Grassy Waters preserves wildlife for West Palm Beach community

In West Palm Beach, Grassy Waters Preserve provides the community with the opportunity to observe various wildlife species, including birds and alligators, while supplying South Palm Beach and Palm Beach with water. The preserve also has miles of bike and hiking paths, a boardwalk, and nature centers with environmental education programs available to all visitors.

Grassy Waters Preserve and Public Utilities Department in West Palm Beach, Fla. Photo Credit: Hannah Tichenor

The preserve is home to various wildlife, including alligators and numerous bird species. Walking the boardwalk trails provides excellent vantage points for bird watching and observing other native animals.

Mary Crider, an environmental education supervisor at Grassy Waters Preserve, spoke on the wildlife that lives there. 

“One of the top birds that people come in from all over to see is the endangered Everglades snail kite,” Crider said. “We also have two bald eagle nests which we monitor and they produced two chicks this year.”

The Grassy Waters have a variety of bird species sighted, such as Wood Stork, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret, Snail Kite, Barred Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, and so many more. The presence and diversity of bird species at Grassy Waters Preserve underscore the ecological importance of wetland conservation in Florida. 

A significant migratory route goes through Grassy Waters. This location is essential for conservation because birds use it to rest, refuel and build nests. Because they are both predators and prey, birds are a component of a complex food web. They consume snails, fish and insects; snakes, bobcats and even alligators consume them. 

“Besides birds, Grassy Waters is home to otters, bobcats, marsh rabbits, white tailed deer, alligators and unique amphibians like the greater siren,” said Crider.

In addition to taking in the scenery, visitors who climb the boardwalk or paddleboard can walk on top of the city's natural waterfront. Grassy Waters protects the population from droughts and other harsh weather conditions when sea levels rise and rainfall patterns shift.

Logan Weyforth, a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University, spoke about paddle boarding at Grassy Waters. 

“Paddleboarding is one of my favorite things to do, especially at the Grassy Waters Preserve.” Weyforth says “I can go there to clear my mind and the views from the water are unreal,” said Weyforth. 

By preventing the spread of invasive foreign species, managing water quality and conservation practices, the Department of Public Utilities Watershed Management Division now secures the preservation of the Preserve's wetlands' aesthetic appeal.

By Hannah Tichenor