06/17/2026
George Lestrange Preserve will be temporarily closed Thursday, June 18 for a prescribed burn. The preserve is expected to reopen to the public on Friday, June 19 – however, sections of that preserve are closed for a restoration project long the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.
St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department will conduct a training with Indian River State College as they perform a prescribed burn on roughly 10 acres. Located at 4911 Ralls Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 in Fort Pierce, Lestrange Preserve is a 94-acre natural area featuring a 37-acre catch-and-release lake.
Prescribed burns improve habitat and decrease the risk of wildfires within the preserve. Prescribed fire mimics natural fire cycles needed in Florida to restore healthy forests and ecosystems. Lands where prescribed fires are administered experience an increase in native wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.
To learn more about St Lucie County's Environmental Stewardship program please visit, www.StLucieCo.Gov/ERD