Blowing Rocks Preserve, Nature reserve on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Blowing Rocks Preserve is a 73-acre environmental preserve on Jupiter Island in Hobe Sound, Martin County, Florida. It contains the largest limestone outcropping on the state's east coast, part of the Anastasia Formation, where breaking waves spray plumes of water up to 50 feet (15 m) through erosional holes. The outcropping encompasses coquina, crustaceans, and sand, protruding visibly from the beach.
Local residents donated the land to The Nature Conservancy in 1969 to protect the coastal area. This transfer started a long-term protection program for the native plants and animals.
The Hawley Education Center, named for philanthropist Rosita Hawley Wright, holds rotating exhibits on natural history and art and runs environmental education classes and workshops. A boardwalk along the Indian River Lagoon carries interpretive signs about the plants, wildlife and surroundings, and a butterfly garden and native plant nursery sit on the grounds.
The best time to visit is during high tide when the water spouts are most active. Well-marked paths lead you to different viewing spots along the shore.
The preserve has over 250 native plant species and serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles from March through October. These reptiles return every year to lay their eggs on this stretch of shore.
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