Field Guide: Brian Garrett, Wildlife Coordinator for South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Embark on an exhilarating birding adventure at STA 1 West with wildlife biologist Brian Garrett! You’ll drive through this exclusive Stormwater Treatment Area, normally off-limits to the public. Located near the Sem Chi Rice Mill off Atlantic Mill Rd./Sem Chi Rd., this rare opportunity is made possible through our special partnership with the South Florida Water Management District. Don’t miss this unique chance to explore prime birding habitats and witness incredible wildlife!

Important Details:

Carpooling Information: To minimize the number of vehicles on the berm, carpooling is required. If you have fewer than four people in your vehicle, please be prepared to take additional participants or join another car that has open seats.

New Registration Process: We’re trying something new to make the event smoother for everyone. Please follow these steps when registering:
– Car Registration: If you have a group of four people you plan to carpool with, please register together as one car. Select the option for a full car during registration.

– Available Seats: If you don’t have a full car, please register in any available car that has open seats. This ensures we maximize carpooling and reduce the number of vehicles on the berm.

• 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. The field guide will collect these forms upon arrival.
• Cancellation Policy: If you register for the event but need to cancel, please cancel your ticket promptly to allow others to join the trip. For cancellations, contact Fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org

eBird Participation:

• There will be a shared eBird list for this event.
• To accept the list, ensure you have an eBird account with a user ID and password. You can edit the species in the list by adding or removing them.

Photography Notice:

• We encourage participants to capture and share the beauty of this birding adventure. 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 let us know in advance.

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.

Directions:

• The field trip location is west of Wellington.
• Head west on SR-80/98/Southern Blvd.
• Turn west onto CR 880/E Canal Street S.
• After approximately 4.1 miles, turn south (left if coming from the east) onto Atlantic Mill Rd./Sem Chi Rd. (near the Sem Chi Rice Mill). There will be flashing yellow lights at the turn, but no street sign.
• The entrance to STA 1 West is almost immediately on your left, near the Hunters Check-in.

Note: There are no bathroom facilities or porta-potties available at the site unless they have been set up for hunters.

Nearby Facilities:

• Publix Shopping Center at B Road and Southern Blvd:
• 7-Eleven/Shell Gas Station: 15589 Southern Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 15689 Southern Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL

GPS Coordinates: 26.677164735719856, -80.45102745294571

Prepare for a memorable day of birding at this unique location!

Meet your Guide

Brian Garrett is an expert 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.