Lakeside Ranch STA

Explore Lakeside Ranch STA with Audubon of Martin County and SFWMD

Join us for an exclusive birding event at Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA), a pristine 2,700-acre wetland located in western Martin County. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Audubon of Martin County and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), we have been granted special access to this remarkable location.

Event Details:

• Duration: Participants must exit the STA by 11:50 AM.
• Facilities: Restrooms are available at the entrance.
• Registration: Registration is mandatory. Please RSVP with your vehicle full of attendees as one ticket to ensure an accurate headcount.
• Liability Release: Every participant must print and sign the South Florida Water Management District Liability Release, including your address. Bring this release with you as it is required for participation.

Meeting Point:

• Location: Parking lot
• Check-In: Look for Paula Gatrell, who drives a Yellow Bronco.
• GPS Coordinates: N 27 degrees 07 minutes 09.43 seconds, W 080 degrees 40 minutes 22.37 seconds

Additional Details:

• This event is for both photographers and birders.
• Punctuality is essential; please consider possible traffic and GPS issues.
• Carpooling is encouraged due to vehicle limits on the berm.

Contact Information:

• For inquiries or assistance, contact .

eBird List:

• A shared eBird list will be sent to the email you used to register.
• To access and edit this list, you need an eBird account with a user ID and password. Learn more at eBird.

Photography Notice:

• We encourage capturing the beauty of this adventure. By signing the AE consent, you agree to have your photos used on our social media pages. If you prefer your photos not be shared, please inform us in advance.

Safety Notice:

• This Stormwater Treatment Area contains alligators, fire ants, and other critters, along with steep drop-offs. Please be cautious and watch your step when exiting the car.

We look forward to sharing this special outing with you and appreciate your cooperation in making this event enjoyable for everyone.

About Your Guide

John Nelson, known as the "Voice of The Audubon Moment," began his journey as a photographer in the wilds of central Africa, where he spent his high school years at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. An accomplished photographer from a young age, John's passion for wildlife led him to document the rich biodiversity of Florida after moving to the U.S.

In 2008, John transitioned from still photography to high-definition video, allowing him to capture the dynamic behaviors of animals. To deepen his understanding of Florida's environment, he became a Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida in 2012.

John is the president of the Martin County Audubon Chapter and spends nearly every week exploring the wilds of South and Central Florida, often enduring challenging conditions to get the perfect shot. He also hosts "The Audubon Moment," a public radio show offering tips on identifying Florida’s diverse bird species.

Photo Credit: Stuart Magazine

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area, 7250 SW Conners Hwy, Okeechobee, United States