The Story (Map) of Se7en Wetlands

Scroll down to find out more about this unique place.

History

Se7en Wetlands was an old phosphate mine dating back to the 1920's. While strip mining stopped in the 1960's, mine processing continued into the 1980's. The City of Lakeland purchased this property in 1985 to become a constructed treatment wetland system that is still in operation today.

historic black and white aerial images from 1950s and 1980s showing earthen berms and strip mined land

Se7en Wetlands is an old phosphate mine. Swipe to see how the land changes though time.

Water Flows Downhill

The City of Lakeland has owned and operated this treatment wetland system since 1985. Treated wastewater enters at the Influent, flows downhill though control structures, and spreads out through distribution ditches.

Mission

The Se7en Wetlands Mission combines all aspects of this remarkable place.

Parks and Recreation

In April of 2018, Se7en Wetlands partially opened to the public for passive outdoor recreation. When complete, there will be over 22 miles of hiking trails and thousands of acres of interconnected green space.

Outfall

The outfall is where polished water exits the wetlands. There are two ways water leaves aside from evaporating. Some gets sent to help generate electricity at the Polk Power Station. Other water flows southeast to the Alafia River, which directly connects to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Water Cycles

This is not the end of the story. Water moves though the environment in a constant cycle. Surface water, ground water, rain and clouds. It's all One Water.

Learn More


Other photo contributions by Julie Vogel

Copyright 2020 Se7en Wetlands

Se7en Wetlands is an old phosphate mine. Swipe to see how the land changes though time.