About the Loxahatchee River
The Loxahatchee River Watershed has a wide variety of habitats and is home to many rare and endangered species, such as the manatee and woodstork. This 260 square mile ecosystem includes the communities of Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Jupiter Island, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter Farms, Hobe Sound and Palm Beach Gardens.
One of Florida’s most unique treasures, the Loxahatchee River meanders through freshwater creeks, down into a brackish estuary, and finally empties through the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. Journey back in time as you boat, canoe, or hike this Wild and Scenic River, and discover this gem for yourself.
River Facts
- 10 major freshwater and saltwater habitats provide homes for a wide variety of wildlife.
- It is a peaceful, slow flowing river.
- Federally designated as a “Wild and Scenic River” in 1985. There are only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida.
- Large amounts of natural areas are still intact and publicly owned. Nine miles of the Loxahatchee River, including the Wild and Scenic portion, flow through Riverbend Park (west on Indiantown Road) and Jonathan Dickinson State Park (U.S. Highway 1 – South of Hobe Sound).
The river itself has three main forks that flow to the central embayment area before heading out the Jupiter Inlet. The Northwest Fork of the river is Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Once this slow moving river reaches the central embayment, the water becomes brackish, part freshwater and part saltwater, as it mixes with incoming tides from the Jupiter Inlet.
River Statistics
Watershed Area = 260 square miles
Natural Area = 63%
Major Habitats:
Cypress swamp
Pine Uplands and Scrub
Freshwater Marshes
Hardwood Hammock
Mangrove swamp
Seagrass beds
Oyster reefs or beds
Estuary (Lagoons and Inlets)
Coastal Dunes
Threatened Species:
Sandhill Crane
Peregrine Falcon
Endangered Species:
Wood stork
Manatee
Common Species:
Bird: Blue Heron, Egret, Osprey, Ibis
Plant: Cypress trees, Mangroves, Ferns, Seagrape, Cabbage Palm, Slash Pine, Gumbo Limbo
Fish: Snook, Snapper, Bass, Tarpon, Red Fish, Jacks
“The federal government has recognized its importance; the state of Florida has, the local community has.” – Florida Senator, Ken Pruitt
