Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy at day inland at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. It’s just 20 minutes from Boca Raton. It promises to have something for the whole family to enjoy, but it is truly a bird lover’s paradise.

The park protects and preserves wildlife on almost 150,000 acres of land and is home to the American alligator.

It’s amazing to think that as many as 257 species of bird take advantage of the diverse wetland habitats in any given year. If you’re a bird watcher, it’s the perfect place to get away from the hectic tourist areas and get some great photos. In fact, the park is known as the gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail; a collection of over 400 Florida locations that were chosen to conserve and improve the state’s bird habitats by promoting bird watching, ecotourism and education on the environment. Bird watching is best from the fall through springtime.

The park is home to herons, egrets, ibises, moorhens. Less common birds will be exciting to capture on film. They include yellow-billed cuckoos, yellow-bellied sap suckers, cardinals, screech owls and even the great horned owl.

It’s also home to two birds on the endangered species list: the snail kites and wood storks.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, look closely! You’ll also see red-bellied turtles, soft-shelled turtles, anoles, a variety of snakes and small lizards, raccoons, bobcats, and my favorite: river otters.

You might be lucky enough come across a river otter at the park. They swim at almost 7 miles per hour and can stay under water for about two minutes. You’ll enjoy their playful antics! You’re most likely to see the otters active in the early morning or early evening. They love to play and can be seen wrestling and chasing each other, as well as tossing and diving for rocks.

For the sports minded, be sure to check out the walking and bike trails. You’ll want to stop by the visitor center first and review the natural history displays; they’ll help you understand the value of the park and the impact it has on the surrounding area. Then take a leisurely stroll through the Cypress Swamp board walk and get a close up view of the wetlands and wildlife. It’s a great way to experience the swamp without getting your shoes dirty. There is also a 12 mile bike trail to enjoy that runs between the Headquarters and Hillsboro areas.

For guest who love day spent fishing or on the water, there are canoe trails, boat ramps, and a fishing platform. Many guests spot alligators near the boat ramps!

To make your day more comfortable, remember to bring good walking shoes, hats, sunscreen and bug protection.

The main entrance to Loxahatchee is off U.S. 441 west of Boynton Beach. From the north, exit I-95 at Forest Hill Boulevard. Turn south at 441, and go about 12 miles to the entrance at Lee Road. From the south, exit I-95 at Atlantic Avenue, then turn north at 441, watching for the Lee Road entrance.

The refuge is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The cost is $5 per vehicle or $1 for pedestrians, a fee paid using the “honor box” at the entrance of the refuge. There is often no one at the entrance to take your money; you put it in an envelope, and tear off the envelope stub to place on your dashboard.

Posted by: Mit Tressler

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Date: Tuesday, April, 8th 2008 @ 05:18:54 PM
Views: 490

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