One of our favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon is at one of the several nature preserves here in South Florida. A nature walk is the perfect way to connect with your family, get outside and observe a vast array of wildlife. We like to start in the visitor’s center and pick up information that shows what animals and plants live in the nature preserve, then we approach our nature walk like a treasure hunt, trying to spot and point out all of the animals and plants that are on the list.
Does your family enjoy nature walks? Do you have games that you play as you walk?
The photos are from our trip to Green Cay Wetlands last week. You are always sure to see an alligator if you are patient!
This summer you may spend time at the beach, whether you live near one or will be visiting one on vacation. One of the easiest and greatest ways to keep kids entertained at the beach on a windy day is with a boogie board. Body-boarding is a ton of fun for kids who are ready to venture out into the waves for a lot of excitement. This sport is great for children of all ages, as long as they are good swimmers and ready for a little splash and speed. Learn how you can get your kids body-boarding the first day that you hit the beach, making for a fun, exciting day in the ocean.
Hello, Friends! We have officially moved into our new space and the best part (besides the nature preserve in our backyard) is that we are 1 mile from the beach. I really want to start riding our bicycles to the beach every day and love the idea of throwing Eben’s skim board, body board, snorkeling and other gear in the back of the Madsen bicycle – I know I am obsessed. Doesn’t the pale blue just scream Florida?
Do you have a bucket style bicycle? What do you tote around in your bicycle basket or bucket?
Yesterday, we visited one of our favorite turtle sanctuaries, Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center was founded over 25 years ago, by Juno Beach resident Eleanor Fletcher. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center houses a variety of sea turtles that have been injured or that have become too ill to survive in the ocean alone. The staff at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center performs veterinary and rehabilitation services in their state-of-the-art sea turtle hospital. They also conduct research, provide conversation efforts and educate the community.
We spent the afternoon enjoying their fantastic interactive exhibition complete with native salt water tanks and my favorite – the replica of Archelon, the largest sea turtle to ever live. Then, it was off to the educational room where you can get up close and personal with the five different species of turtles that live in the waters off the Florida Coast. We were lucky enough to watch a sea turtle having his x-rays done. After, we strolled through Sea Turtle yard, where we were able to view the current sea turtles that are in the care of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
If you are going to be in the Palm Beach area, I highly recommended stopping by for the afternoon for the opportunity to look into the world and lives of sea turtles. Also, if you are interested, you can support the Loggerhead Marine Center by “adopting” a sea turtle patient for $35 – which includes a personalized adoption certificate for the sea turtle of your choice, a bumper sticker, sea turtle fact sheet, and a subscription to the Marinelife Review newsletter.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One, Juno Beach, FL 33408 561.627.8305
Hello, Friends! How are you? Are you ready for a three day weekend? What are your exciting plans?
We are getting ready for a camping trip to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. We plan to spend three whole days in the “real Florida”, hiking, canoeing, biking, snorkeling, and soaking up rays on the beach.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has a great variety of butterflies, birds, plants, and sea turtles. I have my fingers crossed that I will finally see a sea turtle in the wild. (Since, I am the only one who hasn’t seen one – Eben and Mr. Sweet Greens swim with them all the time!)
Have you been to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park? Is there anything that we must do or see while we are there? What are your favorite camping activities?
One of our favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon is at one of the several nature preserves here in South Florida. A nature walk is the perfect way to connect with your family, get outside and observe a vast array of wildlife. We like to start in the visitor’s center and pick up information that shows what animals and plants live in the nature preserve, then we approach our nature walk like a treasure hunt, trying to spot and point out all of the animals and plants that are on the list. 
