December 22nd, 2009
Wakodahatchee Wetlands…Delray Beach, Florida…Activities…Nature Preserve…
This was not my intended post tonight, but I was so cold that I started looking at some pictures I had taken some months ago in Delray Beach, Florida.
Unless someone had pointed this out to me, who knows if I would have found it. It is one of those places that, to tell you the truth, I have not seen advertised that much when I am in Florida.
It is called Wakodahatchee Wetlands. This is a man made nature preseve full of birds and wildlife. So, just like we have in Delaware and Maryland beautiful State Parks, Palm Beach County has more than a few of these parks for everyone to enjoy. Excellent job!!
When I first went to Wakodahatchee, it took me a little bit to find it since it is not well marked.
The location is considered suburban Delray Beach and it is located on the east side of Jog Road between Woolbright Rd. and Atlantic Ave. As I have mentioned before, Atlantic Ave. is the main street in Delray Beach. If you go west on Atlantic and cross over 95 then you need to continue to Jog Road and turn right. You will go through the Lake Ida intersection and Wakodahatchee will be not even 1/4 mile on your right. It is the southeast side of Palm Beach County Water Ulitity Department’s Southern Region Operations Center at 13026 Jog Rd. in Delray Beach. You see? It’s a little tricky. Pay attention after you go through that Lake Ida intersection. The website is http://www.pbcgov.com/waterutilities/wakodahatchee/location.htm.
You should visit the website because it will give you all kinds of info. like what kinds of tours they offer, location’s map, explanation of what the nature preserve is all about and a virtual tour of the park. There is a telephone number for tour info. and that is 561-493-6000.
Wakodahatchee opens early in the morning and stays open until dusk. I found that it was so peaceful at the end of the day; you will experience the arrival of those magnificent birds at that time of the evening. You can walk the 3/4 mile boardwalk, which winds through three of the wetland’s ponds. You might even be lucky to catch the site of a few large alligators, as well. And, during certain months of the year you will get to see new birds come to life.
Wakodahatchee comes from the Seminole Indian Language. It means “created waters”. These are 50 acres of unused utilities land that have been turned into a wetlands ecosystem.
Wetlands provide a variety of important envirornmental functions. Just like the wetlands in Delaware and Maryland, the ones in Florida provide food and habitat for many important wildlife species.
If you are in Palm Beach County, near Delray Beach, take a detour from the beaches and you will really enjoy Wakodahatchee.
Note: There is another wetlands preserve called The Green Cay. It is located on 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd. It is between Boyton Beach Blvd. and Atlantic Ave. It is considered suburban Boyton Beach. It has also an elevated boardwalk. A little different than Wakodahatchee, but just as nice. The next time I visit Florida I will get pictures and some more information for you to explore.
Information on Wakodahatchee was taken from http://www.pbcgov.com/waterutilities/wakodahatchee/what_is_wakodahatchee.htm
If you are in Florida now, check it out. It is cold up north so enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities. See you….
Tags: Activities, Delray Beach, Florida, Nature Preserve, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
Nice legs John!
I am sure he will be thanking you for your comment.
[…] the Wakodahatchee Wetlands , an artificial wetland in Delray Beach in southern Palm Beach County,Wakodahatchee Wetlands…Delray Beach, Florida…Activities …This was not my intended post tonight, but I was so cold that I started looking at some pictures I […]
Thanks for posting this great article!
I would like information regarding a memorial plaque to be placed at 1 of the Boynton Beach preserves…..
thank you