Twenty-mile long Lake Worth lagoon is the largest estuary in Palm Beach county and is an important warm-water refuge for manatees. Years of development have surrounded the lagoon with premium property, resulting in some lamentable environmental degradation. To reverse some of the damage the $18 million Snook Islands Natural Area was created in a biologically dead zone, stretching 1.2 miles north from Lake Avenue into the lagoon. Restoring miles of mangroves and laying down new oyster beds to encourage the growth of sea grasses, a favorite manatee snack, has enabled the return of a startling number of birds and marine life.
A 545-foot boardwalk traces the line of mangroves, while floating boat docks and a sloping grass bank for kayaks make the water easily accessible. There's even a new fishing pier , which is open from 6am until midnight.
Vehicles can access the area from the westbound lanes on the north side of Lake Avenue Bridge.
