Bayou Marcus/Boardwalk

Bayou Marcus/Boardwalk

The ECUA Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility (BMWRF) invites you to take a walk on the Boardwalk, located at 3050 Fayal Drive, Pensacola, Florida.

Since 1997, BMWRF has won 8 Gold and 13 Silver Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. The Boardwalk, which spans coastal wetlands near Perdido Bay, is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a 2,000-mile, and self-guided state-wide trail connecting nearly 500 birding sites throughout Florida. The Trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. It’s divided into four sections; the East, West, Panhandle, and South Florida areas. For a list of individual Birding Trail sites, with counties, nearest cities, web links, and contact phone numbers, visit the Florida Birding Trail website.

The Boardwalk is built above the Bayou Marcus Wetlands, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through an authentic Northwest Florida wetland ecosystem, which provides spectacular views, and an up-close opportunity to see wildlife that’s indigenous to the area. The abundance of fresh, clean water, which is reclaimed water from the BMWRF averaging approximately, 6.2 million gallons per day, keeps the large and diverse bird population, as well as, White Tailed Deer, Osceola Turkeys, Gray Foxes, Raccoons, Rabbits, Beavers, Bobcats, Turtles, Otters, Snakes, and even Alligators on and around the site.

There are 17 known Endangered, Threatened and Species of Special Concern observed at the Bayou Marcus Wetlands. They are American Alligator, Eastern Indigo snake, Gopher tortoise, brown pelican, Lest tern, Pinewoods bluestem, Spoon leaf sundew, Pineland bogbutton, Panhandle lily, Southern twayblade, Naked stem panic grass, Yellow butterwort, Chapman’s butterwort, Southern butterwort, Rose pogonia, White-top pitcher plant, and the Parrot pitcher plant. The walk is about 300 yards to the Boardwalk ramp, from the parking area, then a mile and a half to the end. It is not a loop, so it’s recommended only to go as far as you are willing to walk back.

Some things to keep in mind when planning your visit to BMWRF:

  • Children should always be accompanied by an adult guardian
  • There are no public restrooms available on-site
  • During the warm months, bring cool fluids to drink. The temperature in the Wetlands is higher than elsewhere, and the humidity is always 100%!
  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and comfortable walking shoes
  • The wooden deck heats up as the day goes on, so early morning or late afternoon excursions are advised. You may also want to wear a hat to provide shade
  • During the cooler months, warm clothes and a windbreaker jacket will help make the walk comfortable
  • And don’t forget the bug spray during the warm months!
  • There are two entrances:
    • Alekai Drive
      • Open from Dawn until 5pm daily
      • Handicap access
      • Connects to the Boardwalk at the halfway point
    • Fayal Drive
      • Open from Dawn to Dusk daily

Generally, the Boardwalk is open year-round for the public to enjoy, with entrances open only during aforementioned daylight hours. We hope you come to visit our little slice of heaven in NW Florida soon!

ECUA
(850) 476-0480Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
(850) 476-5110Emergency After Hours
customer.service@ecua.fl.gov
or by writing to the ECUA at9255 Sturdevant Street Pensacola, FL 32514