T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area
WEBSITE:
http://myfwc.com/recreation/cooperative/tm_goodwin.asp

The T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area is an almost 6,300-acre wetland restoration to provide habitat for wintering, migrating, and resident waterfowl, and other wetland wildlife, while providing recreational opportunities to the public.  Goodwin WMA is a series of enclosed wetlands surrounded by high dikes.  From the roads and trails on top of the dikes and levees, the visitor can get good views of plants and wildlife down in the wetlands.

Wildlife abounds at Goodwin WMA.  The most conspicuous is the American Alligator whose reptilian snout is all that can be seen when submerged in the water or they might be basking in the sun along the embankments allowing their whole body to be seen.  A great number of Alligators live in Goodwin and they are easily and safely viewed from the roadways.  Other wildlife that might be viewed includes White-tailed Deer, Otters, Bobcats, wild Hogs and Raccoons.

Besides Alligators, the most easily seen wildlife is the great variety of birds that are attracted to the wetlands.  An occasional visitor to Goodwin is the endangered Whooping Crane that stands upwards of five-feet tall.  Wading birds like the Tricolored Heron, the Great Egret, and the White Ibis are common.  Other birds include the Mottled Duck, the Green Heron, the Cattle Egret, the Limpkin, and the Boat-tailed Grackle.  Look overhead for birds of prey like the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Bald Eagle.

To reach Goodwin, go west on Fellsmere Grade Road off of Babcock Street (C.R. 507).  Proceed all the way to the end of the road to the Stick Marsh boat ramp.  On the north side of the boat ramp parking lot is the entrance to Goodwin, which is marked by a sign.  Goodwin is open to the public during daylight hours though not on days when hunting is allowed.  Hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding are allowed.  An observation tower provides views of the wetlands.  Visitors will need to bring their own water.  Public restrooms are available at the nearby Stick Marsh boat ramp.  For more information, call the Waterfowl Management Section office at 321-726-2862

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