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Aquatic Preserves

Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek

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The Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve encompasses the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River. Its Central Embayment is fed by three major tributaries: the North Fork, Northwest Fork and Southwest Fork. This preserve is located about 10 miles south of Hobe Sound and 12.5 miles north of North Palm Beach. The towns of Jupiter and Tequesta border the preserve, with most of it situated in northern Palm Beach County and the rest in southern Martin County.

History

Designated as the Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve in 1970 due to public concern over environmental degradation, this preserve includes the remains of Trapper Nelson's Wildlife Zoo. Trapper Nelson, also known as Tarzan of the Loxahatchee, built his homestead and zoological park along the scenic Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River in the 1950s. Over the last century, heavy development has altered the natural hydrology of the area. The construction of canals and levees for drainage and flood control changed the river's natural flow and reduced its volume. The construction of the C-18 canal in 1958 and the permanent opening of the Jupiter Inlet in 1947 have significantly contributed to saltwater intrusion, shifting parts of the river to a more estuarine-dominant community.

The Loxahatchee River is often referred to as the "last free-flowing river in southeast Florida." In 1985, 10.3 miles of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River were designated as Florida’s first National Wild and Scenic River.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities 

The Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves provide a variety of volunteer opportunities including ecosystem science projects, restoration and spoil island activities. Volunteers help with wildlife monitoring, annual seagrass monitoring or microplastic sampling. On spoil islands, volunteers improve visitor access through activities such as invasive plant removal or installing picnic tables, fire rings or human waste bag dispensers.

For more information, please contact our office at: IRLAP@FloridaDEP.gov. For other opportunities to help preserve the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding aquatic preserves, consider joining the Friends of the Spoil Islands.

Events

Please contact us at IRLAP@FloridaDEP.gov.

Educational Opportunities

The preserve is mentioned as part of the Florida Circumnavigation Saltwater Paddling Trail, Segment 19, offering a designated route for water enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of the Lake Worth Creek section. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, adjacent to the preserve, features the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center, which houses exhibits and potentially offers ranger-guided tours.

Scientific Information

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources Master Site File indicates that there are archaeological and historical sites within and adjacent to the Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve. The archaeological sites include prehistoric middens dating back to 1000 B.C. The historic sites encompass military locations from the Civil War era, a fort and campsite from the second and third Seminole Wars and Camp Murphy, which is located within Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

The Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve exhibits a diverse geological landscape shaped by millions of years of environmental changes. The preserve rests within the southern reaches of the Florida Eastern Valley Formation, a region characterized by ridges formed during the Tertiary Period. The Anastasia Formation, composed of sands and limestone dating back to the Pleistocene Epoch, underlies the entire preserve and contributes to the surficial aquifer system. Beach ridge and dune sands, deposited during the Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs, are found at the northern and southern extremities of the preserve, further diversifying the geological composition. This varied geological history has significantly influenced the topography, drainage patterns and ultimately, the unique ecosystems found within the preserve. 

The upper reaches consist of freshwater and tidal marsh riverine communities. Near and within the estuary, mangrove communities line the shoreline. Submerged resources include tidal flats, seagrass beds and oyster bars.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Aquatic preserves

Invertebrates
Oysters, blue crab

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Wading birds, shore birds

Mammals
Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, manatee, bobcat, river otter, racoon

Reptiles
Alligators, freshwater turtles

Fish
Redfish, spotted sea trout, snook, mullet, tarpon

Other Species
Seagrass; red, black and white mangroves; marsh grass

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts include protecting bird nesting areas, vallisneria plantings, oyster reef restoration, seagrass restoration and hydrologic restoration. These research efforts aim to understand the dynamics of the preserve's ecosystem, assess the health of key species and inform management decisions. 

Ongoing Research

A key player is the Loxahatchee River District's WildPine Ecological Laboratory, which has been instrumental in conducting research and monitoring since 1971. Their work includes the Riverkeeper water quality project, assessing various water quality parameters at multiple sites throughout the watershed. They also monitor seagrass and oyster populations, crucial indicators of ecosystem health. Additionally, they have undertaken oyster restoration projects, aiming to provide habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Year-round, with calmer waters in the summer.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers guided boat tours of the Loxahatchee.

Yes. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our waters.

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. 

The state park has an access fee. Palm Beach County charges a fee for using their boat ramps. 

Donations are accepted through Friends of the Spoil Islands.

Contact IRLAP@FloridaDEP.gov and visit Friends of the Spoil Islands.

Partner Groups

  • Martin County
  • The Loxahatchee River District: Responsible for wastewater management, storm drainage, planning and research, playing a crucial role in maintaining the river's health.
  • The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD): The SFWMD is a major partner in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which directly impacts the preserve's hydrology and water quality.
  • Hobe Sound Nature Center, Inc.: A non-profit organization focused on environmental education, offering programs and field experiences to raise awareness about local natural areas, potentially including the preserve.
  • Loxahatchee River Historical Society: Dedicated to preserving the area's heritage, operating historical sites and museums, potentially providing educational opportunities related to the preserve's history.