Limestone Creek Natural Area: An Oasis within the Urban Landscape

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In 2013, Palm Beach County through its Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) completed the restoration of the Limestone Creek Natural Area, a unique 52-acre preserve located along the South Fork of the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River. The multifaceted project included the restoration of a blackwater stream, the creation of several oxbows along the banks of the South Fork of the Loxahatchee River to mimic its historic meandering nature, the eradication of invasive exotic vegetation, the re-introduction of fire through a prescribed burn program, and the construction of facilities to provide the public with a wide array of passive recreational and educational opportunities. This highly visible habitat restoration project provides tremendous ecological and recreational benefits for the Loxahatchee River and Palm Beach County’s residents and visitors. Whether you enjoy fishing, biking, hiking, nature photography, paddling a canoe or kayak, observing wildlife, or, just knowing that a small amount of old Florida has been restored and preserved forever in an otherwise very urban environment, this natural area has something for everyone.