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 Natural Areas Are Set to Re-Open

In accordance with Palm Beach County Emergency Order 2020-005, on Wednesday, 4/29/2020 ERM staff will begin re-opening Natural Areas to the public.

HOWEVER THIS DOES NOT MEAN RECREATION AS USUAL.

All visitors to the natural areas must follow Center for Disease Control Guidelines and the County’s Emergency Order 2020-005.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH BOTH AT THE LINKS PROVIDED BELOW AND

 Wear face coverings, recreate in groups less than 10, maintain social distance of at least 6 feet apart while on the trails, and avoid touching common surfaces such as handrails, benches, etc. to be safe while visiting.

 

 

 Pond Cypress

East of Western Parkway (State Road 7), 1/2 mile north of Okeechobee Boulevard

Picture of open water wetland at Pond Cypress Natural Area

Western piece of the historic Loxahatchee Slough, saved from development   

Open Sunrise to Sunset, 365 Days a Year 

At a Glance     

Environmental Survivor

This 1700-acre site has endured a long history of being impacted by drainage, proposed developments, and offroad vehicle use. Over the course of 12 years, the mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, hydric hammock, wet prairie, dome swamp, depression marsh, and strand swamp ecosystems were acquired by the County preserving a western piece of the Loxahatchee Slough and associated lands that connect surface water bringing water from the west into the Slough.

Features

  • Native plant species
    Many-flowered grass-pink, common and giant wild pine airplants, celestial lily
  • Native animal species
    Snail kite,crested caracara, Florida sandhill crane, wood stork, least tern
  • Part of the Jeaga Wildways.

Before You Go 

This site is accessible by pedestrian traffic only.

There is no designated parking area.

​ Links 

Photos