|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||
|
|
The Nature Conservancy in Florida Florida Home Contact Places We Protect Invasive Species Press Releases Volunteer Ways of Giving Florida Forever Florida Landowners |
|
|
|
||||
Blowing Rocks Preserve
 Blowing Rocks Preserve © Jeff Ripple |
Why You Should Visit
Blowing Rocks Preserve is a magnificent barrier island sanctuary located on Jupiter Island, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Blowing Rocks protects a variety of natural habitats, including beach dune, coastal strand, mangrove wetlands, tropical hammock and oak hammock.
Its rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline is the largest on the Atlantic coast. During extreme high tides and after winter storms, seas break against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet skyward, an impressive sight for which the preserve was named.
Location
Jupiter Island, about 30 miles north of West Palm Beach.
Hours
Blowing Rocks Preserve is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except major holidays.
Size
73 acres
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Beach access fees are $2 per person and $1 per person for Nature Conservancy members. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Annual passes are also available: $37 for an individual pass and $65 for a group pass (up to six people).
Visitors to the preserve can explore a boardwalk with interpretive signs along the Indian River Lagoon, a butterfly garden with native plants, and a beachside nature trail. The Hawley Education Center contains rotating educational and art exhibits, and a series of programs and workshops is given in the on-site classroom.
Guided nature walks are offered Sundays at 11 a.m. For exact dates and times, contact the preserve office at
Permanent and rotating exhibits are located in the preserve's Hawley Education Center.
Contact Us
For more information about visiting or volunteering, contact the preserve office at
Directions
The preserve is located at 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455-2804.
Coming from the north on I-95:
-
Take Hobe Sound exit 96 and head east on Bridge Road (SR 708).
-
Cross US 1 and continue on Bridge Road.
-
Take a right onto Jupiter Island at the end of the road (just before the beach).
-
Continue to the stop sign and bear to the left (south).
-
The preserve is approximately 7 miles south and offers parking on both sides of the road.
Coming from the south on I-95:
-
Take Jupiter exit 87A (Indiantown Road).
-
Continue east on Indiantown Road to US 1.
-
Turn north (left) on US 1 to Jupiter Inlet.
-
Immediately after crossing bridge turn right on South Beach Road (CR707).
-
Drive 2 miles and look for preserve sign on right. Parking is 1/2 mile ahead.
What to See: Seasonal Wildlife
Osprey, which can be observed year-round, are especially plentiful during the winter months. Palm and pine warblers enjoy the mild winter here, as do a few ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
In 1969, this unusual segment of Florida beach was saved by Jupiter Island residents who donated the property to The Nature Conservancy. It was originally protected for its natural beauty, distinctive rock formations and an important sea turtle nesting beach.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Blowing Rocks Preserve serves as a model for native plant restoration, sea turtle protection and ecosystem management. An innovative education program shares these conservation goals with visitors and the local community.
The preserve is located at the southern tip of the Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile long estuary that stretches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. In an effort to help protect this fragile ecosystem, the Conservancy is helping to educate preserve visitors about the biological importance of the estuary, threats to its health and ways to protect it.
