Industry and Nature Coexist

Watch Critter Cams

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County strives to balance industry and nature to protect our community. The wetlands filter water as it travels through Palm Beach Renewable Energy Park and out into the larger watershed of the Florida Everglades. Boardwalks and benches along the trails are made from recycled plastic lumber. And trail paths are made from recycled crushed concrete.

History 

The Authority set aside 300 acres of natural area during the development of the SWA landfill and waste-to-energy facility to serve as a conservation area. Tucked away in the Authority conservation area is a large rookery that harbors thousands of native birds, including the endangered Snail Kite and the threatened Wood Stork.

Greenway Connections

The SWA Greenway Trail System is part of the Jeaga Wildways, which include more than 165,000 acres of natural Florida lands and more than a dozen activity and education centers connected by unique trail and information systems. You can hike, bike or horseback ride from one site to another.

Access

The SWA Greenway Trail System has two trail heads. The northern entrance is located at the Authority's Administration Building parking lot at 7501 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach. The southern entrance is located at the bend where 45th Street becomes N. Jog Road. The SWA Greenway Trail System is also accessible by foot or bike from Grassy Waters Preserve trails.

Trail System Etiquette & Safety

• Trail Safety – Be sure to keep your distance from animals.
• Prepare – Bring water in a reusable container, as there is no potable water available on the trails.
• Stay on the Trails – The trails are marked with signs and markers. We ask that you stay on the designated nature trails as you explore. Going “off trail” can damage plants and may also lead to lost visitors.
• Beware and Respect Wildlife – These trails are home to alligators, venomous snakes, poison ivy, bobcats and other wild animals.  Please be safe and respect their space.
• Pack It In/Pack It Out – Help us keep our trail system and conservation area clean. Our trails are not equipped with trash cans or recycling bins. We ask that visitors pack out what they bring in and dispose of garbage and recyclables properly at home.
• Feed Yourself, Not the Wildlife – Please do not share your snacks with the wildlife. It's best for them and your safety.
• Be courteous– Share the trails. The trails are narrow. Cyclists, please slow down, and walkers/runners be aware.

Prohibited on Site

 

• No fishing
• No hunting
• No camping or fires
• No alcoholic beverages
• No motor vehicles, electric bicycles, skateboards, etc. (excluding wheelchairs)
• No collecting plants or animals
• No trespassing – Stay on trail
• No swimming
• No pets, no horses
• No feeding or harassing the wildlife
• No flying of recreational drones

Activities

The trails are open to the public to experience the natural habitats connected to the greater Everglades ecosystem.

Wildlife Viewing 

The SWA Greenway Trail System attracts a diversity of wildlife:

• Snail Kites
• Wood Storks
• Bald Eagles
• Little Blue Herons
• Tricolor Herons
• Great Egrets
• Great Blue Herons
• Roseate Spoonbills
• Sandhill Cranes
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Pileated Woodpeckers
• Deer
• Otters
• Alligators
  • Be alligator aware - FWC video (English)
  • Living with alligators - FWC webpage (English)
  • Be alligator aware - FWC video (Spanish)
• Bobcats
• WATCH CRITTER CAM Videos

Be Alligator Aware 

Natural Habitats

At the SWA Greenway Trail System. you'll see a mosaic of native landscapes:

• Pine flatwoods
• Wet prairies 
• Marshes
• Cypress swamps
• Cabbage palm hammocks

The SWA Rookery