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1. What is the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County?

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) is the governmental agency responsible for providing an economical and environmentally conscious Integrated Solid Waste Management System for Palm Beach County, Florida. With approximately 400 employees, the SWA provides solid waste disposal and recycling services and programs to the county's 1.45 million residents and businesses. The SWA also provides solid waste and recycling collection services to the residents and businesses in unincorporated Palm Beach County through private haulers under exclusive franchise agreements.

The SWA set aside 300 acres of natural area during the development of the SWA landfill and waste-to-energy facility to serve as a conservation area. Tucked away in the SWA conservation area is a large rookery that harbors thousands of native birds, including the state- and federally-designated endangered snail kite and the federally-designated threatened wood stork.

The most convenient parking for the scavenger hunt trail missions is the northern trailhead of the SWA Greenway Trail System located at 7501 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach. The SWA Greenway Trail System is also accessible by foot or bike from Grassy Waters Preserve Trails.

The SWA trails are open to the public seven day a week, from dawn until dusk. For more information, visit SWA Greenway Trail System. 

2. What is Grassy Waters Preserve?

Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23 square mile wetlands ecosystem that serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach and the towns of South Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island. Historically, Grassy Waters was both a key component of the Greater Everglades watershed and the headwaters of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.

The continued pristine beauty of Grassy Waters Preserve is thanks to the Department of Public Utilities Watershed Management Division. The Watershed Management Division is dedicated to protect, preserve and restore the ecological integrity of Grassy Waters Preserve by preventing the proliferation of invasive species, promoting best management practices in water quality and conservation, and educating the public about the importance of this ecosystem.

Parking and access for the Grassy Waters Nature Center is located at 8264 Northlake Blvd in West Palm Beach. The main entrance is open Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit Grassy Waters Preserve. 

3. What is GooseChase?

GooseChase is a fun and free scavenger hunt app for your mobile device. Download the GooseChase app here or in the App Store or Google Play.

4. Who can play?

Everyone can play! Missions are family-friendly and can be completed by any age group. Parental supervision is advised for younger buccaneers though.

5. What is a mission?

A mission is the term used in GooseChase for the tasks to accomplish during the SWA 4R Scavenger Hunt. Missions can be completed by taking a photo or video, checking in at a specific location, or answering trivia questions.

6. What if I can't upload photos or videos while on the trails?

Since cell phone service can be unreliable on portions of the trails, you may not be able to upload to the GooseChase app. Use your regular phone camera to take photos and videos and upload them when you are back home.

7. How can I win prizes?

Prizes will be awarded to the top three crews with the most points, as well as to the crew with the most creative mission submissions. All crews who earn at least 5,000 points will be entered to win additional prizes through a random drawing. And all buccaneers will receive a welcome packet and have the chance to win prizes during special missions throughout the hunt!

8. What do I need to bring with me?

Be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of water with you. There are no facilities or potable water available on the SWA Greenway Trail System.

9. Are there sponsorship opportunities for my business/organization?

Yes! There are many levels of sponsorship. For more information, download the Sponsorship Package.