Located in southern Palm Beach County, west of U.S. Highway 27, the A-1 Flow Equalization Basin (FEB) is Florida’s largest constructed storage feature, part of the Everglades Restoration Strategies Plan to improve water quality. This 15,000-acre shallow reservoir temporarily holds peak stormwater flows, up to 4 feet deep. Controlled release directs the water to nearby Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) for nutrient removal before entering the Everglades. Note that the Western Levee is currently closed due to construction.

Meeting Place: We’ll meet in the parking lot as you enter. (Before the first pond)

If for somereason the gate is not open for the parking lot, we will meet near the restrooms, which are now covered with a brown building. Avoid parking where the boat access is located. If you can’t attend, please remember to cancel your ticket. For further assistance, you can contact fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org.

Check in is at 0750.

Directions to the southern entrance near MM 60 of Highway 27 South:

• Use Highway 27 South.
• The southern entrance is located near after mile marker 53.
• GPS Coordinates: N 26.398430, W 080.58799.

Please be prepared for potential fog and GPS misdirection.

Important Notes:

• Registration Required: Advance registration is essential, as we cannot accommodate walk-ins. Ensure your spot by registering ahead of time.

• Liability Release: Every participant is required to print and sign the South Florida Water Management District Liability Release form, including your address, and bring it with you to the trip. These will be collected forms upon arrival at check in.

• Limited Vehicles: This is a carpool driving tour with only 8 vehicles permitted on the property. Each vehicle should carry 4 people, so if you arrive with fewer passengers, be prepared to join others or take additional participants in your vehicle. If you’re riding as a passenger, please park at the entrance gate.
• Punctuality: We ask that all participants arrive on time, allowing for any travel or GPS issues. Timeliness ensures that we maximize our time in the field.
• Rain or Shine: This event will go ahead regardless of the weather, except in the case of a hurricane.
• Communication: is via hand held radios. These will be issued at check in.
• eBird Participation: There will be a shared eBird list for this trip. To access and edit the list, you’ll need an eBird account with a user ID and password. Learn more about eBird here.
• Photography Notice: We encourage participants to capture the beauty and joy of our birding excursions. By signing the AE consent, you agree to having your photos taken and used on our social media pages. If you prefer not to have your photos shared, please inform us in advance.
• Consideration for Others: If you register but find yourself unable to attend, please cancel your ticket promptly. This consideration allows those on the waitlist the chance to participate.
• Safety During Hunting Season: While this trip takes place during hunting season (September 1 – March 31), rest assured that we will stick to the main grade, only briefly detouring to search for the elusive Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
• Safety Reminder:This Stormwater Treatment Area is home to alligators, fire ants, and other critters, and features steep drop-offs. Please be cautious and watch your step when exiting your vehicle.
• Educational for All Ages: Most of our events are designed to be educational for birders of all ages. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out to fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org. We look forward to sharing this birding adventure with you!