Blowing At The Edge
by D Hackett
Title
Blowing At The Edge
Artist
D Hackett
Medium
Photograph - Digital
Description
Blowing At The Edge by D Hackett
Blowing Rocks Preserve is an environmental preserve on Jupiter Island in Hobe Sound, Martin County, Florida. It contains the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on the state's east coast. Stretching more than a mile along Jupiter Island, a tall limestone terrace dominates the meeting of sand and sea, the longest and most dramatic stretch of rocky shoreline in Florida. Preserved by local residents in 1969 and turned over to The Nature Conservancy, the Blowing Rocks Preserve protects 73 acres of Jupiter Island, from the namesake rocks to sensitive estuarine habitats, mangroves, tropical and oak hammocks, and the beach dunes. Breaking waves spray plumes of water through erosion holes; the spray can reach heights of 50 feet. This distinctive spectacle thus earned the limestone outcrop's name. The limestone outcropping also encompasses coquina shells, crustaceans, and sand.
The preserve also features several coastal ecotones, including maritime hammocks, mangrove wetlands, and beach dunes. Common native species include sea grapes, gumbo limbo, and Sabal palms. Invasive exotic plants are removed in order to preserve indigenous flora. The preserve includes an educational center, native plant nursery, boardwalk, ocean side path, and a butterfly garden. The Hawley Education Center features rotating natural history and art exhibits, and offers environmental education classes and workshops. A boardwalk along the Indian River Lagoon contains interpretive signs about the plants, wildlife and area environment.
Uploaded
January 12th, 2017
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