emeralda marsh conservation area

I was out riding Emeralda Island Rd. early Saturday morning and noticed the gates to Emeralda Marsh were open. Of course I had to go explore. It's a dirt road but well packed. Easy enough to maneuver for an experienced biker. Speed limit is 10 mph and I don't recommend going much faster. There are several crater sized pot holes. The road is open to vehicular access starting the third weekend in February through May on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The natural communities and agricultural lands support a large and diverse wildlife population, particularly migrating and wintering birds. A large number of the eastern greater sandhill crane population winter in the area. Thousands of ring-necked ducks and lesser numbers of wood ducks, Florida ducks, and hooded mergansers and large flocks of white pelicans and other waterfowl species can be seen in the area. Listed species include bald eagle, wood stork, limpkin and snowy egret. The wetlands and adjacent water bodies support one of the highest concentrations of alligators in central FlorIda. Amazing ride and highly recommended!

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area is a preserve covering over 7,000 acres. Access is via a 4.3 mile roadway which is only accessible by car certain times of the year, so make certain to check their website. The drive can be hiked or biked at other times of the year. Birding is phenomenal: Painted Bunting, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, Anhinga, ducks, mergansers, to name a few. Alligators ranging from young to large adults. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, it does not disappoint.