Bird Nerding 102: Holiday Edition with Audubon Everglades + SWA!

Do you like lookin' at birds? Then you're a birder!

Join Audubon Everglades' Education and Outreach Director Autumn Kioti for a special holiday edition of their popular Bird Nerding series in partnership with the SWA! This fun outdoor adventure on a birdy-ful trail created and maintained by the SWA is the gateway to becoming a real bird nerd. If you've never birded before but are birding-curious, this is your moment! If you are a more advanced birder and you'd like to discover bird-minded friends, join us. Audubon Everglades offers fieldtrips and programs for individuals of all shapes, sizes, abilities and identities.

You are welcome here!

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County strives to balance industry and nature to protect our community’s health, safety, welfare and beautification. The wetlands filter water as it travels through Palm Beach Renewable Energy Park and out into the larger watershed of the Florida Everglades. Boardwalks and benches along the trails are made from recycled plastic lumber. Trail paths are made from recycled, crushed concrete.

The Authority set aside 300 acres of conservation area during the development of the SWA landfill and waste-to-energy facility. Tucked away in the Authority conservation area is a large rookery that harbors thousands of native birds, including the endangered Snail Kite and the threatened Wood Stork. It’s the most productive rookery in Palm Beach County.

ALL THE DEETS!

· Distance: ~2 miles

· Please be sure your digital waivers are signed ahead of time; no paper waivers will be accepted. You must complete your waiver online here:

· Meet at the gate blocking the roadway just east of the Parking Lot.

· Recommended for ages 5+: be aware that the trail is relatively flat, but there are tree roots and uneven pavement in certain areas, unpaved trail in other areas.

Bring:

· Refillable bottle of water

· Cameras or binoculars as desired

Wear:

· Closed toed comfortable walking shoes

· Hat & sunglasses

· Bug spray

· Protective sun clothing or sunscreen

Directions:

Please be aware that there are many SWA facilities on 45th Street and N. Jog Road.

SWA Greenway Trail System: 45th St & N Jog Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33412

I-95

Take I-95 to Blue Heron Boulevard and head west. Merge onto the Beeline Highway. At the second light at N. Jog Road, make a left. The Greenway Trail System Southern Entrance is located at the bend where 45th Street becomes N Jog Road. Look for the small blue sign that says, “Palmetto Trailhead Park”.

TURNPIKE (SUNPASS ONLY)

Take the Florida Turnpike to Exit 107 S.R. 710/ Beeline Highway. At the light, turn left onto N. Jog Road. At the next light, go straight to stay on N. Jog Road. The Greenway Trail System Southern Entrance is located at the bend where 45th Street becomes N Jog Road. Look for the small blue sign that says, “Palmetto Trailhead Park”.

SWA Greenway Trail System Southern Entrance

Make a right at the stop sign and continue down to the parking lot. Please meet at the gate blocking the road just east of the parking lot.

Trail Rules:

· Stay on the designated trails

· No pets or horses

· Carry out all trash

· Leave the trail better than you found it

· Beware of venomous snakes and alligators

· No hunting, harassing, or feeding wildlife

· No collecting of plants or animals

· No firearms

· No alcoholic beverages

· No motorized vehicles except accessibility scooters

· No overnight parking

· No campfires, swimming, or fishing

Host or Publisher Audubon Everglades