A tropical paradise of sabal palms, live oak and wild coffee provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals.

Bearing the scars of drainage ditches carved out decades ago, the gently sloping wetlands of Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park now offer peaceful seclusion from the modern world for the people and wildlife of the St. Lucie River.

This 4,886-acre preserve is located between U.S. 1 (Federal Highway) and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.

The land changes from hydric hammock to wet flatwoods and wet prairie as it slopes toward the river, away from U.S. 1. Sabal palms and live oaks dominate the overstory. Saw palmetto, wax myrtle and wild coffee hug the ground. Herons, egrets, Florida sandhill crane and wood stork make their home at the preserve. Watch overhead. You might see a red-shouldered hawk or bald eagles.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park has limited access. Contact Jonathan Dickinson State Park at 772-546-2771 for the gate code. See the park map. 

The Florida Park Service is working to allow more visitors and programming in the future.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve is at the terminus of Southeast Paulson Avenue in Stuart, Martin County.