Stormwater Treatment Area 5 Birding Tours

The stormwater treatment areas, owned and operated by the South Florida Water Management District, are vast, constructed wetlands that use vegetation to naturally cleanse excess nutrients from water before it enters the Everglades. These remote, shallow-water marshes attract many species of nesting wading birds, migratory and other water fowl such as great blue herons, wood storks, snowy egrets, great egrets and roseate spoonbills.

Tours are open to anyone, but participants must register to reserve a space on the trips. Space is limited! Tours are capped at maximium of 60 participants, and may be more limited on some tours. The STA-5 schedule follows the tour information and directions.

Tour Information

Reminders: Take sunscreen, water, snacks, hats and wear closed-toe shoes. Tour-participants must stay on the levee. There is no age minimum for the trips. Birders will now be allowed to drive around cell 1B in a one-way fashion. Carpooling is strongly advised to minimize the number of vehicles in the area. The caravan will be led by a Hendry-Glades Audubon Society member.

Reservations Required: To sign up for the STA-5 Birding Tour, send an e-mail to Margaret England with your name and contact information, the date you want to go, and the number in your party. You may also leave a message at (863) 517-0202. For general information, contact B. J. Kattel (561) 682-6640.

STA-5 Directions (New Entrance, Deer Fence Road)

Via Alligator Alley: STA-5 is south of Clewiston on the NW corner of Rotenberger WMA. From Miami: Get to Alligator Alley via your favorite route (e.g., Turnpike to I-75, Palmetto to I-75, I-95 to I-595 W to I- 75). Go west to Government (Snake) Road at the Micosukee gas station (exit 49). Take Government Road north to CR-835. Follow CR-835 for 3 miles to Deer Fence Road (on right at curve). Go east on Deer Fence Road (dirt road) for 2 miles, cross the bridge at STA-5; continue east on the unpaved road to the parking area east of the tower.

Via South Bay: Take US-27 north or SR-80 west (from Palm Beach) to US-27 at South Bay. Go west on US-27 toward Clewiston for 13 1/2 miles. Look for Evercane Road (CR-835) and the J & J Ag. Products sign. Continue south on CR-835 for about 26.7 miles to Deer Fence Road. Turn left onto Deer Fence Road (dirt road) and continue about 2 miles, cross the bridge at STA-5; continue east on the unpaved road to the parking area east of the tower.

Directions from Naples/Ft. Myers area: If you live to the south, you should take Alligator Alley east to the Micosukee gas station at exit 49, and follow the directions above.

Otherwise, make your way to the town of Immokalee via SR-29 or CR-846. Once in the town of Immokalee, proceed east on CR-846 watching for the “jog” in the road near the Immokalee Airport. Take C-R846 east all the way to CR833. Make the very sharp right turn onto CR-833 and continue driving east to CR-835 as if going to Clewiston. Follow CR-835 for 3 miles to Deer Fence Road (on right at curve). Cross the bridge at STA-5 Deer Fence entrance gate. Continue going east to the unpaved road. Go east on Deer Fence Road (dirt road) for 2 miles, cross the bridge at STA-5; continue east on the unpaved road to the parking area east of the tower.

2012 Schedule, Reservations Required

  • August 18
  • September 15: Fall North American Migration Count
  • October 13
  • November 10
  • November 24
  • December 8
  • December 22
  • December 29: Christmas Bird Count

2013 Schedule, Reservations Required

  • January 5
  • January 19
  • January 26
  • February 2
  • February 16: Great Backyard Bird Count
  • February 17: Great Backyard Bird Count
  • February 18: Great Backyard Bird Count
  • March 2
  • March 13, 14, 15, 16: Big "O" Birding Festival (Trips and Photo Shoots)
  • April 13
  • April 27
  • May 11: Spring North American Migration Count
  • June 15
  • July 20
  • August 17
  • September 21: Fall North American Migration Count
  • October 19
  • November 16
  • November 30
  • December 14
  • December 28
  • January 4, 2014: Christmas Bird Count

Updates may be found on the Hendry-Glades Audubon Society Website.

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