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County to Open Ocean Ridge Natural Area

For release Date: November 29, 2006
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ginny Powell (561) 233-2452
Harvey Rudolph (561) 233-2447

Palm Beach County District 4 Commissioner Mary McCarty will lead a tour of the recently completed Ocean Ridge Natural Area on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 10 a.m. Project partners representing the Town of Ocean Ridge, the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will also be present.

The tour will showcase the recently completed natural area and public-use facilities available at this new “boater’s island.” The 12.35-acre natural area is part of a 25-acre nature preserve located one-third of a mile south of the Ocean Avenue Bridge along the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Worth Lagoon in the Town of Ocean Ridge.

The restoration project at the natural area increased tidal flow to five acres of existing mangroves and established 4.5 acres of new mangroves and open water areas, jetties and maritime hammock uplands. The two-acre created wetland was planted with approximately 9,000 red mangrove seedlings, 2,000 smooth cordgrass sprigs, and other salt-tolerant native vegetation. The half-acre of maritime hammock was planted with approximately 1,000 trees and shrubs and 4,000 grasses and upland plants. The public-use facilities consist of a two-story observation platform, a concrete nature trail and boardwalk over wetlands, two educational kiosks, and a day-use boat docking facility with nine boat slips on two floating concrete docks.

Note to editors and photojournalists: Space is limited at the opening ceremony for the Ocean Ridge Natural Area which is accessible only by boat, bicycle or on foot. If you plan to attend, please contact Ginny Powell at 561/233-2452 to make arrangements.