. Indiantown Rd., Jupiter

A wetland wonderland, the 6,651-acre Pine Glades Natural Area attracts colorful wading birds including roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, little blue heron and white ibis. Restoration projects within the natural area restored water levels and removed invasive non-native plants.

8. LAKE OKEECHOBEE SCENIC TRAILHEAD (LOST) • 18475 US 441 N, Canal Point

LOST is a developed parking lot with space for horse trailers including a corral and pitcher pump. In the future LOST will be a trailhead for both the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail and the Ocean-to-Lake Hiking Trail; however, at this time, those trail connections do not exist

9. C-18 TRIANGLE

Wetlands are found throughout this 138-acre natural area. During the rainy season (June – November) up to three feet of water fill the depression marshes. The water disappears during the winter and spring, leaving behind muddy circles on the land. 10. JUPITER RIDGE • 1800 S. U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter

Jupiter Ridge preserves 270 acres of scrub – one of Florida’s rarest habitats. Walk ancient sand dunes covered with sand pine trees and pricklypear cactus. The western edge of the natural area meets the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway where red mangroves flourish.

11. LOXAHATCHEE SLOUGH • Palm Beach Gardens

The 12,841-acre Loxahatchee Slough is the county’s largest natural area. Cypress domes dot the landscape and depression marshes fill with water during the summer and fall. A five-mile stretch of NENA’s Bluegill Trail passes through Loxahatchee Slough allowing hikers,

bicyclists, and equestrians a grand view of the natural area. Fishing permitted from the banks of the C-18 Canal. Parking, canoe launch, observation tower, and restrooms are available at Sandhill Crane Access Park – 8175 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens.

12. HUNGRYLAND SLOUGH • 12385 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach

A portion of the Ocean-to-Lake Hiking Trail travels through this 3,004-acre natural area. Hiking, biking, riding (equestrian) and fishing are permitted from the unimproved portion of NENA’s Pântano Trail running along the banks of the C-18 Canal, providing views of the southern and eastern borders of Hungryland Slough.

13. SWEETBAY • 12560 Aviation Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens

This 1,094-acre natural area is adjacent to the North County Airport located off of the Bee Line Hwy. (S.R. 710), one mile west of PGA Blvd. The wetlands attract many wading birds, including snowy egret, black-crowned night-heron, and the endangered wood stork.

14. JUNO DUNES • 14200 S. U.S. Hwy. 1 (ocean-front tract) 14501 S. U.S. Hwy. 1 (west tract), Juno Beach

Visitors to the 569-acre Juno Dunes Natural Area can travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The ocean-front tract has a great view of the surrounding area atop an ancient sand dune. The west tract has several miles of trails and floating docks to allow boaters access to the site. Restrooms available at Loggerhead Park.

15. FRENCHMAN’S FOREST • 12201 Prosperity Farms Rd., P.B. Gardens

The wet, low-lying areas of this 172-acre natural area contain giant leather fern and cypress. The drier ridges are home to slash pine and saw palmetto. More than 5,000 red mangrove seedlings were planted around the tidal pond overlook to restore wetland habitat. Animals observed on the site include great horned owl, red-bellied woodpecker, and eastern gray squirrel.

16. PawPaw • 11646 Ellison Wilson Rd., North Palm Beach

As the name implies, this small piece of Florida scrub habitat contains several federally endangered four-petal pawpaw plants. Six-lined racerunner, gopher tortoise and ruby-crowned kinglet have been observed on the site.

17. LAKE PARK SCRUB • Lake Park

The 55-acre Lake Park Scrub Natural Area preserves scrub habitat, one of Florida’s most endangered ecosystems. It is estimated that less than 2% of Palm Beach County’s historic scrub remains. The natural area is an important refueling stop for migrating birds in the spring and fall.

18. WINDING WATERS • 6161 Haverhill Rd., West Palm Beach

Roughly half of this 548-acre natural area was cleared for agricultural purposes. The impacted area was restored to shallow-water and deep-water marshes. Birdlife is abundant on this site. Bald eagle, anhinga, green heron, belted kingfisher and loggerhead shrike are just a few of the birds observed at Winding Waters Natural Area.

19. POND CYPRESS

The 1,737-acre Pond Cypress Natural Area is home to towering cypress trees covered in airplants such as the giant wild pine. Many areas of the site are underwater during much of the year.

20. ACREAGE PINES • 6405 140th Ave. N., Loxahatchee

Acreage Pines Natural Area preserves 124 acres of wetlands and pine lands adjacent to Acreage Community Park. A boardwalk allows visitors an opportunity to watch dragonflies, herons, and egrets hunt for food in the wetlands. A hiking trail winds through slash pines and saw palmettos. Keep an eye out for the acrobatic displays of common nighthawks!

21. ROYAL PALM BEACH PINES • Royal Palm Beach Main Entrance: 110 Nature’s Way • North Entrance: 13500 40th St.

Wetlands cover more than 40% of this 772-acre site. The natural area attracts many birds, including bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, and Florida sandhill crane. Other animals sighted include bobcat, southern cricket frog, and eastern box turtle.

22. SOUTH COVE • Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach

Visitors can stroll down a 556-foot boardwalk that extends to one of three mangrove islands within the Lake Worth Lagoon. Six acres of restored wetlands support local fisheries, wading birds, manatees, and sea turtles. Metered parking available along Flagler Drive.

23. SNOOK ISLANDS • 100 N. Golfview Rd., Lake Worth

This 118-acre wetland restoration project created 11 acres of mangroves and 2 acres of oyster reefs within the Lake Worth Lagoon. Public use facilities include a boardwalk, kayak launch, and floating dock. Restrooms available at Bryant Park.

24. LANTANA SCRUB • Lantana

This 33-acre natural area was part of the now-closed A. G. Holley State Hospital property. The site contains Florida scrub and scrubby flatwoods habitats. Sand pine and saw palmetto are found throughout, along with Florida rosemary, powder-puff lichen, and hog plum.

25. EAST CONSERVATION AREA

Located in the Agricultural Reserve, this 196-acre site is comprised of six separate pieces of land that were once mined and used for tree nurseries. A 41-acre freshwater lake now exists in the mined section. Cypress strands are scattered throughout the East Conservation Area.

26. HIGH RIDGE SCRUB • 7300 High Ridge Rd.

The 39-acre High Ridge Scrub Natural Area protects plants and animals that live in scrub habitat. Many of these species are protected, including the gopher tortoise. Other animals observed on the site include gulf fritillary butterfly, cicada, yellow garden spider, and American kestrel.

27. HYPOLUXO SCRUB • 150 Hypoluxo Rd., Hypoluxo

Three-story observation towers allow visitors a bird’s-eye view of the 98-acre natural area. A pedestrian entrance off of Overlook Rd. allows for easy access to the center of the site. The dry scrub is home to Florida rosemary, sand live oak, hog plum, six-lined racerunner, coachwhip, and brown thrasher.

28. ROSEMARY SCRUB • 2901 N. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach

One of our smallest natural areas, the 14-acre Rosemary Scrub is named for a plant related to a familiar cooking herb – the Florida rosemary. Other plants found on the site include netted pawpaw, cabbage palm, nodding pinweed, and several species of native bromeliads.

29. OCEAN RIDGE • Corrine St., Ocean Ridge

The Ocean Ridge Natural Area is accessible by boat, bicycle, and on foot. Red, black, and white mangrove trees dominate the landscape. These trees play an important role in the life cycle of many animal species, including wading birds, fish, and crabs.

30. SEACREST SCRUB • 3400 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach

The 54-acre Seacrest Scrub Natural Area is a green island of wilderness in the middle of an urban landscape. It is home to the protected gopher tortoise. Other animals observed on the site include American redstart, green anole, and eastern gray squirrel.

31. DELRAY OAKS • 2021 SW 29th St., Delray Beach

The shady hardwood forests have a canopy of live oak, cabbage palm, and strangler fig. Wild coffee, American beautyberry, and several species of ferns are present in the understory. The 25-acre Delray Oaks Natural Area is home to many resident and migratory birds, including red-shouldered hawk, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and several species of warblers.

32. YAMATO SCRUB • 701 Clint Moore Rd., Boca Raton

Florida scrub habitat covers 63% of Yamato Scrub. A 10-acre basin marsh located is located in the northern portion of the 217-acre natural area. Bridges across canals and a tunnel underneath Clint Moore Rd. allow for easy access to more than three miles of hiking trails. Bicyclists can enjoy a view of the scrub from the western perimeter of the site on the multiuse El Rio Trail.

33. PONDHAWK • 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton

Access to this 79-acre natural area is through the Boca Raton Spanish River Library Parking lot. A 12-foot-wide multiuse trail allows hikers and bicyclists a view of Blue Lake and the southeastern perimeter of the natural area. An eight-acre wetland restoration project inside the natural area

provides habitat for osprey, black-necked stilt and white ibis. The natural area is named for a common dragonfly found throughout the woodlands.

Natural areas may be temporarily closed for environmental activities. Check the Department’s web site for current information regarding natural area accessibility and public facilities.

SYMBOL LEGENDUse this legend as a reference for facilities and amenities at each of the natural areas listed in this guide.

WheelchairAccessible

Bike Trail

Boardwalk

Boat Dock

Canoe/KayakAccessible

Canoe/KayakLaunch

EquestrianTrail

Fishing Pier

MarkedHiking Trail

InformationKiosk

Great Florida Birding Trail

ObservationTower

Ocean-to-Lake Hiking Trail

Northeast Everglades Natural Area

Picnic Table

UncoveredPlatform

CoveredPlatform

Restroom

Shade Shelter

Hand Pump(Nonpotable)

Wildlife Viewing

Parking

Red Symbol: Future facilities

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Photo by John Arthur Marshall

OSPREY Also known as “fish hawk”, this bird of prey is seen near water – canals, rivers, lakes, and ocean. Spiny projections on the feet allow osprey to hold on to their slippery food. They build large nests and lay one to three eggs in the early spring. WILD TURKEY These birds are nothing like the fat, flightless, domesticated turkeys. Wild turkeys can run fast and fly far. Males are larger than females and have a black “beard” that hangs from the chest. Palm Beach County is the southern limit of their range in Florida. FLORIDA SANDHILL CRANE The Florida sandhill crane stands almost four feet tall and has a wingspan of six feet. They feed mainly on seeds and tubers. The loud, rattling calls (kar-r-r-o-o-o) of the cranes are frequently heard as they roam freshwater marshes and open woods.

THINGS YOU MIGHT SEE

Meet the Locals While out and about experiencing Palm Beach County’s natural areas, here are some of the local residents – the scaled, feathered, and tiny ones – you might encounter.

Birds of a Feather

Reptile Roundup...

...and one Awesome Amphibian

GREEN ANOLEThese small reptiles are masters of disguise. They can change their body color from green to brown to blend in with the surroundings. Green anoles eat grubs, worms, and small insects.

GOPHER TORTOISE The threatened gopher tortoise uses its strong front legs to dig a burrow up to 30 feet long. One tortoise may

have several burrows scattered throughout the

area. These cool, underground tunnels shelter many other animals, including insects, snakes, lizards, and small mammals.

RACER A fast-moving snake, the non-venomous black racer can grow up to 4 feet in length. It does not constrict (squeeze) its prey – instead it grabs lizards with its strong jaws and swallows them whole.

GREEN TREEFROG The cowbell-like quaink of the green treefrog is heard during the evening hours. This bright green treefrog

can be found in the woods on waterside vegetation and in the city on windows.

ZEBRA LONGWING It is easy to spot Florida’s state butterfly. The striking yellow and black coloring warns would-be predators that this insect tastes bad. The caterpillars feed on passionflower which contains a toxin that stays in the body as it transforms into a butterfly. GOLDEN SILK ORBWEAVER These spiders spin large webs – sometimes three to four feet across! The females grow to one inch in length (body only, does not include legs) and can be seen hanging head down in the center of the web. Males are much smaller and usually hang out around the edges of the web. Golden silk orbweavers are not venomous. PRAYING MANTIS A perfect ambush predator, the praying mantis uses its long front pair of legs to grab dragonflies, butterflies, and other insects. The flexible neck allows the head to turn in all directions. Females are larger than the males and often eat them after mating.

HALLOWEEN PENNANT Dragonflies have four powerful wings that move independently, allowing for forward and backward flight. The young and adults feed on mosquitoes and other insects.

Small Wonders Explore wild Florida at these new natural areas... More adventures coming soon

NORTH JUPITER FLATWOODS Explore slash pine forests and cypress swamps while walking the more than two miles of trails in this 160-acre natural area. The fishing pier allows visitors the chance to test their angling skills. The natural area is an island of wilderness amid the hustle and bustle of the Town of Jupiter.

WINDING WATERSGrab your paddle and take to the water to get a unique perspective of this 548-acre natural area. A 3.4-mile canoe trail follows the deep-water channels of the 165-acre created wetland. For those who prefer keeping their feet on dry land, Winding Waters has more than five miles of hiking trails.

PINE GLADES Experience the wonder of freshwater wetlands at this 6,651-acre natural area. More than seven miles of trails allow visitors the opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife. A kayak/canoe launch area provides easy access to the interior wetlands. Bring along your fishing gear and try your luck at the fishing pier.

CYPRESS CREEK SOUTH Opening mid 2016

Restoration on Cypress Creek property south of Indiantown Road removed invasive nonnative trees and restored freshwater wetlands. A portion of the NENA Historic Jupiter-Indiantown Trail passes through this section. Public-use facilities include a kayak/canoe launch, covered observation platforms, parking area, multi-use trails and a fishing pier. This site will provide the long-awaited connection of Cypress Creek with Riverbend Park and other NENA trails.

LOXAHATCHEE SLOUGH Opening mid 2017

Palm Beach County’s largest natural area is a wetland wonderland. Bobcat, deer, and snail kites are just some of the animals found here. Public-use facilities include a fishing pier, covered observation platform, and parking area.

LAKE PARK SCRUB Opening late 2015

Lake Park Scrub Natural Area protects one of Palm Beach County’s most endangered habitats – Florida scrub. Animals observed on this site include gopher tortoises, swallow-tailed kites, and sulphur butterflies. Public-use facilities include a paved walking trail, covered observation platform, and parking area.

HUNGRYLAND SLOUGH Come watch the land heal itself after completion of one of the most aggressive acquisition/restoration projects the State has seen on this 3,004-acre wilderness. A section of the Ocean-to-Lake Hiking Trail winds through an area once criss-crossed with roads, ditches and canals and choked by exotic vegetation, but is now home to otters, alligators, deer, bobcats, and barred owls. Hiking not your thing? Park at our new 3-car lot that allows bikers, equestrians and fishermen to traverse an unimproved section of the Pântano Trail along the banks of the C-18 Canal with views of the southern and eastern edges of the natural area.