A Look At The Wellington Environmental Preserve
By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager
The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat shows the Village of Wellington’s decades-long legacy of stewardship, with an eye on a future of sustainability.
The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat, located off Flying Cow Ranch Road, stands as a powerful testament to the village’s commitment to environmental responsibility, water quality and public education. Since its opening in November 2010, the 365-acre preserve has offered more than scenic beauty — it serves as a vital component in South Florida’s water management and Everglades protection efforts.
The preserve was established as a collaborative effort between the South Florida Water Management District and the Village of Wellington in response to the 1994 Everglades Forever Act, legislation aimed at reducing phosphorus levels in water flowing into the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and the greater Everglades ecosystem. With the goal of improving water quality, the preserve was designed to treat stormwater runoff from the southern half of Wellington, known as Basin B.
Rainwater is routed west to the preserve, where it flows through a system of wetlands, marshes, littoral shelves and sediment traps, allowing it to be naturally cleansed before reaching the Everglades. Seven stormwater pump stations help manage the flow of water through this critical environmental infrastructure.
The preserve currently filters runoff from approximately 9,230 acres and provides an additional 274 million gallons of water storage capacity. It is an example of how nature-based solutions can address complex environmental challenges.
While its primary function is environmental, the preserve has also become a popular public space for recreation, learning and appreciation of natural beauty. Visitors can explore nature trails, equestrian paths, boardwalks and a six-story observation tower offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. With seven designated learning areas, the preserve also serves as an outdoor classroom for students and nature enthusiasts alike.
The preserve’s innovative design and community impact have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association named the Wellington Environmental Preserve as the winner of the 10th annual Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award. This recognition, themed “Great Resilient Places,” honors locations that exemplify visionary planning, cultural significance and community involvement. The award highlights Wellington’s dedication to building a sustainable and resilient future.
Building on this legacy, Wellington is actively working to expand the preserve by incorporating the 45-acre Moncada parcel — also known as the “missing link.” This critical expansion will square off the preserve’s footprint, bringing the total area to 410 acres and restoring the land to its historical use as a wetland.
In May 2024, the Wellington Village Council officially broke ground on the Moncada Expansion Project. Funded in part by the Resilient Florida Grant Program, this project aims to enhance flood protection and water quality while providing an additional 30 million gallons of water storage. The expansion also supports the preservation of habitat for numerous species and will include new hiking trails, equestrian trails, picnic areas, a wildlife observation area and an educational kiosk, thanks to funding from the Florida Communities Trust.
The Wellington Environmental Preserve is more than a stormwater treatment area — it’s a place where ecology, education and community converge. With the addition of the Moncada parcel and continued support from local and state partners, the preserve remains at the forefront of Wellington’s efforts to protect natural resources, enhance public spaces and build a more resilient future.
As we look ahead, Wellington remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship — preserving the past, protecting the present and planning boldly for the future.
