L
ake Indrio Preserve holds a special place in my heart, as it was the subject of my first published article on TCPalm. This tranquil oasis was nearly lost to suburban development, but fortunately, St. Lucie County acquired the land using funds from Florida Communities Trust, saving it from destruction.

    As I walked along the trail circling the lake, I couldn't help but think about what could have been - a row of cookie-cutter homes enveloping the serene waters. But instead, I chose to appreciate the preserve's natural beauty. The 35-acre lake, created in the 1970s by the Stewart Sand Mine, sparkles like a gem amidst the pine flatwoods and scrub.

    The trail offers a chance to spot wildlife such as river otters, alligators, and bald eagles, although I was lucky enough to see only a white ibis during my visit. The preserve's unique ecosystem is home to the Florida Scrub jay, the state's only endemic bird. As I sat at the picnic table, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, I felt grateful that this slice of paradise was saved from development.

    The irony isn't lost on me - a real estate reporter appreciating the beauty of untouched land. But as I gazed out at the lake's rippling waters, I chose to let go of that cognitive dissonance and simply enjoy the tranquility. The owl's hooting, the tiny white flowers, and the warm colors of the sky all combined to create a sense of peace that I cherish whenever I visit Lake Indrio Preserve.