State Highway 9336 at Aeroject Road
Homestead

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At more than 30,000 acres, Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area is vast, but it pales in comparison with its neighbor to the west: Everglades National Park. The South Florida Water Management District owns the land and manages it with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and fishing are allowed on the property. Discharging firearms is not, although there is plenty of evidence that the prohibition is frequently ignored.

Lucky Hammock is a good place for birding; the WEA is home to a remnant population of Cape Sable seaside sparrow and the rare white pigeon. More commonly seen birds include wood storks, spoonbills and herons. Swallow-tailed kites also visit the area (we did not see any during our visit but we did earlier at ENP. Birds we saw include red-shouldered hawk, anhinga, red-winged blackbird, great egret and white ibis.

Southern Glades is just before the Homestead entrance to the national park on the south side of State Highway 9336. There is a large sign announcing its presence, plus a Great Florida Birding Trail sign just before you reach the turn. A second GFBT sign off to the side marks a hiking trail and Lucky Hammock. Park along side the road.

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