The Pinelands is a 750 acre site contains a variety of upland and wetland plant communities scattered throughout the property. It is located within St. Lucie County where the area still contains extensive of prairies, swamps, hammocks and scrub where most original landscape relationships are still intact.

The cypress domes on site will act as recharge areas to the above ground aquifer when the water table in the surrounding area subsides during periods of drought. The aquifer is one of the primary sources of potable water supply in the county. It will also act as a natural retention area for storm water run off thereby improving the quality of surface waters.

For a time, forty years ago, approximately 428 acres was used, and still shows evidence of, tomato cultivation. This area has reverted the crop land back to a wet prairie state. Prescribed burns will be implemented to restore and improve the quantity and quality of forage available for a variety of wildlife.

Adding to the allure and historic value of this location, during the 1800's roads were built connecting a series of U.S. military forts, linking Ft. Pierce to Ft. Brooke, which is now known as Tampa. State Road 70 is one of these old military roads crossing the state. Reportedly additional trails led off the main roadway with alternate trails going through the Pinelands to Ft. Van Swearingen. As these trails are located appropriate signage will be posted to identify them.

 

Directions from Florida Turnpike:
West on SR70 (Okeechobee Road) 14 miles to SVI Road. Turn left on SVI Road (East), road will make a sharp curve to the left, follow for another mile. The road will dead end into Pinelands parking lot.

Trail Map