Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum celebrates 10 years “Outstanding Natural Area.”
Jupiter Lighthouse, Fl- Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (JILM) is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) on May 8, 2018. Ten years ago the property became one of only three such sites in the entire United States. At the same time, the Jupiter ONA became part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands – the first and only unit east of the Mississippi River. This Congressional designation protects and preserves the rare history and natural habitats of this unique area in perpetuity.
Anniversary celebration plans include special admission rates and two engaging programs.
Calling All Artists invites plein air artists and photographers to bring their materials and cameras to capture the beauty of the Lighthouse and surroundings. Admission is from 10:00 am-5:00 pm for artists with RSVP and special $10 admission. Coffee and cookies will be served at the Lighthouse deck. Interested artists should RSVP on our website or email bforino@jupiterlighthouse.org for information.
Learn To Fish
connects children with nature, especially Florida’s maritime environment. Fishingcommunity.org instructors will be arriving from Virginia to offer fishing lessons for children and their families in the afternoon. The team will provide fishing rods and equipment to teach children of all ages and abilities how to fish along the shoreline where the Loxahatchee and Indian Rivers meet. This fun program will be offered from 1:00-5:00 pm. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plan on wet and sandy feet. Water and snacks will be available. Families should RSVP on our website.
“There’s been a real demand for plein air painting and photography at the Lighthouse because of its visual impact and surrounding beauty. And we are excited to see children fishing where Lighthouse Keepers once fished for their own family’s suppers.” says Amanda Dixon, JILM Program Director.
Special General Admission for May 8, 2018 at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is $10 for adults – Free for children 18 and under and active-duty US Military.
The Outstanding Natural Area
On May 8, 2008, President George W. Bush signed Congressional legislation declaring the 120-acre Lighthouse site a part of the National Conservation Lands as a protected heritage landmark for current and future generations. This Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area designation protects the site’s nationally important resources. This includes sensitive habitats, plants and animals, 5,000 years of history, recreational areas and ongoing scientific research.
After 150 years as a restricted military reservation, the Jupiter ONA now offers continually expanding public access and programs. These include year-round tours of the restored 1860 Lighthouse, Lighthouse Keeper’s Workshop exhibit, historic grounds exhibits including the Tindall Pioneer Homestead and Seminole Chickee, History Museum and gift shop, recreational opportunities on the Town of Jupiter’s/JTAA sports fields and new Bureau of Land Management (BLM) interpretive hiking trails to the north and south of Beach Rd. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities and numerous special events and activities are also available.
“We celebrate the Jupiter ONA everyday here at the Lighthouse & Museum and are looking forward to developing even more opportunities for residents and visitors in the decade to come,” states Jamie Stuve, JILM President & CEO.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area is managed by the Department of Interior’s BLM and managed through partnerships with the Loxahatchee River Historical Society (which operates the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum), Palm Beach County, Town of Jupiter, Village of Tequesta, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter High School’s Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy, and the US Coast Guard.
For more information or to RSVP for the May 8th celebration events visit our website www.jupiterlighthouse.org, our Facebook page /jupiterinletlighthousemuseum. Come and celebrate a decade of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area with us.
