Stumpy Lake Natural Area

This 1422-acre site includes a large cypress-lined lake, a golf course, and woodlands of pine/oak/sweetgum. A trail system through the woodland contains two loops and is 1.8 miles in length. The shady lake margin produces aquatic plants such as lizard’s tail and buttonbush that provide nectar for numerous butterfly species. Birds are numerous at the lake edge and include prothonotary warbler and bald eagle. During late summer through late fall, an abundance of great egrets inhabit the area. Anhingas also occur here occasionally in summer, and in fall, the site attracts good numbers of migrating shorebirds.  The swampy section along the entrance road is excellent for dragonflies, songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians. Lucky visitors may even spot North American river otters. A raised ADA compliant fishing deck off Elbow Road provides an overlook of the lake.

To explore the area by water, an ADA compliant canoe/kayak launch is located just after the causeway entrance from Indian River Road. The launch is designated for non-motorized vessels only.

Please Note: Visitors should take care to avoid crossing the golf course fairways and greens. For safety reasons, fishing and photography should not be done on/along the causeway.