6084 SW Gaines Avenue
Stuart

Website

Delaplane Peninsuala Preserve is a small, peaceful natural area set back in a quiet residential neighborhood of suburban Stuart. Its main attraction is a waterfront view of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River, where there is a canoe/kayak launch, a fishing dock and some picnic tables.

The entire preserve is 51 acres, but much of it is inaccessible. The hiking trail is only about a quarter of a mile, gravel-based and an easy walk. The trail meanders through open woods, dominated by cabbage palms and live oaks, becoming wetter the farther into the preserve you go. Near the St. Lucie, a project intended to restore the natural flow of water on the site becomes evident. Despite the presence of so much water, we saw surprisingly few birds, probably the luck of the draw. We visited in early January but there were signs everywhere in fhe form of budding wildflowers that spring wasn't that far off.

There is parking, a few interpretive signs, but no restrooms or drinking water. Delaplane isn't a destination by any means but a worthwhile side trip if visting the numerous preserves nearby. Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park, Halpatiokee Regional Park and Kiplinger Nature Preserve are within a few minutes drive of Delaplane. Martin County owns and manages the preserve.