Pine Glades Natural Area Restoration: Rediscovering the Wild in Your Own Backyard

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

In 2014, Palm Beach County, through its Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), completed the restoration of the Pine Glades Natural Area, a unique 6,415-acre preserve located in the north-central portion of the county. The multifaceted project included the restoration of a former agriculture area, the eradication of invasive nonnative vegetation, the restoration of impacted native habitats, the re-introduction of fire through a prescribed burn program, and the construction of public-use amenities. Just a few miles from the county’s 6th largest municipality, it is a highly visible habitat restoration project that provides both ecological and recreational benefits for Palm Beach County’s residents and visitors. A myriad of passive nature-based recreational opportunities are available including fishing, hiking, nature photography, paddling, and birding. Many people simply enjoy knowing that this piece of conservation land and others like it will be preserved and protected in perpetuity thereby contributing to the good quality of life in Palm Beach County.