Through a partnership with Hendry-Glades Audubon, the South Florida Water Management District will offer to the public escorted birding tours at Stormwater Treatment Area 5 (STA-5) south of Clewiston in eastern Hendry County.
The stormwater treatment areas, owned and operated by the South Florida Water Management District, are vast, constructed wetlands that use vegetation to naturally cleanse excess nutrients from water before it enters the Everglades. These remote, shallow-water marshes attract many species of nesting wading birds, migratory and other water fowl such as great blue herons, wood storks, snowy egrets, great egrets and fulvous whistling ducks.
Tours are open to anyone, but participants must register to reserve a space on the trips.
To sign up for the STA-5 Birding Tour: Send an e-mail to Margaret England with your name and contact information including an emergency cell number for the tour day, the date you want to go, and the number in your party. You may also leave a message at (863) 674-0695 or (863) 517-0202.
2008: Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Dec. 27 (Christmas Bird Count)
2009: Jan. 17, Jan. 31, Feb. 14-15-16 (Great Backyard Bird Count), Feb. 28, Mar. 7, Mar. 21, Apr. 4, Apr. 18, May 9 (Migratory Bird Count), June 20, July 11, Aug. 15, Oct. 17
Directions:
- from Immokalee: Continue east on C.R. 846 in to Hendry County. Turn right (east) at the intersection with C.R. 833 and drive to the intersection with C.R. 835. Turn left. Stay on C.R. 835 to Blumberg Road and turn right (south). Continue another 9 miles to the STA-5 turnoff (dirt road). Go south for 2-1/2 miles on the dirt road to the STA-5 entrance gate. Park before the gate in the area to the right (map below).
- from US 27: Continue east through Clewiston on Highway 27. Look for Evercane Road (CR 835) and the J & J Ag Products sign. Continue south on CR 835 for about 9-1/2 miles to Blumberg Rd (at the second bend in the road). Turn left onto Blumberg and continue another nine miles to the STA-5 turnoff (dirt road). Go south for 2-1/2 miles on the dirt road to the STA-5 entrance gate. Park before the gate in the area to the right.
Reminders: Bring sunscreen, water and snacks and wear hats and closed-toe shoes. Tour-participants must stay on the levee. We are allowed to carpool around levy. There is no age minimum for the trips.
Driving Directions from Immokalee
Clewiston Chamber of Commerce (hotels & restaurants)
Required Liability Release (print out, sign, and bring)