Hike WPB's Grassy Waters Preserve

The Grassy Waters Preserve is a slice of the huge Everglades wetlands eco-system that once dominated all of South Florida.  It has been preserved by the city of West Palm Beach as a reservoir for the city's water supply, as it allows water from the Lake Okeechobee system to filter through the wetlands as it has done for thousands of years, and to be held in storage in sloughs and ponds.  On this walk you will thus feel as if you are hiking in Everglades National Park or the Big Cypress Swamp, and only the occasional distant sounds of civilization will make you realize that in fact you are walking well inside highly urbanized South Florida.  

We will be hiking a combination of the Apoxee and Owahee trails, for a total of approximately five miles.  It's a fairly easy walk, all on level ground or elevated boardwalks.  Although we are hiking in the dry season, expect some puddles or mud on sections of the trail, especially if it rained the day before.  These are easily avoided, but make sure to wear either waterproofed hiking boots, or shoes that you don't mind getting wet.  Do not wear open toed sandals, as these are an invitation to injury.  There is wildlife in abundance here, which at this time of the year includes migratory birds, as well as year round natives.  We will also encounter the occasional alligator, at a safe distance, and possibly snakes.  If time permits, we may grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant/pub after the hike.