With miles of Atlantic Coast beaches, Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast might as well be called the “bronze coast.” But there’s more to the seashore here than suntan potential as dozens of coastal research centers and nature preserves prove, showcasing both the stunning natural environment and the creatures who live there. In fact, there’s more to this region than one coastline, as both Palm Beach and Martin counties border Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest freshwater lake (behind Lake Michigan) contained entirely within the lower 48 states.
About an hour from the Atlantic, groups can take their pick of fishing and boating charters on Big O, or stay on dry land and trek around the perimeter via a paved pathway that is part of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail, a National Scenic Trail.
But if you’re staying closer to the ocean side, here are a few options in Palm Beach County to get your group outside and exploring the environment.
- Attendees can hone their marine and coastal environmental education at Boca Raton’s Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a conservation and research center featuring an educational sea turtle garden, a gopher tortoise exhibit, a butterfly nursery and a sea turtle rehabilitation center. Gumbo Limbo also includes a quarter-mile boardwalk trail through a preserved hardwood hammock, a 40-foot observation tower and four outdoor seawater tanks housing sea turtles, sharks, rays, spiny lobsters, urchins and a variety of fish.
Group tours for up to 25 are offered while customized programs, including conservation talks, are based on staff availability.
- Sea turtles galore are the focus of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, though eco tours, fish feedings and hammock hikes through the surrounding natural dune systems are also on the agenda here. And the possibilities expand even further for groups, including presentations in a large learning center complete with a high-def projector and seating for close to 200.
“We do private tours of the facility and can set up private paddle tours with one of our biologists,” notes Tom Longo, communications and marketing manager. “We’re located in a park that’s right on the ocean, so we can also set up special beach cleanups for groups.”
- West of Boynton Beach, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is the last remnant of the once-vast northern Everglades ridge and slough landscape and home to as many as 257 species of birds, including the critically endangered Everglades snail kite.
Canoe rentals, nature trails and guided tours are available, while groups can also gather in a 40-seat auditorium.
“We can tailor a program with an educator, themed around cypress swamp restoration,” says Jacob Tuttle, assistant manager of the visitor center.
