The Kiplinger Nature Preserve Park is a 164 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. In 2020 the Kiplinger family donated another 7 acres to the preserve protecting it from retail development. 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. In the past I have seem sandhill cranes and this time I spotted a marsh bunny hopping across the trail. 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. The nature center was closed for improvements to the parking lot and I was delighted to see that they are back open although parts of the trail were muddy. 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.

This park is a natural area in Stuart. The 164 acre mangrove area is located in the South Fork of…read morethe St. Lucie River. There is easy public parking at the entrance and a picnic pavilion. I walked the easy picturesque hiking trail and crossed two of the three footbridges before reaching the river. There is a floating dock for fishing. I only spotted one ibis and the crabs in the mangrove and a variety of Florida wild flowers.

A quiet park with trails along the river and a nice playground for kids. Dog friendly walks.read more

I went here with my sister and her three children and we had a good time! This park is smaller but…read moreit's a great size for children and it seems like it is well maintained! My niece and nephews enjoyed themselves and I love to see great parks in an area! It's an important resource! I loved the sailfish detail on the turf as well! I hope I'm able to come back to this park one day!

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.

Fantastic place for a scenic walk by the water! Love to just come by once in a while and take a…read morewalk with loved ones. It connects to PSL Botanical Gardens but the connection is under construction right now. Can't wait until they finish!

Created in 2001 this is a picturesque 12 acre water front park along the St. Lucie River. There is…read moreample parking in the roomy lot. The park has two wooden boardwalk paths that cross over the mangroves to a 30 foot boardwalk and observation deck. The boardwalk is green. It is made out of recycled materials with a solar lighting system and thermoplastic handrails. The observation desk can be rented for private events. This is a very popular place to fish and I saw many people with their catch of tarpon, snook, and redfish. Humans weren't the only ones having luck with the fish. I had a wonderful time watching the wild birds swoop and dive into the river to grab their dinner. This is the perfect place to get some exercise, take in the beautiful view of the river, or watch the sun set.

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.

South Causeway Park is located at S A1A and South Bridge. It is across from Museum Pointe Park…read morewhere you can visit the St. Lucie Regional History Center and the St. Lucie County Aquarium. South Causeway Park is a linear beach park on the Fort Pierce Inlet. It has free parking, grills, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and showers. The real star of this park is the quarter mile long white sandy beach and calm gentle waters of the inlet which are ideal for the youngest of bathers. The waters off this park are busy with kayakers, sailors, and pleasure boaters. Pelicans, egret, and herons are some of the many birds you may see here. People flock to this beautiful park for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. I saw a lot of people setting up their own canopies and staking out their spots so they can make a full day of free fun here. The great thing about this park is there is room for everyone. South Causeway Park is a fantastic alternative to the beach parks when you would rather avoid the ocean.

This is a free park on A1A near the St Lucie History Museum and the St Lucie Aquarium. It has…read morepicnic areas, grills and a beautiful white sand beach. The park is on an inlet which makes it nice for families with young kids. Good for swimming and kayaking.

This park is part of a freshwater marsh or savana that used to cover the southeast coast of…read moreFlorida. This preserve is one of the longest remaining tracts of east coast savanna. It is 10 miles long stretching from Ft. Pierce to Jensen Beach.The term savanna for the marshland and ponds was first used by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Pierce during the Second Seminole Wars. In 1879 Captain Thomas Richards came here from Key West to plant pineapples which thrived in the sandy soil. From 1895 to 1920 Jensen Beach became the pineapple capital of the world. In 1977, 6,000 acres of land were acquired to create a park that protects this biologically unique ecosystem. Today the park offers many amenities to the nature enthusiast. There are 15 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There is also a canoe and kayak launch. At 8:30 AM every Friday and Saturday morning volunteers lead two hour guided tours. Reservations are required and you can call this number: 772-398-2779. Fishing is available in the park if you have the proper license. If all of the fun outdoor sports makes you hungry there are a number of picnic shelters around the preserve. To learn more about the savannas you can go to the Visitor Center Education Center which is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. I only got a chance to scratch the surface of this wonderful park and now I can't wait to come and explore it more fully. Admission to the park is $3 that you put into an envelope on the honor system. If you visit bring cash make sure to have the exact amount. The money goes to supporting a wonderful outdoor space rich in history, plants, and animals.