Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area

Thank you for visiting Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area and helping us document the vegetation change over time from the observation tower viewpoint. At over 13,000 acres, Loxahatchee Slough is the largest Palm Beach County Natural Area. The location of this photopoint overlooks an open prairie that will be subject to frequent prescribed (controlled) burns. Historically, lightning-sparked wildfires occurred naturally in Palm Beach County forests. These fires were a normal occurrence and life in the forest adapted and became dependent on it for survival.  

Prescribed burning is a technique used by land managers to mimic a natural fire cycle by setting small, controlled fires in a timeframe based on habitat type and under specific weather conditions. ERM's prescribed burn program uses this tool to enhance fire-dependent natural communities and species. Conducting prescribed fires makes habitats healthier, plants and animals have access to foods and foraging areas, nutrients are recycled into the earth, and out-of-control wildfires are prevented.

Learn more about ERM's Prescribed Fire Program