Loxahatchee River Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Wild & Scenic Designation
Saturday, May 15 was officially deemed "Loxahatchee River Day," including proclamations by the State of Florida, Palm Beach County, Martin County, the Town of Jupiter, the Loxahatchee River District and the Village of Tequesta. Local environmental leaders, managers, politicians and supporters gathered along the banks of the Loxahatchee River at Jonathan Dickinson State Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the river's national "Wild & Scenic" designation. The Loxahatchee River was the first river in Florida to receive this national designation, and remains one of only two National Wild & Scenic rivers in the state. Special guests included U.S. Congressman Tom J. Rooney, Florida Representative Carl J. Domino, and Florida Representative William D. Snyder.
The Loxahatchee River meanders through our community like a gentle, quiet common thread. It serves as a refuge for both young and old, fisherman, boater, biologist. It offers a safe habitat for wildlife, as well as a living memento of Florida's natural beauty.
The Loxahatchee River is one of only two nationally designated "Wild & Scenic" rivers in Florida, and it was Florida's first river to receive this prestigious title. This May marks the 25th anniversary of that designation, as well as one of the most significant milestones in our community's environmental heritage.
The Loxahatchee River invites the community to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the "Wild & Scenic" designation. This prestigious title, garnered by political leaders and their constituents so many years ago, has enabled the river to receive special state and federal funds toward its preservation. This designation also has created a special treasure -- a backyard treasure -- for our community and the generations who will follow.
In tandem with this historic event, and for the last 38 years, the Loxahatchee River District continues to protect and preserve the Loxahatchee River. As one of the leading environmental managers of the river, the District's guardianship has included environmental management, river research and environmental education.
In order to preserve the river and address the challenges of a growing community, we've developed an award-winning regional wastewater management program, and created an innovative water recycling program. The WildPine Lab conducts environmental research on the river, and this data is shared with other agencies and used to better manage the river. The River Center and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary provide free environmental education programs and special activities to further promote stewardship of the Loxahatchee River.
As you enjoy the beginning of a new year, we encourage you to learn more about the Loxahatchee River and join us as we celebrate this anniversary.
2010 Time Capsule (To Be Opened May 17, 2035)
In conjuction with the 25th Anniversary celebration, the Loxahatchee River District is asking for your help in filling a time capsule to be opened May 17, 2035. We want to know your answers to the questions:
1. My favorite memory of the Loxahatchee River:
2. Twenty-five years from now I hope the Loxahatchee River is:
3. Thoughts I would like to share with Loxahatchee River users in 2035:
Photography Contest
Jupiter, Florida - The Loxahatchee River Photography Contest winners will be on display for a special exhibition at the River Center during the month of April.
Grand prize went to Michael Dubiner with his "Loxahatchee Sunrise Sunbeam." Prizes included two airline tickets, private photography workshops, custom framing, tickets to games at Roger Dean Stadium, and inclusion in a traveling photo exhibit and 2011 Loxahatchee River calendar.
For a listing of all the prize winners and a gallery of their winning photographs, please download the following document: Powerpoint or PDF.
One of Florida's most unique treasures, the Loxahatchee River meanders through freshwater marshes and cypress swamps, down to the brackish estuary, and empties through the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. Navigating the Loxahatchee River is a journey back in time as you explore untouched freshwater reaches, teeming estuaries and coastal marine environments.
The Loxahatchee River was the first of only two National Wild & Scenic Rivers in Florida. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Loxahatchee River's Wild & Scenic designation, and represents a remarkable milestone in our community's environmental legacy.
This photography contest is made possible by the Loxahatchee River District and its entities. The Loxahatchee River District is responsible for preserving and protecting the Loxahatchee River through innovative waste water management, research, and education. For more information about the Loxahatchee River District and the Wild & Scenic anniversary events please visit www.loxahatcheeriver.org or call (561) 743-7123.
Press Releases
Links
| 
