Ambitious Land Purchase Initiative Underway to Create Permanent Wildlife Corridor, Protect the Uniqueness of Hobe Sound

Vision to conserve nearly 70,000 acres of environmentally valuable habitat already garnering widespread support.

Hobe Sound, Fla. – Martin County has a statewide reputation for its conservation ethic and disciplined approach to growth and development. Residents are passionate about protecting and preserving the natural environment, including the historic waterways that play a critical role in the quality of life for those who call Martin County home. 

Now, a bold plan to create a permanently protected ecological corridor in south county between the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie rivers is underway, with a long-term vision of conserving a landscape spanning nearly 70,000 acres. The newly formed Loxa-Lucie Initiative has launched a multi-year acquisition and conservation campaign to raise funds for strategic land purchases that is already gaining momentum. 

Environmental Benefits. Properties to be acquired for conservation will have their potential for future development removed, so they can serve as part of a permanent critical wildlife buffer and ecological corridor connecting Jonathan Dickinson and Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Parks.  These lands will improve water quality in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River and aid in restoring the historic sheet-flow of fresh water that once moved from the Atlantic Ridge to the federally designated Loxahatchee Wild and Scenic River to the south. 

Protecting Community Character. Just as important, land acquisition efforts will provide a permanent conservation buffer along Bridge Road to protect the character of Hobe Sound and limit development along the corridor.  Restoring the hydrology in this area will also help reduce flooding issues that have become more prevalent in the Hobe Sound area.

The Initiative, a collaboration between three non-profit environmental powerhouses including the Guardians of Martin County, the Treasured Lands Foundation and The Conservation Fund, is already receiving widespread support from citizens, community groups, government entities and businesses, including the Town of Jupiter Island, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council, Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park,  the Rivers Coalition, the Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, the Hobe Sound Golf Club, Jupiter Island Residents Association, and landowners along the Bridge Road corridor.