Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee

Collecting The collecting or taking of plants, animals, and/or artifacts is prohibited. Fishing Sport fishing is allowed in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations except where posted as closed. Wildlife Feeding or disturbing alligators and all other wildlife is prohibited. Use of spotlights or other artificial light to locate wildlife is prohibited. Releasing wild or domestic animals or plants is prohibited. Trails Hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding are allowed on designated trails and roads. Pets Pets are allowed only in designated areas. This regulation does not apply to official service animals. Only two pets per person are allowed. They must be confined or leashed with no longer than a six foot leash. Pet owners must properly dispose of pet’s waste. Boating Only vessels with water-cooled outboard engines and non-motorized vessels are allowed. Obey refuge speed limits of 35 mph and no wake zones of 500 feet around each boat ramp and in the entire crossover canal from the L-7 canal to the L-40 canal at the 20-Mile Bend boat ramp. All vessels are required to fly a 10” x 12” orange flag 10 feet above the vessel waterline so that others may see you. Aircraft The use of unmanned aircraft including drones is prohibited. Firearms Persons possessing firearms must comply with all Federal and State laws. Top to bottom: Ibis in sunset, USFWS/Bradley Rosendorf; red-shouldered hawk and cypress swamp sunset, both USFWS/Veronica Kelly. Hunting Hunting is allowed in accordance with current Federal, State and Refuge regulations. All hunters are required to carry a signed General Hunt Permit, which can be found in the refuge’s hunting brochure. Water Sports Swimming, water skiing, scuba diving, or snorkeling is prohibited. Vehicles and Speed Limits The speed limit on all refuge roads is 15 mph unless otherwise posted. Vehicles are not allowed on levees or trails. Unregistered vehicles are prohibited. Cover photo: American alligator, USFWS/Veronica Kelly Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33473 Visitor Center 561/734 8303 Administrative Office 561/732 3684 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/arm_loxahatchee/ http://www.facebook.com/armloxahatcheenwr U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov Hearing impaired persons may contact the refuge through the federal relay number at 1-800/877 8339. May 2020 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. photographs. Every winter the refuge is host to an amateur photography contest where photographs are displayed at the refuge visitor center. Please contact the visitor center for more information. Trails Almost 50 miles of trails meander along swamps, wetlands, and canals. Take a stroll through the cypress swamp on the accessible 0.4-mile Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. Experience the wildlife on foot or bike along three miles of flat, grassy trails within the wetlands of the C-Impoundments. North of Lee Road, visitors can walk or bike almost five miles of gravel trails next to wetlands, canals, and cypress swamp habitat in the A-Impoundments. Hiking, bicycling, pet walking, and horseback riding are welcome on the 36 miles of trails on the perimeter levee. These trails are flat, packed gravel; we recommend a mountain or hybrid bike for all trails open to biking. National Wildlife Refuge System Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the National Wildlife Refuge System now consists of more than 560 refuges and more than 850 million acres of land and water across all 50 states and five U.S. territories. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Welcome to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge consists of 145,188 acres, or 226 square miles, of Everglades ecosystems including a mosaic of wet prairies, sawgrass ridges, sloughs, tree islands, cattail communities, and a 400-acre cypress swamp that provides habitat — food, water, shelter, and space — for various wildlife species. More than 250 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of butterflies, and 20 types of mammals are found on the refuge. The refuge also provides habitat and protection for endangered and threatened wildlife such as the American alligator, snail kite, and wood stork. Migratory birds such as Neotropical songbirds, secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl winter at the refuge along with a great variety of year-round resident wading birds and other wildlife. Through refuge programs and facilities, visitors can enjoy a variety of educational and wildlifeoriented recreational opportunities such as guided birdwatching and interpretive wildlife tours. Hunting Hunting is a popular recreational opportunity offered on the refuge. Hunting is allowed in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations. For more information, see the refuge’s hunting brochure. Fishing Sport fishing is allowed in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations except where posted as closed. For more information on fishing, see the refuge’s website. Environmental Education The refuge is an excellent place to bring a class to conduct free, hands-on environmental education activities and programs. We can tailor your visit to fit what you are studying in the classroom or teach a pre-planned lesson. Photos, left to right, top to bottom: young girl with monarch butterfly, Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, and anhinga, all USFWS/ Veronica Kelly; bobcat, Brad Rosendorf; father and son fishing, USFWS; whitetailed deer, Barry Willette; snapping turtle, USFWS/Lauren Conrad; six-lined racerunner, USFWS/Veronica Kelly Boating The Refuge Interior (located west of the L-40 levee) and all perimeter canals are open to non-motorized watercraft (pole, paddle, float). Water-cooled outboard engines are welcome in the perimeter canals and south of latitude line N 26° 27.130. Boat ramps are located at the end of Lee Road, Loxahatchee Road, and 20-Mile Bend Boat Ramp Road. For more information on boating, see the refuge’s website. Paddling A paddling trip through the Everglades is an experience to remember. You might see alligators, wading birds, turtles, snakes, and other wildlife. Paddle along designated canoe trails and within the 141,373 acres of the vast Refuge Interior. Launch from the boat ramps at the end of Lee Road, Loxahatchee Road, or 20-Mile Bend Boat Ramp Road. Wildlife Observation Trails, viewing blinds, and observation platforms encourage and enhance wildlife observation. Grab your camera and binoculars and stop by the visitor center to learn of recent wildlife sightings from the front desk staff. Photography With all of the wildlife, plants, and beautiful scenery at the refuge, there is always an opportunity to take Special Events Everglades Day February Family Fishing Day June National Public Lands Day September Public Use Regulations To protect the natural and cultural resources of the refuge and to provide all visitors with a safe and enjoyable recreation experience, please follow these regulations. Please see our website for the most current refuge regulations. Refuge Hours The visitor center on Lee Road is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Headquarters Area (including the A, B, and C Impoundments), outdoor facilities, grounds, boat ramp, and trails are open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. Night use is strictly prohibited. The remainder of the refuge is open 24 hours. Entrance Fee A daily or annual pass is required. Passes may be purchased seasonally at the fee booths, self-pay stations, or in the visitor center from 9 am to 4 pm daily. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service To Belle Glade (21 miles) STA-1E 20 Mile Bend Area Wellington US 441 / SR 7 STA-1W To West Palm Beach (11 miles) Southern Boulevard To G-362 (3.5 miles) Strazzulla T UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY PROHIBITED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AREA BEYOND THIS SIGN CLOSED U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE M EN N T OF THE I T R T E All public entry prohibited M EN N T OF THE I T E All public entry prohibited Forest Hill Blvd Map Location Lantana Rd L-4 0L Boynton Beach Blvd eve e Lee Rd 40 LLe Atlantic Ave N 26° 27.130’ AREA BEYOND THIS SIGN CLOSED Headquarters Area Strazzulla Headquarters Area NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IO Every Kid Outdoors U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Free, annual pass for 4th grade students. Refuge Annual Pass Valid from September 1 - August 31. $25 per pass, valid for 12 months from month of purchase. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Signs Please pay attention to refuge signs for your safety and the safety of others and wildlife. R Refuge 1-Day Pass $10 per pass Interagency Military Pass Free, annual pass for active duty military members, valid for 12 months from month issued. Permit allows the organization to host one fishing tournament per year, February through October. R If canoeing or boating, carry water, food, and foul weather clothing. Ensure your boat is equipped with all required safety equipment including life vests, fire extinguisher, whistle or horn, orange flag, emergency light, and first aid kit. Interagency Access Pass Free, a lifetime pass for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have a permanent disability, regardless of age. Fishing Tournament $150 per organization PA n Entrance Fees Passes may be obtained at the self-pay stations, seasonally at the fee booths, or at the visitor center from 9 am - 4 pm daily. All passes admit the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. $80 lifetime pass for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. age 62 or older. DE Be prepared for emergencies and changing weather conditions as well as floating vegetation that may block trails and canals. Inspections Hunters, anglers, and boaters are subject to inspection of permits, licenses, equipment, bag limits and vehicles, vessels, and their contents by law enforcement officers. Interagency Senior Pass $20 annual pass R n The refuge emergency number is 1-800/307 5789. PA Allow time to return to your vehicle and exit before the refuge closes. The Lee Road entrance is open from 5 am - 10 pm daily. n Special Use Permit For specialized uses such as group activities, recreational events, or other fees. Application required. DE n If you become lost or disabled, stay with your boat. Interagency Annual Pass $80, valid for 12 months from month purchased. R For Your Safety n Do not leave valuables in vehicles. Leave them at home or take them with you. n Commercial Groups $25 for 25 or fewer persons $50 for 26 or more persons Federal Duck Stamp $25, valid July 1 - June 30 annually. IO National Wildlife Refuge Make sure your vessel is “seaworthy” and have plenty of fuel. Carry a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a phone, and let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you will return. R ARM Loxahatchee n ve e Hillsboro Area WCA-2 Lo x a ha tc h 0 2.5 t her Miles nB lvd Glades Rd ee R d To Ft. Lauderdale (23 miles) W Hillsboro Blvd 20 Mile Bend Area Open to Non-motorized Watercraft 0 1 2 Miles To Lee Rd (3.5 miles) Hillsboro Area Ca na lS t S ou 5 A Impoundments E 20 Mile Bend Boat Ramp Rd Canoe Trail (5.5 miles) L-3 9 0 L-4 L ev e 0 B Impoundment Canoe and Kayak Rental ve Le 0.3 Miles L7 0.15 v ee WCA-2 0 Le Headquarters Area ee 0.25 Loxa hat c To U h ee S 44 Rd 1 ( 6. 5 mi 0.5 l es ) Miles Cypress Swamp Boardwalk Trail Lee Rd C-2E Refuge Boundary Refuge Boundary Headquarters Headquarters Closed Area Closed Area Parking Parking Open totoMotorized and Non-Motorized Watercraft Watercraft Open Motorized and Non-motorized Boat Ramp Boat Ramp Open totoNon-Motorized Watercraft Open Non-motorized Watercraft Fishing AreaArea Fishing No Watercraft Watercraft No Paddling AreaArea Paddling Paved Roads Paved Roads Trails Open to Hiking, Bicycling, Pet Walking and Equestrian Hiking, Bicycling, Equestrian, and Pet WalkingUse Trails Perimeter Canal Perimeter Canal Canoe Trail Canoe Trail C-2W Fee Area Fee Area C-6 Pavilion C-8 I L C-9 A Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing Restroom Restroom Marsh Trail C-7 Marsh Trail Shelter L L-40 Levee Trails Open Hiking and Bicycling Hiking andto Bicycling Trails To US 441/SR 7 C-1 Lee Road Boat Ramp C-5 0 C Impoundments C-10 0.25 0.5 Miles