Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - ERD Changes Location Of Dec. 17 Hike, Temporarily Closes Sweetwater Hammock

The recent heavy rains have forced St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department to make changes to its weekly Nature Series and temporarily close one preserve because of flooding in the parking lot and trails.

The weekly Nature Series for Saturday, Dec. 17 is being relocated to the Indrio Savannahs Preserve, located 5275 Tozour Road. The topic will still be birding. No experience is required: Just bring binoculars/camera and join a naturalist for a leisurely hike through a preserve that is part of the statewide Great Florida Birding Trail. For reservations call Patricia Norris at 772-453-4066. This program is free, but limited to the first 15 people.

Additionally, heavy rains have caused the temporary closure of Sweetwater Hammock Preserve, located at 4100 South 25th Street, until the parking lot and trails dry out.

Purchased through a voter-approved bond referendum, St. Lucie County manages more than two dozen preserves that are open to the public for passive recreation. For more information about St. Lucie County’s Environmentally Significant Lands visit: www.stlucieco.gov/erd.