U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Environmental Education at Loxahatchee

Students on a field trip at the Refuge

Are you a classroom teacher, scout leader, home school parent, or preschool director? Are you looking for a site within Palm Beach County to take your students or scouts? The Public Use environmental education and interpretation division at the Refuge can assist you. The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a very special part of Palm Beach County. It is the only National Wildlife Refuge in the county, and it is the last remaining portion of the northern Everglades. There is only one Everglades in the world, and Palm Beach County students have a unique opportunity to visit and learn from this fascinating ecosystem. The environmental education program at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR has been in existence for many years. Currently, we are offering educators the opportunity to book field trips By calling 561 735-6029 at least two weeks prior to your requested day.

The Refuge also offers introductory in-service teacher workshops. The anticipated outcome of these workshops will be a better understanding of this ecosystem and some activities that can be taught as well as a small teacher working group to develop curriculum for the Refuge.

School Group Reservation Information

We hope that you will read this information carefully to insure that your group has the opportunity for a safe and pleasant trip to the Refuge. This document explains general information concerning school group reservations. and methods of planning your trip. We look forward to your visit.

Getting Started

First, get excited about your trip to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Your students will find this excitement contagious as they realize they will have the opportunity to visit a National treasure.

Planning Your Visit

Specific times are available for accommodating school groups at Loxahatchee Refuge. In order for the general visitation fees to be eliminated reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of the proposed visit to secure available program times. Ranger- led program times are reserved for school groups with a maximum of 20 students per time. These programs provide and enhanced learning experiences for each student. After you have decided on an appropriate time and date for your visit, please contact the Refuge at 561 735-6029 Monday-Friday, 9:00AM- 2:00PM to discuss time periods that are available for reservation and return the fee waiver request form for approval and confirmation.

Fee Waiver Request Forms and Documentation

A fee waiver request form (provided by the Refuge) and proof of affiliation with an educational/scientific facility must be provided in order to obtain group reservations to the Refuge. The fee waiver request form must be signed and returned to the Refuge (via fax or mail) by the group lead teacher who will be present for the visit. In order to provide proof that the school is officially recognized as an educational or scientific institution by a Federal, State, or local government entity a letter on official school letter head must accompany the fee waiver request form. This letter should include information concerning the educational goals and objectives that the group will achieve by visiting the Refuge. This valuable information will help us better understand and assist in the achievement of the students’ objectives. The fee waiver request form and letter head must be returned to the Refuge within 7 business days of receipt in order to receive review for reservation. A letter of confirmation will be sent to teachers/tour guides after all information has been reviewed and approved by our staff.

Conclusion

General information and suggestions for student activities are available at the Refuge visitor center upon request. If you any questions or concerns about your reservation call us at 561 735 6029 or you may email us at Reservation Questions. We appreciate your inquiry and look forward to your visit to the Refuge. Please keep a copy of this information on file for future reference. This document may be copied and given to other interested parties accordingly.