South Cove Natural Area, West Palm Beach

As one of three natural areas on Lake Worth, South Cove Natural Area covers six acres and serves as a vital sanctuary for local wildlife while providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature. Built by Palm Beach County in collaboration with other agencies, the natural area aims to restore some of the estuary's lost habitats and features due to decades of development.

A highlight of South Cove Natural Area is its three small man-made islands nestled on Lake Worth, just north of the Royal Palm Bridge along North Flagler. These islands, adorned with mangroves, reds, blacks, and whites, along with grasses, create a picturesque landscape that invites exploration and discovery. Visitors can stroll along a 556-foot boardwalk leading to the first and largest island, offering panoramic views of the surrounding estuary and shoreline.

As the mangroves mature, South Cove Natural Area is poised to become a haven for shorebirds, attracting species such as snowy egrets, little blue herons, grackles, and cormorants. The islands provide essential nesting and foraging grounds for these avian inhabitants, contributing to the region's biodiversity and ecological health. Additionally, the area offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of coastal ecosystems, with fiddler crabs bustling along the shoreline and ibis and brown pelicans soaring overhead.