Filed under: beach, eco travel, nature, top-feature, wildlife
A Day of Fun, A Lifetime of Preservation
Living in the Midwest, there is one thing that gets you through the long, cold winter days, the anticipation of sunny, warm vacation destinations. A recent trip to Juno Beach, Florida provided just that, plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
Still, once on vacation there is only so much surf and sand that one can take before boredom begins to set in. While there were lots of entertainment options and attractions in the area, my favorite was visiting the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
A non-profit education and ocean conservation facility located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is dedicated to promoting conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystem with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Juno Beach is recognized as one of the most active nesting beaches for sea turtles in South Florida.
Over 25 years ago, Eleanor Fletcher, a longtime Juno Beach resident, worried about the continued encroachment of humans and the threat to the environment of these gentle sea creatures, and began educating children about conservation and the protection of the sea turtles. What began with talks in her home and at local schools, evolved into opening a small museum, and recently the opening of a new 12,000 square foot certified “green” facility.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center displays numerous marine life and local wildlife exhibits within the exhibit hall. The soft lighting and warm shades of blue on the walls provide a relaxed setting and create the feel you are swimming underwater. As you walk through the center you can peer into aquatic displays filled with live salt water creatures. Pulling open drawers tucked under the displays, reveal a variety of shells and models of sea creatures, providing for unique hands-on experiences. Other exhibits include resources on local wildlife, South Florida marine environment and the importance of conservation.
Within the campus of the Marinelife Center, pathways outside the building lead to the research lab, resource center, an outdoor classroom and the state-of-the-art veterinary hospital. Devoted to the treatment of injured and recovering sea turtles, the treatment rooms of the hospital are visible to the public through an observation window on the exterior of the building. Treatment of the turtles might include dispensing medication, physical therapy or an occasional surgical procedure. Visitors to the Center can observe the staff feeding the turtle patients at various times throughout the day.
Everyone is drawn to the large outdoor tanks that hold the live sea turtles. Large enough to provide adequate space for the turtles to move about, the tanks are small enough to allow the turtles to be very visible to the public. I especially like the windows on the sides of the tank granting curious visitors a unique underwater view.
It doesn’t take long to fall in love with these marvelous creatures. Take “Jonah” for instance. This sweet little guy was found in the live well of a fishing boat, with the only explanation of his mysterious appearance being that he must have been swallowed by one of the day’s catch. The tiny hatchling was brought to the marine center and will remain here until he is large enough to be released.
I found myself wondering how the little turtle was doing after our visit. Luckily, a new live “turtle-cam” can allow a sneak peak at the recovering patients long after your visit. Additionally, several turtles are fitted with tracking devices prior to their return to sea, affording researchers additional information.
In addition to viewing the current patients, guests can attend classes or participate in other special events. For me an experience of a lifetime would be to join in one of the turtle walks offered in June and July. On these nights you hear talks from turtle experts and perhaps a chance to observe a sea-turtle laying her eggs.
If you are planning a trip to the beach during nesting season, March 1 – October 31, here are some suggestions how visitors to the beach can help protect nesting sea turtles:
- During nesting season it is illegal to take flash photography on the beach at night time.
- While walking on the beach, avoid using a flashlight to illuminate your path as the light could confuse the turtles as they approach the beach.
- If you come across a turtle while walking on the beach, remain calm, quiet and at a distance to not frighten the turtle into returning to the sea prior to nesting.
- Do not disturb turtle tracks as they can provide necessary information and lead researchers to the nest.
- Dispose of fishing line, garbage, balloons and plastic bags properly.
The Marinelife Center is located within Loggerhead Park, a public beach front park maintained by the Palm Beach County Park and Recreation Department. Complete with a nature trail, a playground, picnic pavilions, and guarded beach access, the park is a great location for a full day’s adventure. Visitors can spend the morning learning about sea turtles and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon basking on the Atlantic Ocean beach.
Not in the mood for a beach picnic? There are many local eateries close to the Center including two of my favorite casual restaurants, The Thirsty Turtle Sea Grill & Market (13981 US Highway 1, travel guide) and Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill (12846 US Highway 1, travel guide).
Growing out of the dedication of one individual for the education, conservation, and preservation of sea turtles, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center stands as a tribute to the work of “The Turtle Lady” and is a constant reminder that each one of us holds the key to actively preserving the environment. The health of our oceans is not only vital to marine life, but vital to fishing, boating and water recreation as well.
Where: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach, Florida (travel guide)
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday noon – 4 pm
Admission: Free, donations accepted to support the Center
Photo credits: both from flickr, Loggerhead, eggs
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