Grassy Water Preserve Restoration Hike

Join Cindy Bush and Scott Zucker for a restorative hike through one of South Florida's remnants of the original Everglades. This is an amazing opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems—wetlands, forested hammocks, and tree islands—while reconnecting with nature at a slower, more mindful pace. Keep an eye out for the swallow-tailed kite, wood stork, great blue heron, white-tailed deer, otter, bobcat, and alligator, all of whom call this preserve home. We'll meet at the nature center parking lot before setting out to take in the beautiful scenery that Grassy Waters Preserve has to offer.

About Grassy Waters Preserve

Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23-square-mile wetlands ecosystem in West Palm Beach that serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach, South Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Island. Historically a key part of the Greater Everglades watershed and the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River's Northwest Fork, this remnant of the original Everglades system makes up nearly half the land area of the city. A mosaic of wetlands, tree islands, and forested hammocks, the Preserve provides critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the Everglades snail kite, wood stork, and bald eagle—making it a vital link in the health of the greater Everglades ecosystem.

Logistics:

• Meet Up: Meet in the nature center parking lot for check-in and Grassy Waters Preserve waivers. We will then car pool to the location.
• Restrooms: Available in/near the nature center
• 7:30 am - 11:30 am, Event lasts: 4 hours

Bring:

• Water
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Smart phone

Good to Know:

• Registration is required. No walk-ins
• Limited Group Size: To ensure a personalized and enriching experience, group size is limited.
• Be on time so we can make the most of our time in the field.
• Rain or shine, unless there's a hurricane.
• Photos may be taken for social media. Let us know if you'd rather not be included.
• Please cancel if you can’t make it—someone else may be waiting.
• Under 18? Bring an adult.

Accessibility Information:

• Parking: Some accessible parking available at the Nature Center
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms located near and inside the Nature Center.
• Benches: Benches are available for resting at the visitor center and at the start of the Marsh Trail.
• Surface: Boardwalk and flat grassy surface with some roots and bumps.
• Cell Phone Service: Cell service may be intermittent on the trail.

Photography and Consent:

Photographs are a wonderful way to capture the beauty and fun of our birding adventures. We encourage photographers to take photos for their personal use and enjoyment. If you would like to share your photographs with us, please ensure your name is watermarked on the images.

By signing the AE consent, you agree to having your photo taken during our trips and used on our social media pages. If you prefer not to have your photo taken, please contact us at prior to the event.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. For those who need an accommodation or have inquiries about accessibility, please contact Autumn at

Questions? Reach out: [email protected]