Learn the nesting patterns of sea turtles, navigate the freshwater reaches of the Loxahatchee, discover the variety of wildlife that make our community their home. Our area is home to a number of great environmental attractions where you can get up close and personal with nature. Here is just a samplings complete with phone numbers and/or web-sites. Not only can you have a wonderful time exploring nature, but you just might learn something, too!
Blowing Rocks
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| The Loxahatchee River Environmental Center traces the Loxahatchee River from its headwaters in Palm Beach County, through the cypress dominated floodplain in the Wild & Scenic segment, into the central embayment, and finally out through Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream.
For more information, www.nature.org/florida or call (561) 744-6668. | |
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
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| Busch Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to learn about Florida's freshwater and upland ecosystems and includes nature trails, indoor and outdoor wildlife exhibits, an interpretive education center, children's programs and a wildlife refuge for recuperating wildlife.
For more information, www.buschwildlife.com or call (561) 575-3399. | |
Canoe Outfitters
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| Canoe Outfitters sits along the shore of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River. The facility rents canoe and kayaks for visitors to take a trip along Florida's first Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River. Aided with literature about the River, visitors start their trip along the banks of the River and travel through the natural cypress overhangs that encompass this wonderful resource.
For more information, www.canoes-kayaks-florida.com or call (561) 746-7053. | |
J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area
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| Here, visitors can observe the virtually undisturbed slash pine flatwoods, a sawgrass marsh, oak/cabbage palm hammock and cypress wetlands. The property includes a 14-mile spur of the Florida Trail. In addition, there is fishing, hunting, and camping.
For more information, call (561) 625-5122. | |
Dupuis Preserve
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| A remnant of the northern tip of Florida Everglades, there are four loop trails for hiking and backpacking developed by the Florida trail association. Preserved as a habitat for wildlife and native vegetation, Dubuis Preserve offers a variety of recreational uses including hunting, fishing, biking and equestrian trails.
For more information, www.sfwmd.gov/org/clm/lsd/dupindex.htm or call ((561) 924-5310. | |
Hobe Sound Nature Center
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| The Hobe Sound Nature on-site facilities include indoor classrooms, an interpretive center with exhibits, live native wildlife and hands-on displays. There are also nature trails for hiking and guided tours, snorkeling, children's programs, special events, and turtle walks in the summer.
For more information, www.floridaconservation.org/viewing/site s/site-ec17.html or call (561) 546-2067. | |
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
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| The Loxahatchee River winds its way through this state park, which spans close to 11,500 acres. There are four scenic nature trails where visitors may observe endangered species such as the bald eagle, Florida scrub-jay, Florida sandhill crane and gopher tortoises. There are also two campgrounds, hiking trails and nature walks, equestrian trails, fishing, biking, picnic facilities, children's programs, and a concession for canoe rentals and river tours.
For more information, www.floridastateparks. org/jonathandickinson/default.cfm or call (561) 546-2771. | |
Grassy Waters Preserve
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| The Loxahatchee Preserve includes twenty square miles of public wetlands and represents the largest remaining remnant of the Loxahatchee Slough. The preserve gives visitors an opportunity to pine flatwoods, cypress wetlands and other habitats. Here, presentations on topics of environmental interest are offered, along with guided nature walks, canoe trips, hiking, as well as catch-and-release fishing.
For more information, www.cityofwpb.com/recreation/grassy.htm or call (561) 627-8831. | |
MacArthur State Beach Park
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| A 1,600-foot boardwalk over Lake Worth Cove leads visitors to a beach that includes an offshore reef ideal for snorkeling. The beach is a prime nesting area of sea turtles and turtle walks are conducted in the summer. There also is a 4,000 square-foot Nature Center that includes exhibits, displays and a video interpreting the barrier island's plant and animal species.
For more information, www.macarthurbeach.org or call (561) 624-6950. | |
Marinelife Center of Juno Beach
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| The Marine Center houses a variety of exhibits such as live sea turtles and other coastal creatures, as well as educational displays about South Florida's marine environment. Outdoor exhibits lead visitors along a trail through undisturbed coastal vegetation and to the beach where sea turtles nest during the summer.
For more information, www.marinelife.org or call (561) 627-8280. | |
River Center
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| The River Center, located at 805 N. U.S. Highway One, Jupiter (where the Historical Center use to be), will provide a one-of-a-kind learning atmosphere. Sponsored by the Loxahatchee River District and Friends of the Loxahatchee River, the River Center will soon host more than 6,000 school children for a hands-on; environmental experience starting in the school year 2008-2009. A unique learning resource, the River Center will host areas dedicated to explaining the four local ecosystems with live animals and plants.
For more information, call (561) 743-7123. | |
Jupiter Outdoors Center
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| This recreation facility offers canoe, kayak, and bike rentals. The Center offers guided "eco-tours" around the Loxahatchee River. The avid recreational users will enjoy biking and hiking throughout the beautiful Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
For more information, www.jupiteroutdoorcenter.com or call (561) 747-0063. | |
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
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| This recreation facility is located on the northern 928 acres of Jupiter Island with 2.5 miles of Atlantic beach. There is a dock if you come by boat. It has a 3,300-foot boardwalk that meanders from the dock to the beach. A reef formation, inhabited by a wide variety of marine life lies offshore of the park. This protected reef runs south from the inlet for 4.7 miles. Reef depths range from about 5 feet to 35 feet.
For more information, www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district5/stlu cieinlet or call (561) 744-7603. | |
Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center
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| Aquariums, touch tanks, stingray tank, children's activity pavilion with interactive exhibits. Daily stingray feeding programs and guided nature walks on a nature trail to the Indian River Lagoon and a trail designed just for kids.
For more information, www.fosusa.org or call (561) 744-6668. | |
Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department
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