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Riverwoods Field Laboratory

The Riverwoods Field Laboratory (RFL) is located on a historic section of the Kissimmee River and is managed by the Florida Center for Environmental Studies (CES) in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Established in 1995, Riverwoods' main objective is to support research and educational activities related to the restoration of the Kissimmee River and greater Everglades ecosystem.

CES hosts research scientists, students, and technicians from state, national and international organizations including universities, water management districts and environmental agencies that are interested in learning about or conducting research on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project.

CES, in collaboration with SFWMD, has developed a comprehensive Education and Research Program at Riverwoods targeting secondary and post-secondary students, educators, university faculty, scientists, and environmental professionals. The program highlights environmental education using the Kissimmee River as a living lab and model of the world’s largest river restoration. The program highlights the importance of the Kissimmee River restoration to the success of the greater Everglades ecosystem restoration that is outlined in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Our Facility

Riverwoods Field Laboratory, nestled on 15 acres of land adjacent to the Kissimmee River, is the perfect setting for research, adventure and education. Our facility contains a fully-furnished, air-conditioned, conference center with a large kitchen and meeting room that seats up to 25 people. We have overnight accommodations for up to 20 guests. Be sure to bring your own bedding and food. There is a screened-in picnic house complete with a charcoal grill for outdoor BBQ. We have a fire pit with benches and firewood for a nice campfire – so be sure to bring s’mores!

News from Riverwoods

Restoration Update!

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) is in charge of the construction projects needed to restore the Kissimmee River. They work in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District who is in charge of biological monitoring, land acquisition and education.

Kissimmee River Restoration moves ahead! Currently there are four construction projects underway in the Kissimmee Basin:

Began: Est. Completion:
River Acres Flood Reduction 12/2009 2/2012

The purpose of the project is to maintain the level of flood protection and navigation for the River Acres community located along the river in Okeechobee County in Pool D. The project includes the dredging of a new navigation canal, and building a bridge and water control structure.
C-37 Widening 2/2010 9/2012

The C-37 Canal between Lakes Kissimmee and Lake Hatchineha is being widened and deepened so that the upper chain of lakes can have the same level of flood protection as the Kissimmee River Restoration Valley. The widening increases the conveyance capacity of the canal.

Pool D Oxbow Dredging 9/2010 12/2012

The oxbows in Pool D of the Kissimmee River will be dredged and reconnected, reestablishing the flow through those sections of the river once the next phase of backfilling of the C-38 canal is complete.
CSX Bridge 11/2010 2/2013

The construction of a new railroad bridge over the historic river oxbow will allow boats to navigate through the historic channel once flow is reestablished.

News

The Kissimmee River is now open to navigation! It was recently closed due to excessive rainfall received in both the upper and lower Kissimmee River basins. You can read more about why the Kissimmee River was closed in the press release.
nr_2011_1012_kissimmee_close.pdf

“Kissimmee Explorer” Pontoon Boat

CES owns a 30-foot US Coast Guard certified, covered pontoon boat, the Kissimmee Explorer that holds a maximum of 16 guests. It is the perfect way to explore the Kissimmee River and learn about Restoration Project. We have a US Coast Guard certified Master Captain and crew that provides interpretive educational programs for secondary students, teachers and adults.