Aerial Photos: Murphy Construction Company. Dock Photo: Pat Truscello
Pre-construction (left), and construction in progress during September 2005 (right).
Ocean Ridge Natural Area today.
Project Location
In the southern end of Lake Worth Lagoon, about a 1/2 mile south of the Ocean Avenue Bridge.
The Problem
Loss of mangroves due to urban development of natural shoreline and establishment of exotic (non-native) vegetation.
Project History
In September 1997, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners directed the Department of Environmental Resources Management staff to explore potential locations for a "boater island" to provide a recreational area for boaters within the southern portions of Lake Worth Lagoon. In August 1998 a team of stakeholders representing local, state, and federal government, businesses, and private citizens approved a final management plan to guide the restoration and enhancement of Lake Worth Lagoon. In June 2001 a lease agreement with the Town of Ocean Ridge was approved for Palm Beach County to restore mangrove wetlands, create recreational amenities, and provide for the long term management of 12.35 acres owned by the Town. This parcel, the Ocean Ridge Natural Area, is connected to a 12.5 acre mangrove mitigation project. Both parcels comprise a 25-acre nature preserve located just south of the Ocean Avenue bridge.
Project Overview
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Restored 9.5 acres of wetland habitat in the Lake Worth Lagoon.
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Removed exotic plant species, like Australian pine, from 5 acres of shoreline.
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Increased tidal flow to existing mangroves and created 4.5 acres of mangrove, open water and maritime hammock habitat.
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Planted 2 acres of red mangroves and spartina(commonly known as cordgrass) along the shoreline.
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Stabilized mangrove planting areas with 6,400 tons of limestone boulders.
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Planted ½ acre of maritime hammock tress, shrubs, and grasses.
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The OceanRidge Natural Area was completed in 2006.
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The Natural Area is available for day use by the public by boat or pedestrian access via Ocean Boulevard (A1A).
- Public use amenities include a 1,350-foot walking trail and boardwalk,
two story observation platform,
educational kiosk, and
a nine boat slip docking facility. Boaters should be cautious. The boat basin has limited space and is shallow (designed for boats under 30 feet).
Benefits
- Increased nursery and feeding habitat for fisheries and wildlife
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A popular site for recreation.
Project Partners
PBC Department of Environmental Resources Management, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Town of Ocean Ridge
For More Information
Coastal
