Kitching Creek Preserve is a 51-acre nature area in Hobe Sound. It provides access to a canoe and kayak launch, a paddling trail, and a pathway around a restored lake system. The preserve is popular with equestrians, dog walkers, bird watchers, and fishing groups. It also supports a wide range of wildlife, including alligators, otters, raptors, and numerous wading bird species. Several listed species such as wood stork, roseate spoonbill, little blue heron, bald eagle, and osprey regularly forage throughout the site.
In addition, the preserve plays an important role in watershed restoration. Historically, water from the Atlantic Ridge ecosystem flowed south through wetlands into Jonathan Dickinson State Park and eventually Kitching Creek. Development and drainage systems disrupted this natural connection. Martin County acquired the property in 2009 to reestablish part of the historic Central Flow Way. A large restoration project created a 24-acre lake with shallow marsh habitat and rehabilitated 12 acres of degraded wetlands. Furthermore, an engineered system now captures water from a nearby ditch, holds it on-site, and slowly releases it back into Kitching Creek and the Loxahatchee River.
A small parking area provides access for paddlers and visitors throughout the year.
Read on about more things to do, see, and enjoy on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
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