Savannas Preserve State Park

Before the coast was drained for farms and houses, a chain of freshwater marshes ran behind the dunes from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach. The Savannas are the last ten miles of it: wet prairie, marsh and pine flatwoods a few minutes from the ocean and so quiet you can hear the wading birds land. The park is thin and long, with entrances in Jensen Beach and in Port St. Lucie, where the education centre is.

The Jensen Beach entrance on Jensen Beach Boulevard is the one for a short visit: a loop of flat sandy trail through the pines to the edge of the marsh, a canoe launch and a few picnic tables. Bring binoculars. Herons, egrets, ibis and sandhill cranes are reliable, and in winter the marsh fills with ducks and the occasional bald eagle.

Paddling is the best way to see it when the water is high, from late summer to winter; the park rents canoes at the education centre on weekends. In the dry season the trails are the thing and the marsh is a sea of grass.

Good to know

• The Jensen Beach entrance is the handy one; the education centre is in Port St. Lucie.
• Water levels decide everything: paddle when it is high, walk when it is low.
• Mosquitoes are serious after rain; the breeze on the marsh edge helps.
• Dogs on leads are welcome on the trails.
• The fee is paid at an honor station; bring small bills.