West County Wastewater Treatment Facility
WEBSITE:
http://www.ircutilities.com/WRWTF_APR_2005_v2.pdf

The West County Wastewater Treatment Facility is a 170-acre manmade wetland created by the Indian River County Utility Department.  The artificial wetlands use natural biological processes to clean wastewater while, at the same time, providing habitat for many species of wildlife. Trails atop embankments meander through the wetlands leading to an elevated boardwalk and an observation tower.  The site is famous amongst birders for the great number of different bird species one may encounter and is listed as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

The elevated trails and boardwalk provide excellent views into the surrounding wetland habitats.  Look for Bald Eagles on the manmade nest platform atop a telephone pole upon entering.  An assortment of Water Fowl, especially the Florida Mottled Duck, is usually seen amongst the reeds and tall grasses growing from the water.  Wading birds are a common sight.  A mix of Egrets and Herons is to be expected.  The lucky visitor may see the bright pink of a Roseate Spoonbill.  Other water birds like the Double-crested Cormorant and the Anhinga are often present.

Besides birds usually associated with water, the wetlands attract a mix of other feathered visitors as well.  Along with the Bald Eagle, other birds of prey include the Northern Harrier and the uniquely colored American Kestrel.  Other birds to be on the lookout for include the Red-winged Blackbird, the Killdeer, the Limpkin, the Loggerhead Shrike, the Common Snipe, and the Marsh Wren.  During bird migration season, the visitor to the wetlands should carry a good guidebook covering the birds of North America to not miss identifying a new bird.

The wetlands are an easy hike and the visitor is never far from their car or the facility buildings, which include a restroom and drinking fountain though the visitor is advised to bring their own water along with sun protection.  All visitors must sign in at the office before proceeding out into the wetlands.  The facility is located at 8405 8th Street.  The west side of the wetlands is bordered by I-95 though there is no access from the highway.  From Route 60, go south on 90th Avenue to 8th Street, and then turn left, eastbound, on 8th Street.  The facility is a little less then a mile on the south side of the road and is well marked by a sign.  The facility is open weekdays, operations permitting, and is usually closed to the public on weekends.  For more information, call the facility office at 772-770-5045.

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