Steve Horowitz
President
561-637-9751
December 2010
Hello Friends:
On the first Thursday morning of every month the Refuge staff at Loxahatchee meets under the direction and leadeship of Refuge Managers Sylvia Pelizza and Rolf Olson to discuss upcoming projects and events. Usually one or two members of the Friends' BODs also attend.
This month we are all traveling to HOBE SOUND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE for the meeting. Why? Hobe Sound NWR is actually administered by Loxahatchee because it is a relatively small, but vitally important, link in the chain of coastal refuges. Officially established in 1969, it now includes 1035 acres of critical habitats.
The 735 acre section on Jupiter Island provides some of the most productive sea turtle nesting habitats in the U.S. Leatherbacks, green, and loggerheads all wade ashore in the warm summer months to lay their eggs. The 300 acre sand pine scrub mainland tract is one of the last sites of this habitat in Florida. Many protected species reside here including the scrub jay, gopher tortoise, indigo snake, 4 petaled paw paw, and dancing lady orchid.
In the Headquarters/Visitor Center there is an interpretive museum and gift shop. Outdoors there are nature trails and an observation platform. Part of the beach area has been designated as the Nathaniel Reed Wilderness Seashore Sanctuary-a natural national landmark.
The Nature Center is open M-Sat from 9-3. They have regularly scheduled programs including beach walks, turtle walks, scrub tours, and evening forums. Call to find out what is scheduled-they are only 20 miles north of PB. Call 772-546-2067.
Steve
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Steve Horowitz
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