Jacarenema Ecological Reserve

The Parque Natural Municipal de Jacarenema is a nature reserve in Vila Velha that combines mangrove forest areas, river estuary habitats, and Atlantic Forest vegetation across roughly 307 hectares. The site encompasses different ecosystems along the coast, with varied terrain including sandbars and adjacent woodlands.

Protection measures for the site were established in 1997 through state legislation, after a local official championed an initiative to preserve these coastal lands. The formal recognition of this valuable habitat resulted from that significant conservation effort.

The place takes its name from a local bird species and still shows traces of early human presence in the coastal landscape today. Visitors can discover these historical remnants while exploring the different forest types.

Access to the reserve is best gained by crossing the Madalena bridge from the nearby Barra do Jucu area or walking northward along the beach. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and pay attention to tidal times, as parts of the area flood regularly.

The mangrove system displays an unusual plant distribution, where one tree species makes up about 42 percent of the total vegetation. This unequal composition makes the area of particular interest to researchers studying coastal ecosystems.