C-44 STA Birding & Photography

About this event

Join us at at STA C-44 for an excellent birding experience at one of South Florida’s premier spots for waterbirds and migratory species. This restored wetland offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of waders, shorebirds, raptors, and more in their natural habitat.

The C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) is an 11,800-acre man-made wetland built to protect Stuart's coastal estuaries by naturally absorbing excess agricultural nutrients from local runoff. Its carefully regulated water levels create a vibrant mosaic of deep open reservoirs, shallow marshes, and seasonal mudflats, providing an ecosystem that offers nesting habitat and a continuous food buffet for thousands of wading birds, migratory waterfowl, and rare species like the endangered Snail Kite. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned birder, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the rich biodiversity of our local wetlands.

What to Bring:

• Binoculars or spotting scope

• Field guide or bird app

• Water, snacks

• Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Camera

Please fill out and bring the STA waiver below on the day of the tour. We hope to see you out there!

Important Information

Note: DO NOT USE GPS TO GET DIRECTIONS TO THE STA ENTRANCE. GPS directions will take you to an entirely different part of the STA and there is no public entrance at that location. There is no physical address for th C-44 Reservoir and STA. We suggest using the address below for Indiantown High School as it is only 200 yards from the entrance to the STA. Please see suggested directions below.

Indiantown High School

19000 County Rd 726

Indiantown, FL 34956

Coming from Palm City:

• Take SW Martin Highway (FL 714) West to SW Citrus Blvd (CR 726).

• Turn left onto SW Citrus Blvd (CR 726) so that you will be heading South.

• Stay on SW Citrus Blvd (CR 726) for 13.5 miles.

• The entrance to the C-44 STA will be just past Indiantown High School (approximately 200 yards) on your right .

Coming from Stuart or South (Hobe Sound/Palm Beach County) via I-95 North:

• Head West on SW Kanner Highway (FL 76) to SW 96th Street

• Turn right on SW 96th Street heading North towards SW Citrus Blvd.

• At the stop sign turn left onto SW Citrus Blvd (CR 726) taking you West

• Stay on SW Citrus Blvd (CR 726) for 8.5 miles

• The entrance to the C-44 STA will be just past Indiantown High School (approximately 200 yards) on your right

Coming from the South via FL 710 (Bee Line Hwy):

• Take FL 710 Northwest towards Indiantown

• Immediately after crossing the bridge over the St Lucie Canal, take the very first right onto SE Citrus Blvd (CR 726)

• This road will turn to the left, stay on Citrus Blvd (CR 726) until you pass the small airfield.

• Immediately after the airfield, the entrance to the STA will be on your left.

• If you have reached Indiantown High School you have gone too far. The STA entrance is 200 yards before the high school.

There should be several cars at the gate, so it will be hard to miss. If you go past the small airfield, then you have gone too far and you need to turn around and go back to the gate.

Restrooms

The only restrooms around the STA at this time are in Indiantown. Fortunately, Indiantown is only about 2 miles west of the main entrance to the C-44.

I would highly recommend using facilities in Palm City, Stuart, or Indiantown (depending on where you are coming from) before reaching the STA.