FIELD TRIP: Lake Indrio Preserve

Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025

Location: Lake Indrio Preserve, 5501 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946

Trip Leader Name: Nick Polge

Trip Leader Contact information: email: [email protected], cell: 772-559-4835

Trip/area Description, with any special characteristics:

Lake Indrio Preserve connects to the 297-acre Indrio Savannahs Preserve to the south which is a part of the "Great Florida Birding Trail" providing excellent opportunities for birding. Purchased to protect the Savannahs wetland system, it features several miles of trails that include an observation tower and a 35-acre lake. A portion of the site consists of an extensive freshwater wetland system (basin swamp) that was formed west of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. Contains good examples of pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, scrub and depression marsh. We will aim to view a bald eagle nest in the SE section of the preserve at the midpoint of the walk.

Commonly seen wildlife: Alligator, scrub jay, bald eagle, osprey, herons, ibis, egret, wood duck, pileated, red bellied and downy woodpeckers, spoonbill and sandhill crane.

https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/environmental-resources/county-preserves/lake-indrio-preserve

Duration of trip in hours: 2 -2.5

Walking distance: 3 miles with opportunity to break off at any time.

Degree of difficulty: This is an easy walk on sandy trails.

Where to meet: Please meet at the parking lot at Lake Indrio Preserve, 5501 N US Highway 1. If you are heading south on US 1 the turning is on the right just opposite the Harbor Branch entrance which is on the opposite side of the road. If you are heading north on US 1 there is a left turn lane opposite the Harbor Branch entrance which leads into the preserve. Please note that we will not be using the parking lot on Tazour Road which has been closed for most of the year.

Time of meeting: 8:00 am

Limit to number of participants: 30 - The name of each attendee & email is required or your request may be canceled. Thank you for your cooperation.

Host or Publisher Pelican Island Audubon Society