wellington environmental preserve

According to the Wellington, FL, website (www.wellingtonfl.gov), "the Wellington Environmental Preserve (WEP) is a 365 acre rainwater storage area with nature trails and learning centers." The nature trails consist of paved trails (2.5 miles) and boardwalks. The WEP opened to the public in 2010. There is a six story observation tower, as well as a 3.6 mile Equestrian Trail around the perimeter.Because we're "snowbirds," we've been to the WEP only several times in recent years. It is 70 miles from where we stay, but very well worth the trip. We go there to "bird," and we typically see 25-35 species on a visit. We can take a 2-3 hour stroll through the facility and maybe only see two or three other people and perhaps a couple of bikers. That's what is really great about this place!

We have been staying in Wellington by the Aero Club and found this place by looking for things to do using Trip Advisor.It was wet, this am but cleared beautifully so that the walk around the site was in sunshine and we enjoyed a pleasant strol to the lockout.We saw numerous birds we don't see in the UK but. We were not surprised to miss the alligators which paper sometimes. It was an easy level surfaceand is ccesible to disabled people part from the viewing tower which was worth climbing.It was a peaceful well manged oasis so close to the bustle of Wellington and Palm beach.

With all the Polo and Horse it was such a pleasure to visit a spot that is peaceful, tranquil and filled with nature's beauty. We enjoyed it tremendously and if you love photographing this is a MUST. Unfortunately they let some guy rent Segways and what a shame to have those things buzzing around unless you really need one to get around. I am dying to be there at Sunset and don't think they open til 8 am so Sunrise won't work.Don't miss one of the very best things to do in Wellington. It's easy to find and I am so glad we found it !

My last time at Wellington Environmental Preserve was before dusk on 12/28/14. Every time that I go, the place is extremely quiet. If you are looking to get some exercise and take a long walk around and see some pretty scenery, the place is for you. If you are looking for wildlife, it is very quiet. I saw a lot of American Coots, mottled ducks, one or two limpkins, a woodstork, great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk and what I think may have been a northern harrier in the distance. I was looking for different types of ducks and was very disappointed. I see so much more in my own area (Boynton Beach) and also like Peaceful Waters Sanctuary much more which is also in Wellington. On a previous visit, I saw an American Kestrel.

This is a great place for a peaceful walk, bike ride, birding, and to get away from the S. Fl. craziness!

Located on Flying Cow Road off Southern Blvd. is a quiet preserve with free parking. There are gravel paths which you can bike, walk or even take your horse. There is a wonderful view from the metal tower which you can climb. (No elevator). Mostly early in the morning on the weekend, there are bird watchers here taking photos. You can fish here, but no boats are allowed. There are alligators (watch your small children.) The paths are lit and marked but, bump right next to the water.There are restrooms located in the parking lot. (no vending machines or water fountains) There are TV's (in the parking lot) showing the view from the top of the tower if you can't walk to the tower. There are no restrooms located in the back of the park.

Beautiful place to enjoy native nature in Wellington, plus great way to exercise while enjoying the outdoors. If you make it to the tower, you will have 360° of unobstructed views.

We visited the preserve recently and were so impressed! We love to walk for exercise and to look at nature. This is a water storage area for the Wellington area but it is so beautifully designed and landscaped, looks very natural. There are several walking trails, lovely boardwalk bridges, an observation tower. There are equestrian trails as well. We even saw people on a a Segway tour! Well we just can't say enough. We followed our Garmin to the preserve and it led us through all the back roads which I would not suggest, as some were not paved. Would highly recommend entering the area through Southern Blvd. Admission was free.