Winding Waters Natural Area: Rediscovering the Wild in Our Own Backyards

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

In 2015, Palm Beach County, through its Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), completed the restoration of Winding Waters Natural Area, a unique 550-acre preserve located in the 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, and the construction of public-use facilities. Situated within the county’s largest city of West Palm Beach, 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 are preserved and protected in perpetuity thereby contributing to the good quality of life in Palm Beach County.