Lake Monroe Conservation Area: Where floodplains, wildlife and history meet

Lake Monroe Conservation Area in Volusia County spans 7,514 acres of protected land, where floodplains protect more than 3 miles of Lake Monroe and St. Johns River shoreline.

Acquired by the St. Johns River Water Management District in 1987, the property helps preserve wetlands that naturally store floodwaters, improve water quality and provide habitat for native plants and wildlife.

Long before the property became a conservation area, Native Americans hunted and fished here. Today, its western portion is dedicated to Minnie Beck Kratzert, whose family owned the land before it became part of the District’s public lands.

Nearly 94% of the conservation area consists of wetlands, including floodplain marshes, wet prairies and floodplain swamp and forests. Together, with the nearby Lake Jesup Conservation Area, these protected lands help conserve an important stretch of the river’s floodplain.

One of the property’s most popular destinations is the Brickyard Slough tract, where a primitive tent-only campsite (reservation required) nestled in the shade of an oak hammock offers an opportunity for an overnight adventure. The conservation area’s northeastern portion also protects rare sandy scrub habitat, home to one of Florida’s most iconic birds, the Florida scrub-jay.

Wildlife viewing is popular throughout the property. Visitors may spot resident and migratory waterfowl, wood storks, wading birds, shorebirds, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, ospreys, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and alligators.

Visitors to Lake Monroe Conservation Area can experience Florida’s natural beauty by hiking, biking, horseback riding or fishing. Seasonal hunting is also available with permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Because the property is predominantly wetlands, the drier months typically provide the best conditions for exploring its trails.

Plan your visit today at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-monroe.