After two years of construction, STA-2 is now open for tours!

Join SFWMD guides Brian Garrett , Sydney Kaufman, Audubon Everglades Field Guides Kyle Matera & LeaAnne DeRigne for a rare opportunity to explore this vital wetland habitat. This special access is made possible through our partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).

During the driving tour, participants will follow a caravan led by SFWMD employees along the levees, stopping at multiple locations to observe and photograph birds and wildlife. At each stop, sightings of secretive marsh birds, wading birds, waterfowl, and other species may be seen. Target species may include Black-necked Stilts, Limpkins, Purple Gallinules, Snail Kites, Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, and occasionally rarities like the American Flamingo, Least Bittern, or Crested Caracara.

About the Event

Guides will help participants identify birds and share insights into their behaviors, calls, and habitats. This is not a walking tour; all observation occurs from vehicles or at frequent stops. Participants should be prepared to exit cars at stops and return to their vehicles to continue the tour. This tour is for ages 12 and above. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Details

• Meeting Location: STA-2 entrance (directions below)
• Check-In Time: 7:30 AM
• Start time: 7:45 AM
• End Time: 11:30 AM
• Restrooms: Not available on-site; closest port-a-potty at A1 FEB
• Accessibility: Fully accessible from vehicles; some stops have levee edges for scope setup but do not require walking

Registration and Carpool Rules

• This is a carpool driving tour with 4 people per vehicle including the driver.
• Drivers: Register as “Driver.”
• Passengers: Register as “Passenger” and indicate your preferred driver if known.
• If you do not arrive with 4 registered participants in your vehicle, you may need to take additional passengers or join another car. Please coordinate before arrival to save time.
• Mandatory SFWMD Release: Email the completed form to fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org prior to the event. Failure to submit will prevent attendance.
• Cancellation: Notify us early if you cannot attend to allow others to participate
• No Walk-ins allowed on STA and driving tours, registration is mandatory.

Tour Format & Safety

This is a driving tour with multiple stops guided by expert birders and biologists. Each vehicle will be issued a radio to ensure consistent communication during the tour. For the safety of all participants and to protect the integrity of the land, everyone must stay on the designated route at all times. Do not stray from the path or leave the caravan unless instructed by a trip leader.

Important Access Information

• This tour starts promptly at 7:45 AM and the gates will be closed. No exceptions can be made. Please allow enough travel time to be at the location by 7:30 AM.
• This tour takes place on unpaved, dirt roads. Roads can be muddy, uneven and can have large potholes.
• Vehicle Requirements: High clearance, good tires, and a full tank of gas. Please fuel up before arrival.
• Terrain: Minimal walking involved. Activities occur from or near vehicles.
• Trail Length: Approximately 6–10 miles of slow caravan driving with frequent stops.
• Accessibility: Birding may be conducted from the car for people with limited mobility.

Birding Rules

• Listen to and follow the instructions of the Field Trip Leader. Do not walk ahead of the leader.
• Be respectful of your fellow participants.
• Avoid flushing birds: close car doors gently, do not slam doors, and minimize loud noises.
• Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. If a bird is flushed, do not chase it.
• Please follow the ABA standards of ethical birding and photography

E-bird and Photography

• A shared eBird list will be provided
• By signing the Audubon Everglades consent form, you agree your photo may be taken and shared on AE’s social media
• Prefer not to be photographed? Let us know in advance
• Share your photos and tag us: @AudubonEverglades

What to Bring

• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Binoculars
• Camera or spotting scope
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Wide-brimmed hat

Important Reminders

• No drones, glass, alcohol, or littering
• Space is limited; please cancel if you cannot attend
• The caravan is led by SFWMD employees; all participants must exit the STA once the tour concludes.

We look forward to exploring STA-2, observing its extraordinary birds, and experiencing this essential wetland habitat together.

About STA-2

Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are large, constructed wetlands planted with native vegetation that create essential habitat for birds and wildlife. They provide shallow pools and dense vegetation that attract wading birds, waterfowl, and secretive marsh species, offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

STAs also benefit people. They help store and supply water that flows into our rivers, lakes, and aquifers, supporting drinking water, fisheries, and healthy communities. In short, STAs sustain both wildlife and the water we rely on every day, making them critical for South Florida’s ecosystems and people.

Directions to STA-2

Coordinates: N 26 22 23.60 W 080 33 59.13

From I-95 and Southern Blvd:

1. Head West on SR 80/US 441 N/Southern Blvd
2. Turn Left onto FL-15/SR 80W, follow for 28.5 miles
3. Turn Left onto US-27 South, follow 23.2 miles (you will pass the entrance to A1 FEB)
4. Between mile markers 50 and 51, look for the bridge on the East side
5. Turn Left, cross the bridge to the entrance to STA-2

From Florida’s Turnpike (tollroad)

1. Exit 71 for FL-869 S/Sawgrass Expy, follow 20.7 miles
2. Merge onto I-595, then I-75 North, take exit 23 onto US-27 North toward South Bay
3. Follow US-27 North 17.5 miles, between mile markers 50 and 51, look for the bridge on the East side
4. Turn Right, cross the bridge, turn left to the entrance gate