St. Lucie County, FL
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Bear Point Sanctuary
A 13-acre mangrove-lined impoundment on the Indian River Lagoon, and a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
This 13-acre preserve is managed by the Mosquito Control District and is included in the Great Florida Birding Trail. The preserve features a mangrove-lined impoundment next to the Indian River Lagoon. You can hike or bike along the unpaved dike trail that leads west to an observation platform with views of the impoundments, offering two excellent viewing spots: a raised viewing tower and a 450-foot fishing pier. You can launch your kayak from the front entrance, fish along the impoundment, or enjoy a picnic at the pavilion located at the end of the trail.
Amenities
- Nature trail
- Canoe/kayak access
- Wildlife observation area
- Fishing piers
- Educational signage
- Covered picnic table
- Bike racks
Trail and Habitat
- Trail
- Easy. Experience a self-guided interpretive trail that spans approximately a mile.
- Habitat
- Mangrove swamp mosquito impoundment.
- Commonly seen wildlife
- Brown pelican, osprey, white ibis, great blue heron, and mourning dove.
Historical Interest
Bear Point Sanctuary is known as the location of the last recorded Black Bear Hunt by the local Native Americans on Hutchinson Island.
Before You Go
The Bear Point Mitigation Bank offers secure and beneficial environmental credits that help to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon.