Lakeside Ranch Traditional Cache

Located in western Martin County, the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area plays a crucial role in the restoration of the Lake Okeechobee watershed by improving the quality of water flowing into the lake. The wetlands will treat stormwater runoff from the Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough basins to the north before that runoff enters Lake Okeechobee.

Approximately 2,700 acres of Lakeside Ranch is open to the public to enjoy hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing or simply relaxing. The recreation area is surrounded by levees that are accessible to visitors on foot or on bicycle. 

The main public access point has a parking area, restroom, informational kiosk, signage, and a shelter. At the secondary shell-rock parking area, there are port-o-let toilets and a kiosk with an informative map. The area has two picnic shelters located along the levee hiking trails.

Activities include hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area is an area teaming with wildlife, from hundreds of species of birds, to otters, deer, wild hogs, reptiles including alligators, and just before I hid this cache, I spotted a young bobcat out on the trail as I was biking.