FIELD TRIP: Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area

Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026

Location: Lakeside Ranch Stormwater-treatment Area, 7250 SW Conners Hwy, Okeechobee, FL 34974, USA

Leader Name: John Nelson - (772) 485-8129

Trip/area Description: Located in western Martin County, the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) plays a crucial role in the restoration of the Lake Okeechobee watershed by improving the quality of water flowing into the lake. This STA is open to the public to enjoy hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing or simply relaxing. The recreation area is surrounded by levees that are accessible to visitors on foot or bicycle.

This birding and photography trip will be led by John Nelson in cooperation with Audubon of Martin County which has special permission from the South Florida Water Management District to lead automobile tours of the STA. Habitats within the STA include freshwater, shallow ponds, and levees that result in a mosaic of habitats ideal for wading birds, waterfowl, and other aquatic species.

Participants must fill out a District liability release form to bring with them. It will be handed out at the IHOP meeting site.

Video of area: https://www.audubonofmartincounty.org/lakeside-ranch-video

Duration of trip: 2:00-6:30 pm (4.5 hrs.) (1.2-hour drive to location).

Walking distance: Minimal, most of the trip in private vehicles.

Degree of difficulty: Easy

Where you’d like participants to meet: IHOP parking lot at 8800 20th St. (SR 60) in Vero Beach. We shall carpool to reduce gas use and pollution and encourage social interaction with new people.

Time of meeting: 1:00 pm

Number of participants: 28 people

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Host or Publisher Pelican Island Audubon Society