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# U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Southeast Region

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# Welcome to the official Web site of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National

Wildlife Refuge.
We sincerely hope that your visit here is pleasant and rewarding. On our web site, you'll get tips on enjoying the Refuge safely. You'll also learn about some of the things we are doing to be responsible stewards of the Florida Everglades, and the things that live here. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is the last northernmost portion of the unique Everglades. With over 221 square miles of Everglades habitat, the Loxahatchee Refuge is home to the American alligator and the critically endangered Everglade snail kite. In any given year, as many as 257 species of birds may use the Refuge's diverse wetland habitats. Please help us protect the resources so your children and their children will have the same opportunity for enjoyment in the future. If there's anything we can do to make your experience more enjoyable or rewarding, just ask a Ranger, volunteer or any Refuge employee.



# Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Canoe Trail
During this dry season, use of the Canoe Trail is dependent on water conditions. Please call the VisitorCenter (561-734-8303) for updated information on the Guided Canoe Trips identified on the calendar of events as well as to determine if the Canoe Trail is open to the public. 

# Quick Links

Calendar of Events •

Volunteer • 

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◦ Law Enforcement ◦ Mapping and GIS ◦ Working with Tribes ◦ Connect and Learn • Resources for Kids ◦ Resources for Teachers ◦ Reference and Research ◦ Take Action • Volunteer ◦ Partnerships ◦ Jobs ◦ ARM Loxahatchee NWR • Home • Plan Your Visit • Nature and Science • News • Teachers • Resource Protection & Law Enforcement •

Multimedia • Kids • Management • Support Your Refuge • Hobe Sound • LILAFriends of LoxahatcheeGator Tales NewsletterFire Management • 

# L-40 Levee and canal closure

Beginning October 1, 2010 the Refuge L-40 Levee and canal will be closed from Loxahatchee road continuing north for two miles to boating, hiking, bicycling, and all other public use due to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction. The closure is scheduled to last 12 months. The Site 1 Impoundment Project (Fran Reich Preserve) will capture and store storm water that would otherwise be lost to tide during dry times. It will also preserve clean water in the Refuge along with other related environmental benefits. This project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP).
Youtube Site 1 Video South Florida Water Management District News Release

CERP Site 1 Impoundment Community News Site 1 Temporary Closure Map

Getting Here . . . The Refuge is located about 10 miles west of Boynton Beach, Florida. It is accessible from Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike by going west on either Boynton Beach Blvd or Atlantic Ave in Delray Beach, until you reach Highway 441/State Road 7.From Boynton Beach Blvd., proceed south on Hwy 441/SR7 for two miles and turn west (right) onto Lee Road. From Atlantic Ave, proceed north on Hwy 441/SR7 for two miles and turn west (left) onto Lee Road. The Refuge Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 - 4:00. Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving. There is a $5.00 entrance fee per vehicle.
For more information contact us at: 10216 Lee Road Boynton Beach FL. 33473 (561) 734-8303 

# New National Wildlife Refuge Proposed for

region
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new federal National Wildlife Refuge in Central Florida. The newly protected area would be the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. According to Charles Pelizza, a refuge manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, The area under consideration, extends from mid-Osceola County southward to the northern shoreline of Lake Okeechobee, encompassing approximately 1 million acres. More Information Four Public Scoping Meetings have been scheduled in the area of the proposal to provide the public the opportunity to discuss the proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. Information, location and dates of Public Scoping meetings

. Fire •

Newsletter •

LILA • 

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# A new hobby for the 21st century Virtual Geocaching is now available at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
A new hobby for the 21st century; Virtual Geocaching is now available at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. It started only five years ago, but already a popular sport in more than 200 countries. This internationally growing outdoor recreational activity is best described as a high-tech scavenger hunt activity. Virtual Geocaching utilizes a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) device that guides you to existing points of natural and cultural features or wayside exhibits on the Refuge. Use your GPS device to go on a self-guided adventure in locating one or all of these virtual caches located on the Refuge. The love of the outdoors and a love of technology don't have to be mutually exclusive -- you can put your tech-savvy skills to work while enjoying the Refuge and discovering the Everglades! Whether you go Virtual Geocaching with family, friends or solo, one thing is for sure; this is an experience you will always treasure. If you're looking for a fun and interesting way to spend a few hours or a whole day,Virtual Geocaching at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife is the perfect answer.
More Information



# Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Offers Full RV Hook Ups For Volunteers
Trailer pads with full RV hookups are available to volunteers who have a recreational vehicle or trailer and can volunteer 32 hours per week per person (24 hours per week for couples).
More Information



# Current weather conditions at the Refuge

Come visit our new $1

- million, state
- of
- the
- art Everglades Exhibition.

Virtual Airboat Tour pictures Please take your seat and stay seated during your trip. As you begin to move, the seats and floor vibrate, you feel the breeze blowing from the 

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12/5/2011 http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/screen in front of you as your boat skims over the water. You are not on a ride at Disney World or on a real air boat ride in the middle of the Everglades. You are about to experience what promises to be the most popular new exhibit at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, a virtual Airboat Tour. If you want to see the progression of the virtual airboat tour exhibit, click here. Other informative and interactive new exhibits and displays, include the history of the Refuge, Everglades Attitudes, the refuge Management Game, an American alligator “gator hole” diorama, a tribute to Arthur R. Marshall, and night sounds of the Everglades.



# INVASIVE SNAKEHEAD ALERT
If you catch or see a snakehead, please call the Refuge Invasive Species Coordinator Lisa Jameson at 561-735-6025.Thanks for helping us protect our Refuge from this Everglades invader

Northern Snakehead The Refuge embarked upon a fish survey to determine if Channa spp. or snakehead had invaded as reported. Of the 1,078 fish we caught and measured from eight sample locations, we caught no snakeheads. Snakeheads are native to Africa and Asia but are imported to the US as aquarium fish and for food. They can cause ecological damage as they are top predators and have no natural enemies outside of their native habitats. Remarkably, snakeheads can breathe atmospheric air and survive on land for up to four days! They are also known to migrate up to 1⁄4 mile on wet land to other water bodies by wiggling with their bodies and fins!
Click here to find out more about our work
More

Last updated:October 6, 2011•
Web Master: Charles Ryan • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home PageDepartment of the InteriorUSA.gov About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Accessibility 

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