When you picture south Florida, you probably imagine blue water, crashing waves and white sand. But did you know that our region is also teeming with impressive wildlife? The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Hobe Sound Nature Center offer unbeatable opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Keep reading for more information on these special spots.
The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge offers 1,000 acres of land to explore ranging from estuaries, barrier islands and sand pine scrub. The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the southeastern states – making it a perfect place to observe sea turtle nesting season in the summer.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for nearly 40 species listed as threatened, endangered or special concern. The sand pine scrub habitat is home to many vanishing animal and plant species including scrub jays, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, four-petaled pawpaw and dancing lady orchids.
Located inside the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, the Hobe Sound Nature Center has been teaching locals and tourists about environmental awareness since 1973. This beloved attraction offers both on and off-site native wildlife presentations and field experiences that allow the public to get an up close and personal look at Martin County’s animals and ecosystem. You can meet Spirit and Mystic, the nature center’s adorable owls or say, “hello!” to Daisy, the resident gopher tortoise.
The Hobe Sound Nature Center also offers a wide array of events that offer opportunities to observe animals in their native habitats! Nature hikes and bird counting trips are just two of their many popular wildlife offerings. One of the nature center’s most popular programs is their summertime Turtle Walks. These popular walks are held from late May to mid July and include a visit to the Hobe Sound Public Beach to witness loggerhead sea turtles laying eggs in the sand. Click here for a full calendar of Hobe Sound Nature Center events