Cypress Creek South: Connecting People with Nature

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

In November of 2016, Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), completed the restoration and construction of public use facilities at the southern tract of the Cypress Creek Natural Area. The multifaceted project created a hub for public use and protects a critical conservation area, located in the Loxahatchee River floodplain, the first federally designated Wild and Scenic River in Florida. The project transformed old shell mine pits into wetlands to provide habitat for wildlife and improve water quality. The project also included the eradication of invasive nonnative vegetation, and construction of public-use facilities. Situated adjacent to the County’s Riverbend Park and the Loxahatchee River Battle Field, this highly visible project provides both recreational and ecological benefits for Palm Beach County residents and visitors. The passive recreational activities now available on this property include hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, fishing, photography, and birding. The trails on the site are part of the Jeaga Wildways (fka NENA) trail system and connect to over 165,000 acres of natural Florida conservation and recreational lands.