| Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach Worth Seeing |
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| May 27, 2009 |
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When are wetlands more than wetlands? When they're in Delray Beach -- specifically Wakodahatchee, a beautiful wetlands and wildlife habitat engineers made to be a natural filter for reclaimed water.
Open to the public at no charge from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands (whew, try saying that three times fast) has become a wildlife magnet since opening in 2000. You can see it all by walking a three-quarter-mile boardwalk over the wetland ponds. Birders take note -- more than 140 different species have been spotted here.
Bring binoculars. Bring a camera. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Along the way are signs explaining the facts of water purification and wetlands ecology. Who knew treating waste water could be so creative? The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department came up with this innovative way -- making wetlands -- to filter about 2 million gallons of water a day. Across the street (Jog Road) are other created wetlands called Green Cay.
Birds love Wakodahatchee, and so do fish and alligators. Locals and visitors both enjoy ambling along the boardwalk. As we walked along the boardwalk, an alligator swam underneath, just barely moving its tail, seemingly quite at home. Wakodahatchee comes from the Seminole Indians and means "created waters." How appropriate! The next time you are in Delray Beach, do enjoy the Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
A visit to the wetlands fits in perfectly with National Get Outdoors Day June 14, sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition.
And strolling the boardwalk, looking at wildlife, is also just right for Share A Little Sunshine, sharing Florida and its sunshine with the people who matter most -- family and friends. Send a video to family and friends and be entered in a vacation sweepstakes. This week's getaway is to Panama City Beach. You could be a winner. Ah, break out the beach towels. Enjoy! |
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| An alligator swims at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach |
| Credit: Lucy Beebe Tobias, VISIT FLORIDA Authentic Florida Expert |
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