Our Urban Lakes
Discover the eight urban lakes we're dedicated to protecting and restoring in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Urban Lakes: Hidden Treasures
Saint Petersburg's urban lakes are vital ecosystems that enhance our community's quality of life. These lakes serve as stormwater management systems, wildlife habitats, and recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike.
At SoUL (Stewards of our Urban Lakes), we're dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing these precious water resources through community engagement, education, and hands-on conservation efforts.
8
Lakes Protected
Since 2007
Years of Impact
Our eight focus lakes across Saint Petersburg, Florida
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake has been the focus of significant environmental restoration efforts. Since 2007, SoUL, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, has led community volunteers in transforming the shoreline into a productive marsh habitat.
These efforts have included the removal of invasive plants and the clearing of literally tons of stormwater debris. Additionally, citizen-science tracking of water quality in this 20-acre lake through the Lakewatch program has prompted the City of St. Petersburg to install an aeration system, resulting in significant improvements to the lake's water quality.
Main view of Crescent Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Main view of Eagle Crest Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Eagle Crest Neighborhood, Saint Petersburg
Eagle Crest Lake
Eagle Crest Lake is a picturesque and tranquil oasis that enhances the area's natural beauty. Surrounded by stately homes and verdant landscapes, the lake provides a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and leisurely strolls along its serene shores.
In 2023, SoUL and Keep Pinellas Beautiful coordinated with the St Petersburg College to begin a program to clean up Eagle Crest Lake and surrounding campus grounds and neighborhood. Student volunteers learn about the importance of sustaining a clean environment for nature and society while removing debris from the lake, shoreline and the surrounding watershed.
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Jungle Lake
Jungle Lake offers a unique ecosystem within Saint Petersburg's urban landscape. With its lush surroundings and diverse wildlife, the lake provides an important habitat for many native species.
SoUL's conservation efforts at Jungle Lake focus on preserving its natural character while ensuring it continues to serve the community as both an ecological resource and recreational area.
Main view of Jungle Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Main view of Lake Pasadena
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Lake Pasadena Neighborhood, Saint Petersburg
Lake Pasadena
Lake Pasadena is a serene and beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by picturesque homes and lush landscapes. This tranquil lake includes a central island home to roosting wading birds and provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities while managing seasonal stormwater flows.
On June 1, 2024, volunteers from the Lake Pasadena Neighborhood Association collaborated with SoUL and the City of St. Petersburg on a shoreline planting event. Over 600 wetland and transitional plants, including duck potato, soft-rush, pickerelweed, blue-flag iris, canna lily, and swamp milkweed, were installed along portions of the north and south shorelines.
Meadowlawn Park, Saint Petersburg
Meadowlawn Lake
Meadowlawn Lake (sometimes called Viking Lake) provides a serene backdrop to Meadowlawn Park. The lake serves as a central feature for the neighborhood, offering residents a peaceful spot for relaxation and recreation. The lake flows directly to local stormwater ditches tied directly to Tampa Bay, and is therefore more salty than most St. Petersburg lakes.
Periodic cleanups led by SoUL with assistance from partner Keep Pinellas Beautiful have identified the importance of reducing debris flow to Tampa Bay. Building on this understanding, and with the assistance of the City, SoUL and local neighborhood association leaders installed a demonstration restoration project in May 2024 designed to showcase how native coastal plant species can beautify and improve the ecology of the lake shoreline.
Main view of Meadowlawn Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Main view of Mirror Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Downtown, Saint Petersburg
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, situated in downtown Saint Petersburg, is a picturesque urban lake known for its reflective waters and serene atmosphere. Encircled by a well-maintained park, the lake offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city's hustle and bustle. The surrounding area is rich in history and features landmarks like the historic Mirror Lake Library.
In 2023, with the help of grant funding from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, SoUL and Keep Pinellas Beautiful began restoring native plant diversity to lake shoreline while removing significant amounts of debris from this 11-acre stormwater lake park.
Historic Uptown, Saint Petersburg
Round Lake
Round Lake, located in the vibrant Historic Uptown neighborhood of Saint Petersburg, is a charming and serene urban lake. Surrounded by a picturesque park, this circular body of water is a favorite spot for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy nature. The lake's park features shaded benches, walking paths, and a variety of native plants, making it a peaceful retreat within the bustling city.
Our pilot shoreline restoration, which began in 2019, created significant native marsh habitat serving as a focal point for community-based restoration and stewardship of this 1-acre stormwater-fed lake park.
Main view of Round Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Main view of Winston Lake
Shoreline restoration area
Local wildlife habitat
Community park area
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Winston Lake
Winston Lake is a serene and inviting natural feature that enhances the charm of its surrounding neighborhood. The lake is embraced by a lush park that offers a peaceful escape for residents and visitors alike. With its tranquil waters and well-maintained green spaces, Winston Lake provides an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird-watching, and leisurely walks along its scenic paths.
In 2022 and 2023, at the request of lakefront homeowners, and with the assistance of local high school students, SoUL led the installation of native wetland plants along the shoreline to help improve fish community habitat and lake aesthetics.
Join Our Lake Conservation Efforts
There are many ways to get involved with SoUL and help protect our urban lakes. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or become a member, your support makes a difference.