Short but cool trail. Have hiked easily 100 times including today. Typically dry even in the height…read moreof rainy season. The slight elevation changer are a nice plus.

This is an 8 acre preserve that provides canoe/kayak access to the Ten Mile Creek which is a…read moretributary of the north fork of the St. Lucie River. Waterways like the one found in this preserve were very important for the Native People who used to live in the area. This area was believed to have been inhabited by Santa Luce Indians from 3,000 to 750 BC. Ceramics and stone tools were found during an archaeological dig at stonewater attenuation facility just south of the preserve. Four sites with artifacts 2,000 to 4,000 years old were discovered. A short looping trail takes you along the river and under hickory, oak, and sabal palm trees. Plants along the trail include false indigo, marlberry, resurrection fern, wax myrtle, and wild coffee. The path is not paved and goes up and down steep terrain so the moderate level trail is not for everyone. Along the way you might see alligators, black vultures, turkey vultures, herons, egrets and ibis. This preserve is popular with bird watchers and people who fish. If you just want to take in the peaceful view of the water there are picnic tables and benches. Restoration efforts are underway to restore the creek and waterways of St. Lucie River to their natural state. The stonewater attenuation facility was built to allow for greater stormwater retention. The natural oxbows which are the curving channels of the river are being reconnected which improves the water filtration which causes less pollutants to flow downstream. Along the water the land is being restored to how it was in the past. The health of the St. Lucie River and the land around it directly impacts the health of the Atlantic Ocean.

This is a natural preserve located in a residential neighborhood. There is one parking spot if…read morethat. I am not actually sure I parked in a real spot. This 58 area preserve was bought to protect the habitat of the federally endangered scrub jay. They are found only in Florida and no where else in the world. There is a one mile looping trail around the preserve and an observation platform. The habitat of the preserve is scrubby flatwoods. It is the largest such community in eastern St. Lucie county. Plants here include shiny blueberry, tar flower, gopher apple, myrtle oaks, chapman oaks, saw palmetto, spines, and wildflowers. Birds that make their home here are the Scrub-jay, red shoulder hawk, screech owl, cat bird, and mockingbird. Also living here are raccoons, gopher tortoises, and opposum, This preserve was a favorite of Crayola heiress Dorothy Binney in the 1930's. She lived in the nearby historic Casa Caprona apartments and was an avid naturalist. Any natural place that is preserved is 5 stars in my book. The three stars was for my personal enjoyment of it. There is no restroom or water so plan accordingly. The trail is sand and there is no shade at all. In the 100 degree weather it was impossible to go too far. This preserve is best hiked in the cooler months.

Tropical Farms is a neighborhood in Stuart, Florida. Way back in 1910, this area was a convict…read morecamp, part of the convict camps that began in the deep South in the late 1800s. By the early 1900's they grew in number to provide laborers for industries such as logging, phosphate mining, farming, railroad building, sawmills and turpentine production. Private industries leased the men from the state for a fee and had to provide them with shelter, food, and medical care. A few years later the Tropical Farms camp moved south to Delray Beach to clear roads. The camps were abolished in the 1920's after investigations revealed abuse of prisoners. Today this area remains rural with farms and many people owning horses. The Tropical Farms Park is a basic neighborhood park located next to Tropical Farms Fire Station 22. The fenced in park has amenities that include a large open field, covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills, and a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. This park is good for picnics, cookouts, and play.

Richard E. Becker Preserve is located on what appears to be a busy street, but the day I was…read moredriving down it's, there was little traffic. I initially drove by, but since I like parks and preserves and stuff, I made a u-turn and pulled in here. It is not a huge place by any means, however it is rather tranquil and it was a good place to take a few minutes to just chill and escape the stress of the day-to-day grind.

Richard E Becker Preserve is a 13 acre preserve on Ten Mile Creek which is part of the head waters…read moreof the St. Lucie River North Fork. It is named after Richard E Beckerwho was the owner of the Becker Holding Corporation which is a citrus and agricultural business still operated by his family. In 2011, St. Lucie county was able to purchase the Becker property which allowed for the continuation of an important ecological corridor along the north fork of the St. Lucie River. Preserve amenities include a half mile hiking trail, observation deck overlooking the river, canoe/kayak launch, picnic tables, and gazebo. There are plans to open a nature center with exhibits. The habitats in this area are floodplain forest, scrub and pine flat woods, and primordial swamps and wetlands. Animals that make their home here include barred owls, North American river otters, wading birds, and butterflies. Richard E. Becker is a tranquil place to stroll around especially when combined with the other nature preserves in the chain.

Gazebo Park is a small swath of green with a gazebo on it in historic downtown Ft. Pierce. It is in…read morethe same area that they hold the farmers market every Saturday morning. It is a popular location for weddings and it has electricity so you can plug in lights. The landscaping around the gazebo is very attractive with flowering crepe myrtle all around it. It's a popular place to take pictures but someone is usually occupying the gazebo.

This is a boardwalk in historic downtown Stuart on the banks of the St. Lucie River. It is anchored…read moreby Flagler Park which is located at the base of the Flagler bridge at one end and an amphitheater with live music on weekends at the other. You can find free parking at the park or at the city lot next to the amphitheater. The Healthy Trail along the river is part of the larger Sailfish Trail that runs in a roughly triangular shape throughout Stuart. There are markers every quarter mile for a total of 8. if you did the entire Sailfish Trail you would walk two miles. It would take approximately an hour to walk the entire trail at a leisurely pace. Along the water you will have a gorgeous view of the river. I saw a lot of red clawed crabs peeking out of the rocks along the shore. Someone I passed told me about the manatee she had spotted the previous day. As the trail takes you through the downtown you will pass some of the historic landmarks of this charming historic beach front town, called the Sailfish Capital of the World. There are five historic art sailfish markers on the historical trail which highlight significant moments in Stuart's history. Stuart has done a wonderful job combing art, history, and health to make an interesting walk so the community can get out and exercise. The whole trail is paved so it is ADA accessible. There are also restaurants and cafes along the way. I love to stop for caffeine refreshment at Gilbert's Coffee Bar.

I accidentally found this trail and I'm so glad I did. It was nice to take a walk around the border…read moreof town and be able to appreciate the scenery. There's basketball courts, pavilions, public bathrooms and a jungle gym. Kids were playing, people were walking, and somebody was having a birthday party. There were also people fishing and others meeting for lunch. If you're in the area for one reason or anther, don't miss out on this beautiful walk. If you're looking to play ball, have a little get together or let the kids deplete their energy, you can do that too!

Super cool to see remaining wildlife: alligators, manatees Hope it stays like it is foreverread more

Sooo, this morning rather than go to the gym. I went to White City Park in For Pierce and Kayaked…read moredown the St. Lucie River. Thanks to Steve Ware for the invite. We paddled thru the scenic St. Lucie River on the North Fork and observing all the gorgeous oak hammocks bordering either side. Amazing how tranquil the trip is, you would have thought you were in a time warp, because this surely represents how Olde Florida used to be. Just think it is in our backyard and it is FREE. White City Park has a Pirate playground for the kids, boat ramps, fishing access, plenty of picnic tables and much more. #lovingtreasurecoastlife #ftpierce #treasurecoast

Finding this state park was a very cool discovery. It is located about a mile north of the Fort…read morePierce Inlet. You go down a road and there is a small parking lot at the end. The cost to use the preserve is $2 cash on the honor system. From the parking lot you cross over a bridge that takes you over the Indian River lagoon on to the preserve. In the summer you can see manatees swimming but on the day I visited the waterway was being enjoyed by paddle boarders. This 1,342 acre preserve has been managed by the State of Florida since 1963. It has more than 4 miles of dirt and grass trails along mangrove lined canals. I saw so many mangrove crabs scuttling around. Little blue herons fly overhead and I also saw great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, wood storks, and ibises. Osprey and roseate spoonbills have also been noted in the preserve, There are two trails to the the observation tower. A one mile direct trail or a two mile perimeter trail. I opted for the direct route to avoid an impending rain storm. The tower has stairs that take you 30 feet above the lagoon. From the top you can see the bird rookeries on surrounding islands. As you hike the island you will see culverts that are part of a system for flushing mosquitoes from their breeding areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in mud along the island and water is released through the big metal pipes to flood the areas normally used by the mosquitoes for breeding from April to October. Two other islands make up the preserve, Kings and Queens but they have to be explored from the water. Jack Island is the only one that offers hiking trails. Since Jack Island is located on the lagoon it gets fewer visitors than other state parks on the beach. I had the whole preserve to myself. I saw so many birds, it really is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers. The hike is an easy one and I would have stayed longer if it wasn't for the lightning. The island is also popular with anglers who fish for mullet, snook, and sheepshead and runners. You can walk for miles and never encounter any one else. Jack Island is the perfect place to enjoy Florida the way Mother Nature intended it to be.

Good hiking spot, there's multiple length hikes to choose from. You can either take a direct one…read moremile (one way) walk to the observation tower or take the loop which is 2 miles either way. The tower provides a 360 lookout over the mangroves and the river. Saw herons, crabs, butterflies and large flying fish. Dogs are allowed on short leash. Path is sandy and currently muddy due to afternoon showers today. If you're coming from Ft Pierce Inlet SP or the Avalon State Park this is a 10 minute drive from either one and is worth a stop. We created a state parks map and this was not on it. We saw a state park sign (pictured) and whipped a U-ie to check it out. Glad we did. It is a $2 honor system admission fee payable at entrance. Entrance is where a residential street dead ends and you'll see a McMansion on your left. Park anywhere, pay the fee and walk toward the bridge. No amenities. No restrooms or water fountains. If you're an outdoor person consider getting the Florida state park pass. It's $120 per family and lasts 12 calendar months.