Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.  The resource and its protection is a higher priority than satisfying the public demand for ecotourism.

The lands and waters that ERD manages are full of recreational opportunities and improvements currently underway on SLC’s natural areas, and along our paddling trails and greenways & trails, focusing on enhancing the visitor’s experience by providing consistent, recognizable signage, passive recreational amenities, picnic facilities, additional and improved launch and stop over capacity for paddling trail users, and composting restrooms, as well as, educational materials within our kiosks, brochures and laminated field guides. It is our intent to coordinate with other County Departments and outside agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, to plan and provide a comparable experience on their properties. 

Greenways are areas of green that can range from large preserves, to small parks, to other natural features, such as waterways. Trails are linear corridors that connect people to green spaces. Trails can range from small foot paths through natural areas, to large paved corridors that link communities to each other, as well as to schools, urban centers, and community centers. St. Lucie County has a planned system of over 85 miles of trails intended to tie together the natural areas and communities providing an alternate mode of transportation as well as recreation. 

The waterways of St. Lucie County provide an unparalleled amenity for residents and visitors alike, providing access, recreational opportunities, and a scenic backdrop for upland activities.  ERD is developing improvements on our preserves along the Ten Mile Creek, the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, and the Indian River Lagoon.

Ten Mile Creek/ North Fork Paddling Trail 

The Ten Mile Creek/North Fork Paddling Trail extends from the western most headwaters (west of McCarty Rd.) to the confluence with the St. Lucie Inlet (at Club Med).  ERD manages 11 preserves abutting the TMC/NF corridor. 

Indian River Paddling Trail 

The Indian River Lagoon is North America’s most diverse estuary with more than 4,300 species of plants and animals including 35 that are listed as threatened or endangered — more than any other estuary in North America.  The Lagoon varies in width from .5 to 5 miles and averages 4 feet in depth. It serves as a spawning and nursery ground for many different species of oceanic and lagoon fish and shellfish. The lagoon also has one of the most diverse bird populations anywhere in America. The IRL Paddling Trail extends the entire length of SLC meandering along the western shoreline of the barrier island, winding around the spoil islands, and the shoreline of the mainland. ERD manages 4 preserves abutting the IRL corridor.