November 9, 2007 - St. Lucie County Opens Three New Environmental Lands

St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department has added three new nature preserves: D.J. Wilcox Natural Area, Indrio Scrub and Paleo Hammock, providing an additional 200 acres of passive recreation for both county residents and tourists.

D.J. Wilcox Natural Area

The D.J. Wilcox Natural Area, located off of Old Dixie Highway, is now completely open to the public, featuring trails, fishing docks and a canoe/kayak launch.  Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2006 and consists of a canoe launch and fishing pier. Recently completed Phase 2 consists of a small parking lot, self-guiding nature trail and interpretive trail.  The one-mile, self-guiding nature trail contains two loops, winding through hammocks and pinelands.  A short interpretive trail describes the 1920s Town of Indrio, and the role Mr. D. J. Wilcox played in building the town.  The 10-minute walk identifies the remnants of the Aubrecht homestead, and previous locations of the old Indrio Post Office, train depot and East Coast Land Development Administration Building.  The 105-acre site was purchased with funds from Florida Communities Trust and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  D.J. Wilcox Natural Area contains two access points.  The canoe dock and fishing pier is located at the end of Wilcox Road, east of Old Dixie Highway just south of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, while the interpretive trails are located at the corner of Old Dixie Highway and Indrio Road.

Indrio Scrub Natural Area

Indrio Scrub Natural Area has been recently completed, and is open to the public.  The 13-acre site contains a variety of threatened and endangered species of plants found in the scrub ecosystem.  A short quarter-mile interpretive trail identifies many of the plants that make scrub a truly unique habitat.  Indrio Scrub is located north of D. J. Wilcox and parking is provided along Old Dixie Highway.  The site was purchased with the assistance of Florida Communities Trust and St. Lucie County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond.

Paleo Hammock Natural Area

The Paleo Hammock Natural Area consists of a very old hammock containing swamp hickory, Florida elm, oaks and palms in western St. Lucie County.  A one-mile interpretive trail leads to an observation tower overlooking a marsh. Paleo Hammock includes several parcels of historically significant land, and is being restored with amenities to be provided in several phases.  Phase 1 of the project is currently open to the public, while Phase 2, which will include two wildlife blinds and two miles of additional trails, is slated to be completed in early 2008. Phase 3 is scheduled to be finished in late 2009, and will include a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, wildlife blind and an additional mile of trials.

Paleo Hammock is located four miles south of State Route 70 on Carlton Road, in western St. Lucie County.  The site was purchased with funding from Florida Communities Trust and St. Lucie County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond.

St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department (ERD) has completed 18 of the 24 natural areas projects that have been acquired through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond approved in 1996.  Roughly 7,200 acres have been acquired.  Upcoming projects include Teague Hammock, Walton Scrub, Queens Island, Captain Hammonds Hammock, Citrus Hammock and Dr. LeStrange Natural Area.

These sites are open from dawn until dusk and managed and maintained by St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department. For more information call the ERD staff at (772) 462-2525 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd.