Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge Grows By 4 Acres

Posted by Gerald Lombardo

Updated on November 30th, 2018

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Published in Local News

The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge just grew by about 4 acres.

Four contiguous beachfront lots on Jupiter Island’s North Beach Road were donated by the Coast Guard, increasing the federally protected sea turtle nesting habitat.

The beach is one of the most productive sea turtle nesting habitats in the U.S., the refuge's website says.

The now 1,095-acre sanctuary’s natural habitat — sand pine scrub, mangrove forests and miles of coastal dunes — supports about 40 plant and animal species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.

To expand the refuge, the U.S. House Tuesday passed the Jupiter Island Land Transfer Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Mast.

Palm Beach County has become a haven for turtles and Loggerheads especially due to local efforts by organizations like The Loggerhead Marine Life Center and others.  

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