Martin County, Florida is a natural wonderland teeming with some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the United States. The region is home to wetlands, intracoastal waterways, marshes and mangrove forest, and are filled with flora and fauna. In honor of the area’s rich biodiversity, many local groups work together to protect and preserve the environment. These environmentalists not only advocate for conservation but are celebrated by the community for protecting the natural terrain for generations to come. Discover how these Martin County organizations encourage environmental conservation for all ages.
Florida Oceanographic Society
Located on Hutchinson Island is the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, ran by the Florida Oceanographic Society. The 57-acre marine life nature center educates the public on the importance of caring for the environment. Visitors can learn about a variety of marine life including gamefish, sharks, sea turtles, and can even interact with stingrays. Visitors to the Coastal Center can not only get an up-close and personal look at these animals, but also enjoy an abundance of interactive exhibits designed to teach the importance of environmental stewardship. The society is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and helping the environment flourish through educating the public, conducting research and advocating for the environment. The Florida Oceanographic Society also spends efforts on activism including seagrass and water quality initiatives.
Hobe Sound Nature Center
The Hobe Sound Nature Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing interactive environmental education to people of all ages and abilities. Located in Hobe Sound, the center boasts a range of free, family-friendly programs including Night Explorers, sea turtle walks, wildlife presentations with animal ambassadors, summer camps, and weekly hikes along the trails. The education building provides a space for hands-on learning about local ecosystems and wildlife, and the nature trails offer an outdoor setting for learning in the natural environment. Staffed with environmental professionals and volunteers who are passionate about the environment, the center is actively involved in conservation efforts and collaborates with other organizations to protect local habitats and wildlife.
Environmental Studies Center
The Environmental Studies Center in Jensen Beach is an education center operated by the Martin County School District. Educating students through exploring nature and science, the center offers hands-on experiences such as field trips, science activities, and interactive wildlife exhibits that teach all visitors about local wildlife and habitats. Field trips oftentimes include the exploration of the bio-diverse Indian River Lagoon, mangrove forests, freshwater ponds, and protective wetlands. Gaining mass popularity in the community for its educational programs and community events, the center hosts week-long summer camps for children ages 7 to 13. The Environmental Studies Center inspires everyone to become enthusiastic about the ecosystems around them year-round.
Citizens4H2O
Citizens4H2O is a civilian advocacy organization in Martin County dedicated to educating, protecting and preserving water resources through community outreach. The organization holds Water Fest, an annual springtime festival celebrating environmental stewardship and water conservation within the community. Environmental professionals, local educators and students of all ages staff booths that educate and inspire the community through family-friendly entertainment, crafts and games. The overall goal of Citizens4H2O and Water Fest is to engage and empower the community to help protect Martin County’s local waterways, as well as waterways around the globe. Storie, Martin County’s newest sustainable community concept, was a proud Water Fest 2024 sponsor.
The Future of Martin County’s Natural Landscape.
A new initiative to preserve and protect Martin County’s ecosystems may be on the horizon. Storie’s designers have placed a high priority on clean water and open spaces that all Martin County residents could enjoy. From filtering up to 500 million gallons of water every year from the C44 canal to protecting 55% of the existing natural landscapes, Storie would be a community that is infused with environmental stewardship. This eco-minded neighborhood also plans to bring together the community with a vibrant village center, K-12 charter school, a new regional park, plentiful outdoor activities, and much more.
To receive a copy of the Storie Time Magazine with more details on the vision for this community, or to be among the first to see the newly released vision video, register your interest at StorieFL.com.
