The Wakodahatchee Wetlands, opened in 1996, are located in Delray Beach at 13270 Jog Road.
Constructed on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, the created wetlands are free and open to the public. Wakodahatchee features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands with shrubs and snags to foster nesting and roosting.
The boardwalk has interpretive signage as well as gazebos with benches along the way. This site is part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail and offers many opportunities to observe birds in their natural habitats. Over 178 bird species have been identified there, along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccoons.
Each day, the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility pumps approximately two million gallons of highly treated wastewater into the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, which in turn acts as a percolation pond, returning billions of gallons of fresh water back into the water table.
NOTE: No pets are allowed on the boardwalk.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
13270 Jog Road
Delray Beach, FL 33446
Green Cay Wetlands
Trails: Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
Nature Center: Wednesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sunday-Tuesday.
12800 Hagen Ranch Road
Boynton Beach FL 33437
The following are not permitted at Wakodahatchee Wetlands or Green Cay Wetlands:
- Drones
- Pets on the boardwalk or in the Green Cay Nature Center
- Food
- Alcohol
- Jogging, running or speed walking
- Biking or skating
- Smoking
- Fishing
GREEN CAY WETLANDS
The Green Cay Wetlands, opened in 2004, are located in Boynton Beach at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road. The wetlands, which encompass 100 acres of land previously used for farming, are free and open to the public. Green Cay includes one-and-a-half miles of elevated boardwalk that takes visitors through various habitats, including cabbage palm hammock, cypress swamp, wetland hammock and tropical hardwood hammock.
The boardwalk includes a self-guided tour, which utilizes QR code signs which can be scanned with a smartphone or other mobile device for information from each of the zones.has interpretive signage as well as gazebos with benches along the way. Visitors can also find a Seminole chickee hut and several gazebos along the boardwalk.
As with the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, the site is part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail as it is home to a wide variety of species of birds in addition to alligators, turtles, marsh rabbits, bobcats, river otters and more.
Each day, the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility pumps approximately two million gallons of highly treated wastewater into the Green Cay Wetlands, which in turn acts as a percolation pond, returning billions of gallons of fresh water back into the water table.
A Nature Center, operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, is located at the entrance to the Green Cay Wetlands. The Center showcases several exhibits and includes a theater, gift shop and exhibition hall. To learn more about events at the Nature Center, visit the Parks and Recreation website.
NOTE: No pets are allowed on the boardwalk.