Just down the road from Heathcote Botanical Gardens is the lovely and functional 20 acre Indian…read moreHills Recreation Area. It is located on the south side of Savannah Road. The pond in this natural area is part of a stormwater retention area project that provides treatment for an 1,242-acre watershed before runoff can reach and pollute the Indian River Lagoon. It was created out of a partnership between the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County. While the wetlands were created to clean the water they also attract a diverse array of wildlife which in turn attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, birders. wildlife viewers, and photographers. Indian Hills is home to alligators, turtles, and wading birds that can be seen while wandering along the sidewalks and bridges. This recreation area also has a fishing pier and a covered pavilion with picnic tables near the parking area. The .9 mile loop path around the pond is perfect for all ages and fitness levels so pack a lunch and get out and enjoy nature.

Great place to walk, lots of shade, many trails, family friendly, fishing, dock, cleaning station,…read morelaunch ramp and playground. Plenty of parking.

I love this park. It's fun to walk in and enjoy the scenery. It's easy to find a space in the early…read moremorning hours. There's a pretty bench/gazebo area, perfect to take a rest and read a book. Sometimes you'll find people kayaking or even see a gator popping up!

My heart will always be fond of Rivergate as I have so many amazing childhood memories, especially…read morethe friendly squirrels, raccoons, and sea otters that were thriving here! Oh, and a big ole alligator that had no qualms about sunbathing and showing off to us onlookers! The brush has no long overgrown where he (or she) used to hang out for us all to see (and some people would feed him too ... but he was still a hunter ... and I would see him go after birds in the water which was cool and sad all at once ... like an episode of National Geographic). Since then things have changed a lot. I haven't seen any raccoons on my last few visits. I was told feral cats and fisherman ruined the population of cute animals that called this place home. They expanded on greatly to the walkway, which would be great, except that they didn't keep it wooden. It's metal and doesn't look great. It reminds me of being back up in NY with its cold appeal and just doesn't match the vibe at all. But the worse part and what is really affecting my rating is how utterly filthy it is! Sure, the area of the parking lot and ramps are nice. But walk the walkway.. there is endless trash everywhere. To the point I was taking pictures of birds down there and yes my pictured are ruined with trash but actual important thing is the poor wildlife walking around in this! Why?? Where are the funds going to clean this park? There is no excuse for this. It is unfair for us to build and use their homes for our leisure and then not treat it with the respect it deserves. Again, I went here almost everyday of my childhood and so did my family. The only "litter" you would see is some fishing string and bobbers from some people who snagged their lines where the water is. This was literally human garbage all over while looking down from the walkway that goes in and out from the parking lot to the water where the extended walkway is. I hope someone will see this and care and have this cleaned up. I reside in NY and have no idea who to contact or what to do but if someone is down there and has a point of contact ... please walk through the trees and look down at all of the trash and see if something can be done. Floridas wildlife deserves better than to live in our filth. On the plus side, it is still a peaceful place, there are two ramps to back your boat in, the parking lot is huge, there is an area next to the ramps to clean your fish and such, with a working hose. There's crab around which is fun for the kids to see (and adults if you're me), and when the sun is going down you can see gators swimming about by watching for their eyes. You can watch for smaller pretty creatures too in the flowers, like Florida lubbers (colorful and gentle grasshopper of a larger size). The best way to see all of these is to be still and quiet and mindful of them (which I find best achieved going alone). It is truly a lovely zen place but please please please clean it up and if you're visiting put your garbage in the appropriate garbage cans or bring it home with you. Don't make the lazy choice to litter. So many creatures die or are critically injured from our litter, you just don't see it happen as you drop it and walk away. It takes no extra effort just to walk your trash to garbage can. Be kind to our planet :)

Veterans Park at Rivergate is a delightful six acre park that offers many kinds of outdoor…read moreadventures for boaters, anglers, and nature lovers. If you are a boater, the park has three boat ramps along with free car and trailer parking. You can launch your watercraft right on to the beautiful St. Lucie River. For those coming to cookout, even large groups can be accommodated in the large pavilion with 10 six foot picnic tables, one eight foot tables, lights, electricity, water, and 2 large grills. Smaller groups can make use of three family pavilions with grills. My favorite part of the park was the boardwalk that leads you through the natural habitat of the St. Lucie River. Fishing is permitted and you can get a great view of the wildlife that calls the river home. The scenic views of the river add a serene backdrop that enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere of the park. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, with various species often spotted along the riverbank. This park is a hidden gem that has something for everyone to enjoy.

This is a neighborhood park located in the the Palm Lake Gardens neighborhood completed in 2005 in…read moreFt. Pierce. The park is set up around a lake. You can exercise by walking a path that runs the perimeter of the lake. Other park amenities include grills, pavilions, picnic tables, and a playground. You can't swim in the lake but people use it for RC boat racing. The lake is stocked so it is a popular fishing spot. I saw quite a bit of wildlife during my visit including a heron, turtles, and a young alligator. This is a really beautiful spot to cook out, picnic, fish, or just take a stroll. As I was leaving I saw someone walking their dog right next to the edge of the water. I cannot not emphasize enough that this is not a smart thing to do. At a park in Davie a woman was killed doing the same thing. An alligator attacked her dogs and she was killed trying to save them. Alligators will not normally attack people but they have been known to go for dogs at the waters edge. I definitely saw alligator activity at this lake. Children and pets should not be near the edge of water where there could possibly be alligators. Prevent another tragedy and stay on the path.

I've run and biked past Rio Nature Park quite a few times over the years and SCW and I decided to…read morestop in while we were biking by. There is a little bit of parking off the street perhaps for two or three vehicles. No bike racks available. You set off towards the water along a small short trail that has local trees and vegetation native to our area with signs that explain what the trees or shrubs are. Probably about half dozen of those while you walk along the dirt path in shade until you come to the water. There you will find a small beach point maybe 8 feet wide and a nice covered table and chairs in which you can have a pick nick or just enjoy the view of the inlet over into Stuart. It is quite the view! The park is quite small and no real way to avoid it being overcrowded very quickly. If I saw a car there or people I'd move along as there really isn't much space for multiple groups. However it is well maintained and quite relaxing. I will certainly stop by again.

I was exploring nature and parks in this area and found this little natural area. Unfortunately…read morethere is no parking so pull over on the side of the road at your own risk. There is a short wood chip trail that takes you down to the St. Lucie River. A few of the trees and plants are marked along the way. There is a covered picnic table and a bench by the river and the view is nice. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but it is a pretty nature retreat for those who live in the community.

Gorgeous nature preserve. A wonderful walk to the water that loops around. I've taken many friends…read morehere over the years and have always enjoyed it. I would suggest this to anyone who loves to be outside. There is a floating dock by the water and it's pretty fun to pretend it's gonna detach every time a fast boat passes by and sends it tumbling in the waves. 10/10 nature preserve

The Kiplinger Nature Preserve Park is a 157 acre natural area in Stuart. The land used to belong to…read morethe Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. and the Kiplinger Foundation Inc. until Martin County purchased it to preserve the land. Ecological communities making up the preserve include freshwater and mangrove swamps, wet prairie and estuarine river. The preserve contains stands of sand pine and scrub oak as well as pine and scrubby flatwoods. Animals that have been spotted here include the Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, the Golden Silk Spider, raccoons, and alligators. On my visit I spotted a Sandhill Crane but it was too far away to take a picture. I was excited because I have seen the large birds all over the campus at UCF when I visit my daughter but we don't have them in Broward County. They are funny because when I see them they are usually blocking traffic and they do not care. The cranes will nest here in the prairie in the late spring. The trail that runs through Kiplinger is an easy one mile loop. It runs behind condos, past wetlands, across some raised boardwalks and back along the river. In addition to the trail there is a free parking lot, three foot bridges, a floating fishing dock, and a place to launch a kayak or a canoe. It is a great place to enjoy nature, get some exercise and fresh air.

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.

This is an 80 acre hammock preserve. In the mounds here archeologists have found items evidence of…read morethe Native Ais people who lived in this area for thousands of years before the Spanish came. The Ais were wiped out by disease or were enslaved and sent to Cuba. It is against state law to remove or disturb artifacts. You can pick up a trail map at the kiosk adjacent to the parking lot. The preserve has a one mile trail that takes you through an elm, palm, and oak forest. There is an elevated tower overlook but all you can really see is the tops of trees. The trail goes on to take you through a depression marsh and basin swamp. Plants that have been found on the preserve include hickory, Florida elm, live and laurel oak, and sugar berry. Deer , turkey, ibis, heron, Barred Owl, cardinals, and mockingbirds are some of the wildlife that have been spotted on the preserve. This is a lovely, peaceful preserve filled with butterflies. The trail is natural ground which is not wheelchair accessible but it is an easy hike for most people. The area is very remote and and I didn't have a cell signal for a couple of miles surrounding the preserve. There is no water or bathroom so plan accordingly. The major detractor for me was the amount of flying insects dive bombing my head. I will try again in the winter when the temperature is more conducive to hiking and there is hopefully less insect activity. Rangers occasionally lead hikes which is a wonderful way to see the preserve.

My favorite trail around is the teague hammock trail. If you cross the road to the east from the…read moreparking lot the trail head starts. Very easy, grassy trail that is so beautiful at sunset. Just make sure you get back to the parking lot before dark because they close the gates at dusk and reopen at dawn. Go on a nice cool day and you wont regret it. No bathroom or water available. There are trail maps.