South Cove Natural Area

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

In 2012, Palm Beach County through its Department of Environmental Resources Management completed construction of the South Cove Natural Area, a unique six-acre wetland restoration project located within the Lake Worth Lagoon, in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. The project transformed a degraded area of the Lagoon by filling a deep dredged hole and capping muck sediments with sand to create critical shallow-water habitat for fisheries and wildlife. The newly created wetland provides seagrass, oyster and mangrove habitat that has attracted fish, wading birds, manatees, and sea turtles to the area. The natural area's boardwalk, observation deck, and informational kiosk offer both recreational and environmental education opportunities to the community. The area serves as a "living classroom,” highlighting the importance of a healthy natural ecosystem, which is utilized by local schools and universities. This very visible habitat restoration project provides tremendous ecological and recreational benefits for the Lake Worth Lagoon and for Palm Beach County's residents and visitors.