Main Page - St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

Manager's Message

Spring is in the air and many of the park's seasonal visitors (birds) are heading north. We will not see many of the raptors till next fall and winter. However, this is the start of the growing season for many plants that go dormant even in south Florida's mild winters. The Hercules club tree, gumbo limbo, and sea oat, are but a few starting to push out new growth. As you cross the boardwalk to the beach, you might become alarmed as your senses detect the smell of skunk. No fear, that aroma is from the white stopper tree, also known by some as "skunkwood." While the white indigo berry has fruit ripe and ready to drop in the hammock, the inkberry will start to flower soon and bear fruit late this spring or early summer.

Spring is also the start of sea turtle nesting season. Although there have been turtles nest as early as February, the months of March and April are more common for the giant of sea turtles to begin nesting. These are the leatherback sea turtles, one of largest living reptiles on the planet. In April, the loggerhead sea turtles begin to nest and finally the green sea turtles. The renewal of life is constant in nature we only have to slow down and observe. There is no better place to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of life than in "…the REAL Florida."

- John Griner, Park Manager

Welcome to St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

This classic Florida barrier island is accessible only by boat, but it is worth the ride. A boardwalk takes visitors across mangrove forests and hammocks of live oaks, cabbage palms, paradise trees, and wild limes to a neatly preserved Atlantic beach. During the summer months, the island is an important nesting area for loggerhead, leatherback, and green turtles. They come ashore at night to dig holes in the beach sand where they lay their eggs. The preserve is a favorite for nature students interested in learning about the native flora and fauna of Florida barrier islands. Visitors come to swim, sunbathe, or picnic at the pavilion on the quiet beach. Others make the trip for the great surf fishing. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities. Located at Port Salerno, on the Intracoastal Waterway, 2/3 of a mile south of the inlet.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, please call 772-219-1880.