Congratulations to Noah Kersten for winning Best of Show with Bird Beach.

For 2013 we joined with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management to bring you the NatureScaping & Dark Skies Festival!!

Park entrance is FREE to the public for this annual Event.

On March 16 we presented our 18th annual NatureScaping event, joining with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management to bring you the NatureScaping & Dark Skies Festival.

In addition to the importance of Florida native plants and living a green lifestyle, this free event provided activities and information on light pollution and the impact on our local sea turtle populations.

Of course, we had live music, astronomy activities, and presentations by a variety of speakers, native plant and craft vendors, live animal show, children’s programs, food and lots of fun.

Presentations:
11:00 – 11:45
Plant Nightlife
Dr. Laura A. Sanagorski, FYN

12:00 – 12:45
The Effects of Light Pollution on Sea Turtle Nesting
Dr Kurt Rusenko, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

1:00 – 1:45
Light, the Exponentially Increasing Pollutant
Eric Vandernoot, F.A.U.

2:00 – 2:45
Seven Wonders of the Universe
Gary Dahlke, NASA

Forms are available below to enter the NatureScaping photography contest; there are separate categories for children and adults, finalists will be on display in the Education Gallery for the public vote.

If you are interested in being a sponsor or vendor for the NatureScaping  Festival of 2014, please contact Park Services Specialist Art Carton – 561-776-7449 Ext. 109 or
Arthur.Carton@dep.state.fl.us.

Turtle Nest Count Rises…

http://palmbeachgardens.floridaweekly.com/news/2012-09-13/Top_

News/Turtle_nest_count_rises_despite_damage_from_Tropic.html

For the 2012 summer season we offered five one week camp programs, giving young naturalists, ages 7 to 13 years, and the opportunity to learn about the coastal ecosystems of south Florida. Historically, our camps were half-day programs; for the first time camp was offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eco-Explorers focused on introducing the campers to environmental concepts such as habitats, life cycles, food chains and webs, carrying capacity, and camouflage through interactive games and activities.

Junior Rangers explored the Maritime Hammock, Estuary, Beach and Dune and the Rock Reef collecting data and comparing the similarities and differences.

Marine Biology Camper investigated the organisms in the coastal ecosystems by scientific investigations such as fish counts, sea-grass survey, and biodiversity survey of the estuary and learned about the restoration of estuary system.

All campers went kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and had fun in the sun!

Watch for Summer Camp 2013 – discount for early registration, registration day on Saturday, March 16th during NatureScaping.

Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott paid a visit to MacArthur Beach State Park on Tuesday, August 7 to continue the 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure. Mrs. Scott read aloud to a mesmerized crowd of children and adults who filled the Park amphitheater.

“Florida state parks provide an incredible environment for children and families to discover nature and have fun,” said Mrs. Scott. “I want to challenge all of Florida’s students to join me in reading as many books as possible during the summer break and take the Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge.” Students can make their summer reading pledge by visiting www.justreadflorida.com.

Donald Forgione, Director of the Florida Park Service, and Don Bergeron, Park Manager of MacArthur Beach State Park, welcomed the First Lady, students from Bright Futures Academy, Pat Cucci from Scholastic Books, and several representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Department of Education.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park: A Living History | PBG Lifestyle Magazine

http://www.pbglifestyle.com/pbg-lifestyle-current-cover-stories/john-d-macarthur-beach-state-park-a-living-history

Major Sea Turtle Record Breaking Year – as of 7/31/12
Loggerhead Nests – 1600 – New Record! The old record was 1308 in 1995
Green Nest – 176
Leatherback Nests – 93 – New Record!

MacArthur Beach State Park seeks crowning recognition:…

WOW – Join us for a guided snorkeling tour of the Park’s spectacular near-shore reefs,  learn about the species that inhabit MacArthur’s reefs and waters, see sea life up close and personal! Bring your own snorkeling gear, including mask, snorkel and fins. Must be an experienced swimmer and snorkeler and at least 10 years of age; those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Participants must wear a park provided snorkel vest in the water; no lifeguard on duty.