Event Description: Join us for an exciting new birding experience at the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area, a key component of the Indian River Lagoon-South Restoration Project and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). In partnership with Martin County Audubon and the South Florida Water Management District, this escorted car tour provides an opportunity to observe Florida’s native wildlife and migrating birds across this 12,000-acre area. The tour includes frequent stops for field views and bird sightings, making it ideal for all ages and experience levels. Enhance your birding knowledge and appreciation with this educational and engaging excursion.

Event Details:

• Meeting Point: The parking area is located approximately 1/2 mile to 1 mile inside the gates. We will carpool to this area.
• Restrooms: Port-a-potties are available in the parking area.
• Carpooling: Carpooling is required to minimize the number of vehicles on the berm. If you have fewer than four people in your vehicle, please be prepared to take additional participants or join another car with open seats.
• Registration: Register your vehicle as a full car if you have four people, or select an available car with open seats if you have fewer. Every participant must print, sign, and bring the South Florida Water Management Liability Release form, including your address. This form is mandatory for attendance.
• Punctuality: Arrive on time to allow for traffic and GPS misdirections. Once the gates are closed, no early exits or late returns will be allowed.
• Communication: Radios will be provided for communication during the tour.
• Safety Precautions: Be cautious of potential hazards such as alligators, fire ants, and other wildlife. Watch your step when exiting the vehicle.

Prohibited Items:

• Drones

eBird List: A shared eBird list will be available to document bird sightings. To access and edit the list, you need an eBird account with a user ID and password. Learn more at eBird.

Photography Notice: We encourage you to capture and share the beauty of our adventure on social media. By signing the AE consent, you agree to having your photo taken and used on our social media pages. If you prefer not to have your photos shared, please inform us in advance.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration, please do so via your registration. For difficulties with cancellation, contact us at fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org

Field Guides:

• Jim Howe
• Brian Garrett

Directions:

From Palm Beach International Airport:

1. Starting Point: 1000 James L Turnage Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.
2. Get on FL-80 W/US-98/Southern Blvd: Take James L Turnage Blvd and Australian Ave (approx. 5 minutes, 2.6 miles).
3. Continue on US-98: Take US Hwy 27 N to FL-80 in Hendry County (approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes, 68.7 miles).
4. Take Co Rd 833 S: Continue to the parking area.

From Beeline Highway:

1. Take FL 710 / Beeline Hwy NW towards Indiantown.
2. Once in Martin County: Cross the St. Lucie Canal Bridge, then turn right onto SW Citrus Blvd (726).
3. Follow Citrus Blvd East: The entrance to C-44 will be on the left and well-marked.

Landmarks:

• GPS directions can be guided by Indiantown Marina, 21043 SW Citrus Blvd, Indiantown, FL 34956 (right-hand side).
• There is also a small local airport, Indiantown Airport, on your left-hand side.
• Do not turn onto Minute Maid; continue past this and look for the entrance marked as most STAs.

We look forward to sharing this special birding adventure with you!

Meet your guides:

Jim Howe – Martin County Audubon

Jim Howe is a retired mechanical design engineer who relocated to Florida in 2003. Since 2010, he has been a dedicated volunteer in Florida State Parks, amassing over 2,200 volunteer hours. As a certified Florida Master Naturalist, Jim leads the Florida Scrub Jay Walks at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP), sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for local wildlife. He serves as Vice President of Audubon of Martin County, aiming to foster mutual benefits between the two organizations. With a pragmatic approach rooted in his engineering background, Jim brings a no-nonsense perspective to his work, carefully assessing the park’s diverse factors and offering practical insights.

Brian Garrett – SFWMD

Brian Garrett is a committed wildlife biologist with extensive experience in a range of environmental projects, including long-term monitoring efforts aimed at restoring the Greater Everglades. He merges his professional expertise with a passion for photography to enrich the birding experience for enthusiasts, all while maintaining a strong focus on wildlife conservation.