John D MacArthur
N 26° 49.457 W 080° 02.652
17R E 594978 N 2967330
Come and see the only Florida state park located in Palm Beach County, named after the previous property owner, John D. MacArthur, who wished to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
Waymark Code: WM7FFH
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 10/19/2009
Views: 19
The earliest evidence of human occupation of this area comes from artifacts recovered from "kitchen middens"(refuse piles) located in the park. Native Americans who settled this area, gathered food from the ocean and lake.
In the 1970s, after a university study convinced MacArthur that the property was a biological treasure, he donated a section for use as a public park. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation contributed additional funds to help develop the park and Nature Center. Facilities opened to the public in 1989.
The park encompasses 317 acres of uplands and another 120 acres of submerged lands. Visitors can explore both maritime hammock (seaside hardwood forest) and mangrove communities.
A unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest, this barrier island provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species.
Because it is a natural barrier island, the park also protects the mainland from harsh ocean storms. Shifting beach sands absorb wind and wave energy.
To keep the area as natural as possible, roads and structures were designed around rare trees and other plants. Non-native species, such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper, are removed.
A 1,600-foot boardwalk spans Lake Worth Cove. Mangroves surrounding the Cove comprise the most productive estuarine system in all of Lake Worth. Herons, ibis, roseate spoonbills and osprey hunt for prey, while fiddler crabs scuttle among the roots of the "walking trees."
At the beach end of the boardwalk, on the west side of the dunes, lies a coastal hammock. A trail winds through mixed temperate and subtropical trees, including cabbage palms, mastic trees, gumbo limbos and strangler figs. On the beach, sea lavender, beach star and other rare native plant species thrive. Along the ocean shoreline, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and other shorebirds may be seen resting and feeding.
MacArthur Beach is also a prime nesting area for sea turtles. Large numbers of loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles nest in the park from early May through late August. Inquire about Ranger-led walks to search for nesting loggerheads in June and July. Marine life is abundant along the offshore reefs and rock outcroppings within the park. These spectacular natural features, easily accessible from shore, make snorkeling a popular activity in the shallow waters.
The park's Nature Center shows visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach; scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading, kayaking, or canoeing. They can also fish from non-swimming areas of the beach. Located in northern Palm Beach County, 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard on A1A.
**You can get your book stamped at the Ranger Station as you drive into the park from 8AM till sundown everyday of the year.**
**Information gathered from the Florida State Parks website**
Name of Park, Protected Area, or Cultural Location: John D. MacArthur State Park
Name of System or Passport Program: Florida State Parks Passport Book
Passport Available: Yes, for purchase
Parking or Entrance Fee: Not listed
Park Website: [Web Link]
Address of Station:
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive (A1A)
North Palm Beach, Florida United States
33408
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Visit Instructions:
No special instructions, but a picture of yourself or of something unique to that place would be a nice touch.