Upcoming Events
Need to Know
- Fees: All programs are free with a valid entrance pass. Learn more about fees on our Visit Us page.
- Reservations: Space may be limited and reservations may be required for some tours, please see the program descriptions for more information.
- Cancellations: Some programs are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
- Come Prepared: Always check the weather conditions before leaving home and dress appropriately for the day. This might include wearing a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, long pants, and walking shoes. We recommend that you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- A parent or guardian must accompany all youth under the age of 18. All participants must come prepared to be good listeners, pay very close attention to the walk leader, stay with the group, and be respectful of wildlife and other visitors.
- Trails. Trail surfaces are either mowed grass, shell-rock gravel, or a wooden boardwalk. Trails are mostly flat without steep inclines, but some trails have uneven surfaces and exposed roots.
- Note for large groups Please contact refuge staff at least one month in advance to make a reservation for guided tours of groups larger than five (5) individuals. Reservations allow staff to avoid conflicts between other groups and resource management activities, and to arrange logistics for those groups requesting services.
September 2023
Insects at Loxahatchee Bio-Blitz Project - August 12 to September 17, 2023
We love bugs! Help contribute to citizen science by joining our Insects at Loxahatchee Bio-Blitz Project on iNaturalist. A bioblitz is a citizen-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. A bio-blitz is a great way to connect with nature and help contribute useful data for science and conservation. How to participate:
• From your smartphone, download the iNaturalist app and join the Insects at Loxahatchee Bio-Blitz project.
• From your desktop computer, go to iNaturalist.org and join the Insects at Loxahatchee Bio-Blitz Project.
Weed Pull Workdays - Sundays at 8:00 am
Interested in getting your hands dirty? Help remove invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species and unwanted plants from targeted areas around the refuge. We recommend that volunteers bring plenty of water and wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. Gloves and tools will be provided or you can bring your own. Meet at the visitor center. Reserve your spot by emailing Liana Russo at Liana_Russo@fws.gov.
Florida Ethnobotany with Liana - Sundays at 1:00 pm
Join us on Sundays to learn about native plants and their uses throughout history. This program will last about one hour and take a walk around the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk which is 0.4-miles. The boardwalk tends to be slippery after rain so bring shoes with traction and bug-spray.
Roving Naturalist
New to fishing or have questions about the refuge? Our "reel-y" awesome volunteers would love to help! Meet them at the Lee Road Boat Ramp on Fridays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Fee Free Day - Saturday, September 23, 2023
We are waiving our entrance fee in honor of National Public Lands Day, traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. Interesting in volunteering? Check out the "Clean up the Everglades" Event below!
Clean up the Everglades - Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
In honor of National Public Lands Day, help us keep the refuge beautiful! There are three locations to cover more ground. Pick the location closest to you, and make your reservation by emailing catherine@loxahatcheefriends.com. Include the location you would like to work in and how many people will be working in your group.
- Clean-Up Location 1: Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach, FL) The Headquarters Area includes the Visitor Center, boat launches, and parking areas along Lee Road in Boynton Beach, FL.
- Clean-Up Location 2: Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton, FL) The Hillsboro Area includes the boat launch area, shoreline, and surrounding parking areas at the end of Loxahatchee Road in Boca Raton, FL.
- Clean-up Location 3: 20 mile bend boat ramp area (Southern Blvd.) The Hillsboro Area includes the boat launch area, shoreline, and surrounding parking areas at the 20 mile bend boat ramp area.
Family Fishing Day - Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day! Participants will learn about fish identification, casting, and more. Fishing poles and bait are provided, or you can bring your own. Free children's fishing book for youth under age 10 while supplies last. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants between the ages 16 and 64 must possess a Florida Fishing License.
October 2023
Walk for the Wild
Walk for the Wild is an annual program that aims to deepen human connections with nature, increase engagement, and get people moving a distance of 5K in support of national wildlife refuges during National Wildlife Refuge Week. Check out our 5K walks:
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Guided 5K Walk - Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Join Team Friends of Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge on a 5K (3.2 mile) challenge to raise awareness for the National Wildlife Refuge System! Go to the Walk for the Wild page to sign up for free. Please wear closed-toe shoes for this hike. Meet at the C-6 pavilion at the Headquarters Area, 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach.
Fee Free Day - Sunday, October 8
We are waiving our entrance fee in honor of the first Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week.
Try Archery - Thursday, October 12 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Join staff to try your hand at archery! Participants will receive an overview of various archery equipment, guidance on safety and proper form, then have a chance to shoot a compound bow at a target range. Participants must have the strength to lift 25 pounds. Meet at the C-6 Area.
Morning Photography Walking Tour - Sundays beginning October 15
Grab your camera and join Peter and Lora Lekos for a guided walking tour to view and photograph wildlife in its natural settings. The walking tour is approximately two hours and participants should expect to walk 1-2 miles. Meet at the Marsh Trail Pavilion 15 minutes after sunrise. Space is limited and reservations are required - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.