The Oyster Bar Salt Marsh contains 155 acres of maritime hammock and impounded wetland. The Conservation Area is located between State Road A1A and the Indian River Lagoon on Orchid Island, approximately 1 mile north of the Indian River-St. Lucie County line. The primary purpose of the OBSM is to bring the impounded wetland into the active RIM management program of the Indian River Mosquito Control District; to prevent development of a portion of the barrier island containing a small, but viable stand of native tropical maritime hammock; and to reduce development impacts on the water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.
Wildlife utilization in the tidal swamp community (135 acres) is dominated by wading birds, providing excellent opportunities for bird observation and interpretation. Many of the birds utilizing the site are state listed species including Roseate spoonbills, Little blue herons, Tricolored herons, Snowy egrets, White ibis and Brown pelicans. Ospreys are also nesting on the site where Brazilian pepper eradication has begun.
Future access improvements include walking trails, boardwalks, trailhead with kiosk and interpretive signs.