Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - November '21
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Page 4, Hobe Sound
Community Happenings
First Milestone Achieved In The Loxa-Lucie Headwaters
Ambitious Plan To Create Initiative is a collaboration
among three nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Permanent Wildlife Corridor, environmental powerhouses,
specifically the Guardians
Protect Hobe Sound Character of Martin County, the
Treasured Lands Foundation
An innovative and ambitious plan christened the Loxa- and The Conservation Fund.
Lucie Headwaters Initiative, to create a permanently The initiative has generated
protected ecological corridor in south Martin County widespread and growing support
between the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie rivers, has among citizens, community
achieved a significant milestone with the purchase of its groups, businesses and
first 138 acres of land along Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. government entities, including
This two-mile long stretch of land fronts the north the Town of Jupiter Island and
side of Bridge Road and extends east and west from the Martin County Board of
Powerline Avenue. Its purchase is cause for celebration County Commissioners, with
as it forms the essential keystone of the long-term vision Commissioner Harold Jenkins
for conservation of a landscape spanning nearly 70,000 committing $50,000 in his
acres, between and including Jonathan Dickinson State district funds.
Park and the Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park. Ad di t i o na l l y , t h e
The Loxa-Lucie Initiative’s purpose is to protect Loxahatchee River
adjacent properties from future development by either Management Coordinating
acquisition or the establishment of conservation Council, Friends of Jonathan
easements. The objective is to create a permanent wildlife Dickinson State Park, the
buffer and ecological corridor connecting the two state Rivers Coalition, the Martin
parks. Very importantly, acquisition of this first parcel County Chapter of the Florida
will help improve water quality in the South Fork of the Native Plant Society, the Hobe
St. Lucie River and aid in restoring the historic sheet-flow Sound Golf Club, Jupiter
of fresh water that once moved from the Atlantic Ridge Island Residents Association,
to the federally designated Loxahatchee Wild and Scenic and landowners along the
River to the south. Bridge Road corridor have all
Just as important, the initiative’s continuing acquisition expressed their support.
results will provide a permanent conservation buffer along “While we’re celebrating Location map that includes the boundary area for this 138-acre parcel
Bridge Road, helping to protect the familiar character of this milestone, we’ve got a long
Hobe Sound by limiting future development along the way to go. This initiative will not only benefit our natural about the Loxa-Lucie Initiative and its noble objectives
corridor. Historically, this land mass, called the Atlantic lands, wildlife and water quality, but also preserve our to contribute generously to its ongoing efforts to purchase
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Ridge Ecosystem, was recognized by the state as the small-town charm for all those who call this area home,” adjacent and related properties in Martin County.
critical component in the preservation of the Loxahatchee said Greg Braun, executive director of the Guardians of To make a tax-deductible contribution visit https://
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project: Loxa Lucie -Map edit
Watershed and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River Martin County and a member of the Loxa-Lucie Steering support.conservationfund.org/site/Donation2.
and was included in the Comprehensive Everglades Committee. “And it’s a legacy project that will be enjoyed To schedule a presentation to your group, contact Greg
Restoration Program’s (CERP) Indian River Lagoon by future generations to come.” Braun at (561) 758-3417 or dgregbraun@aol.com.
South Project. The necessity to preserve the remaining The Steering Committee urges all who care deeply For more information, visit www.LoxaLucieHeadwaters.org.
lands that are part of these important watersheds is greater
than ever. Saltwater intrusion issues in the Loxahatchee,
development pressure and rising real estate values are Oxbridge Academy on the Move
higher demand for potable fresh water, an increase in
all driving this urgency.
As the Steering Committee for the Loxa-Lucie What does an acclaimed co-educational, independent newly appointed athletic director Stan Ross, also the
Initiative continues its campaign to generate funds school – known for instilling values, building boys’ lacrosse coach. “Oxbridge paused the football
for additional land acquisition, it has also taken its character, emphasizing diversity, and creating a program in 2018 with some safety concerns with some
message to Tallahassee. “We’re raising awareness about curriculum suited for individual choice – do when of the games on the schedule and other reorganization
the project to garner funding through Florida Forever, it reaches its 10-year milestone? In the case of decisions.” Ross adds. “COVID-19 delayed our plans
a well-established statewide program to buy land for Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach it adds a a little, however we feel we are ready for the return of
conservation and recreation,” explained Matt Sexton,
senior vice president and southeast regional director middle school for grades seven and eight and brings football as a junior varsity sport next fall and varsity
for conservation acquisition for The Conservation Fund back one of its signature athletic programs, football competition in the years to come.”
and Loxa-Lucie Steering Committee member. “Our along with a return of its cheerleading team. The
immediate goal is to boost the ranking of the Atlantic Oxbridge Academy Middle School opened its doors The athletic program also includes baseball,
Ridge Ecosystem project on the Florida Forever list.” in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse,
the fall of 2022. sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field,
tennis, girls volleyball, and girls flag football. Over
“When we began planning for our 10-year anniversary the years, many Oxbridge student-athletes have
and identified ways to build on our strong foundation, received scholarships to play at the next level in
a middle school and bringing back our football college.
program were a big part of the conversation,”
explained Oxbridge Head of School Ralph Maurer. Academically, Oxbridge boasts an average class
The school’s 10-year milestone also coincided with size of 14, a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, and a faculty
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