Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area

Managed in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District.

Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area encompasses more than 30,000 acres at the southern end of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades basin. Located in Miami-Dade County, it lies along the C-111 Canal between Everglades National Park and US 1.

The area was acquired to protect wildlife habitat and support Everglades restoration. Its natural communities include sawgrass marsh, marl prairie and tree islands. The tree islands found here are more tropical than those in the northern Everglades and contain tropical hardwoods and rare plants.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Southern Glades WEA.

Fishing

Anglers will find excellent fishing in the C-110 and C-111 canals, with four piers available along Aerojet Road. Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Camping

Camping is prohibited.

Recreation

Southern Glades offers miles of trails for hiking and bicycling, as well as fishing platforms set within an expanse of Everglades wetlands. For information about hiking trails and boat ramps, see the South Florida Water Management District’s webpage for Southern Glades WEA.

Wildlife

This site provides critical habitat for the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, the American crocodile and over 200 species of birds.

Birdwatching is popular here, especially along the northwest corner of Aerojet Road. Wading birds are common and include wood storks and roseate spoonbills. October through April is the best time to see migrating and overwintering birds.

The WEA is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Add your bird observations to the Southern Glades WEA eBird Hotspot.

More Information

Visit the South Florida Water Management District's webpage for Southern Glades WEA.

For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Southern Glades WEA.