Yes! Please follow our facebook page for information on recent wildlife sightings, upcoming educational programs, trail information, and more! https://www.facebook.com/GrassyWatersPreserve/
What plants can I put in my yard to attract native wildlife?
Our butterfly garden guide is a good first resource for choosing native plants to attract Florida wildlife. The guide also contains a list of native nurseries where the plants may be purchased. For a complete list of native plants visit Florida Native Plant Society. In addition to attracting wildlife, native plants require little to no irrigation, pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizer. This helps limit polluting run-off and keep your watershed clean, conserves freshwater resources, and saves you money!
How can I schedule a field trip for my school group?
All school field trip requests begin by visiting the School Programs section of our website. There you can learn more about our field trip program, what activities we offer by grade level, and what State Standards our programs meet. To move forward with scheduling a field trip, you will fill our our School Program Request Form and be put in contact with our Program Coordinator.
Are there wheelchairs available for use when visiting Grassy Waters Preserve?
Yes, there are two wheelchairs available to borrow upon request at the Grassy Waters Nature Center for use on our ADA-accessible Cypress Boardwalk Trail. The wheelchairs were generously funded by the Ibis Charities Foundation through the Grassy Waters Conservancy, a nonprofit organization which supports Grassy Waters Preserve.
What type of bird is in the Grassy Waters Preserve logo?
The bird in our logo is an Everglades Snail Kite, a species which has been listed as Endangered since 1967. Just as the City of West Palm Beach is dependent on the Preserve for its water supply, the survival of the Snail Kite is dependent on the preservation of pristine wetlands like Grassy Waters. Snail Kite sightings are common at Grassy Waters Preserve, an indicator that we are providing this iconic Everglades resident with the quality habitat it needs to have a fighting chance at survival.
I have found an injured wild animal- Can I bring it to Grassy Waters?
Grassy Waters is not licensed to rehabilitate wild animals. If you have an animal in need of care, please contact Busch Wildlife Sanctuary by calling (561) 575-3399.
Can I relocate or release animals at Grassy Waters Preserve?
No. Please do not release any pets or relocate trapped animals to Grassy Waters Preserve. Released wildlife can introduce disease to Preserve inhabitants. Released non-native species also threaten natural areas and can disrupt the existing ecosystem.
Can I rent a meeting space or pavilion at Grassy Waters Preserve?
Grassy Waters Preserve does not offer any rental facilities, and no areas of the Preserve can be reserved for private use. Use of shelters and picnic tables is available on a first-come first-served basis, and may not be available to the general public during school field trip programming or guided tours.
Can I ride my bike at Grassy Waters Preserve?
Yes, biking is allowed on all trails except the Cypress Boardwalk Trail and Eagle Trail. A mountain bike or hybrid bike is required, none of our trails are appropriate for a road bike. Difficulty of terrain varies by trail, please visit our Trail Information page for more details.
Can I go fishing at Grassy Waters Preserve?
Fishing is prohibited everywhere in Grassy Waters with the exception of Gator Lake (access from Eagle Trail at 8537 Northlake Blvd.), where catch and release fishing is permitted.
How do I volunteer at Grassy Waters Preserve?
Thanks for asking! We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers. Please check out the volunteer page, and follow the directions there to get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator.
Will I see alligators at Grassy Waters Preserve?
Grassy Waters is home to many alligators, but we cannot guarantee you will get to see one. Because they are cold blooded, alligators must regulate their temperature by cooling off in the water or warming themselves in the sun. Alligators are also well-camouflaged, so look closely, and with a little luck you’ll see one of our resident reptiles.
Can I go on an airboat tour at Grassy Waters Preserve?
No. Airboat tours are not offered at Grassy Waters Preserve. With the exception of limited use for scientific surveying or by law enforcement to patrol the Preserve, use of motorized vessels within Grassy Waters is prohibited in order to protect the ecological integrity of the wetland.
Can I bring my dog to Grassy Waters Preserve?
No, dogs are not permitted within Grassy Waters in order to keep the Preserve as natural as possible for our native wildlife. The smell or your dog prevents native wildlife like bobcats, foxes, and marsh rabbits from feeling safe in the habitat, and can also attract the attention of alligators looking for a meal. Service dogs are permitted, but we encourage owners to use caution near the water for the safety of their animal.
Is Grassy Waters Preserve a nonprofit organization? Can I make a donation?
Grassy Waters Preserve is a government entity owned and operated by the City of West Palm Beach. However, the nonprofit organization Grassy Waters Conservancy was created to support the Preserve. To learn more about the Grassy Waters Conservancy and to make a donation, please visit their website.
How do I sign up for a tour or education program at Grassy Waters Preserve?
First visit our Public Program Calendar to find a tour you are interested in. Next call the Nature Center at 561-804-4985 and one of our education staff members or volunteers would be happy to take your reservation. All tour and education programs at Grassy Waters Preserve require phone reservations. Reservations cannot be made online or through Facebook. If you place your phone call after hours, please leave a message with your name, the program date you are interested in, the number of people in your party, and a reliable phone number.
Can I rent a canoe or kayak at Grassy Waters, or can I launch my own watercraft?
Because Grassy Waters Preserve has a high level of ecological protection, the only way to paddle at Grassy Waters is on a guided educational tour. We do not rent canoes or kayaks for visitors to paddle on their own, and you also may not launch your own watercraft to paddle at the Preserve. Reservations are required for all of our guided paddle tours, and both the boat and your required life vest are included in the cost of the tour.
How many entrances does Grassy Waters Preserve have? Which one should I use?
Grassy Waters Preserve has 3 entrances which provide access to different trails.
Main Entrance Address
8264 Northlake Blvd
West Palm Beach, Florida 33412 Features
Cypress Boardwalk Trail
Nature Center
Guided educational programs Hours
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Sunday: 8:30am - 5:00pm Closed all government holidays
Watershed Management Entrance Address
8537 Northlake Blvd
West Palm Beach, Florida 33412 Features
Hog Hammock Trail
Eagle Trail
Gator Lake Hours
7:00am-5:00pm Daily
Apoxee Entrance Address
3125 Jog Rd
West Palm Beach, Florida 33412 Features
Apoxee Trail
Owahee Trail Hours
7:00am-6:00pm Daily
What is the phone number for Grassy Waters Nature Center?
You may talk to a Grassy Waters staff educator or volunteer by calling the Nature Center at 561-804-4985
