Explore the C-139 Flow Equalization Basin: A Joint Inaugural Audubon Event

Be among the first to bird the brand-new C-139 Flow Equalization Basin!

Participants must register through the Henry-Glades Audubon site

Join us for this inaugural driving birding tour, presented in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Henry-Glades Audubon, and Audubon Everglades. Guided by SFWMD experts Sydney Kaufman and Brian Garret, alongside Henry-Glades Audubon leaders Margaret England, Bob Hartman, and Steve Buczynski, and Audubon Everglades representative Natasha Warraich, participants will have a rare chance to explore this newly opened site and observe its diverse birdlife.

Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned expert, this special event promises a memorable morning of discovery, photography, and community. Bring your binoculars and cameras, and join fellow enthusiasts in experiencing the incredible bird species of C-139 in their natural habitat. Grab your binoculars and cameras and get ready to explore the fascinating world of birds with fellow enthusiasts!

Important Registration Information:

Participants must register through the Henry-Glades Audubon site prior to the event. Registration through Audubon Everglades or Eventbrite for this listing is not valid. Please use the partner site link to secure your spot.

• Register through Henry-Glades Audubon Eventbrite
• Mandatory SFWMD Release: Bring the printed and completed liability form to the event. Failure to provide the form will prevent attendance.
• No Walk-ins allowed on STA and driving tours, registration is mandatory.

Event Details: Please visit Henry-Glades Sit for additional Details.

Birding Rules

• Listen to and follow the instructions of the Field Trip Leader. Do not walk ahead of the leader.
• Be respectful of your fellow participants.
• Avoid flushing birds: close car doors gently, do not slam doors, and minimize loud noises.
• Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. If a bird is flushed, do not chase it.
• Please follow the ABA standards of ethical birding and photography

Photography

By signing the Audubon Everglades consent form, you agree your photo may be taken and shared on AE’s social media

Prefer not to be photographed? Let us know in advance

Share your photos and tag us: @AudubonEverglades

Important Reminders

• Registration ONLY through Henry-Glades Eventbrite
• No drones, glass, alcohol, or littering
• No dogs allowed
• The caravan is led by SFWMD employees; all participants must exit the STA once the tour concludes.

We look forward to exploring C-139 FEB, observing its extraordinary birds, and experiencing this essential wetland habitat together.

About the C-139 Flow Equalization Basin (FEB)

The C-139 Flow Equalization Basin (FEB) is a large, constructed shallow reservoir designed to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality before it enters STA-5/6. It provides controlled water levels and diverse wetland habitats that attract wading birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife, offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

The FEB also benefits people. By regulating flows from the C-139 Basin into STA-5/6, it helps reduce nutrient loads and improve water quality, supporting the restoration of the Everglades and protecting the freshwater systems that flow into our rivers, lakes, and aquifers. In short, the C-139 FEB sustains both wildlife and the water we rely on every day, making it a critical component of South Florida’s ecosystems and water management infrastructure.