Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Celebrates Outstanding Natural Area Family Day

JUPITER, FL – April 27, 2021 – Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (JILM) is celebrating the 13th Anniversary of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) on May 8, 2021. Thirteen years ago, the property became one of only three such sites in the entire United States. At the same time, the Jupiter ONA became part of the National Conservation Lands - the first and only unit east of the Mississippi River within the Bureau of Land Management. This Congressional designation protects and preserves the rare history and natural habitats of this unique area in perpetuity.

To help celebrate ONA Family Day, children will receive free admission between 10am-2pm and a Lighthouse Activity Backpack containing a ‘Nature Hunt’ and Lighthouse binoculars, while supplies last. Families will be able to visit the Museum, Tindall Pioneer Homestead, Keeper’s Workshop exhibit, and historic grounds, and climb the Lighthouse. A special ‘Nature Hunt’ has been designed just for the occasion and the backpack includes everything Families will need to discover the native flora and fauna while exploring the Outstanding Natural Area. The Bureau of Land Management will provide Jr. Park Ranger Booklets and crayons for the Lighthouse Activity Backpack and a fun onsite activity for children.

The Bureau of Land Management will be giving out America the Beautiful Every Kid Outdoors park passes to 4th (and 5th!) graders. The pass allows the student and the entire vehicle, or up to 3 guests where individual fees are charged, into Federal Recreation sites such as National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests and National Monuments, among others. For more information on the Every Kid Outdoors program, visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/media/EKO_4thGrade_Brochure_Update.pdf

Please bring sunscreen & dress for the weather! Program attendees are also invited to climb the Lighthouse: children must be a minimum of 48” tall to climb, be accompanied by an adult. For your safety, masks are required at this event and social distancing should be observed between other individuals or family groups. Pets, food, drink and coolers are not permitted at this event.

General Admission for May 8, 2021 at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is $12 for adults; $10 for Seniors & US Veterans; Free for children 18 and under, Lighthouse Members and active-duty US Military.

The Outstanding Natural Area

On May 8, 2008, President George W. Bush signed Congressional legislation declaring the 120-acre Lighthouse site a part of the National Conservation Lands as a protected heritage landmark for current and future generations. This Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area designation protects the site’s nationally important resources, including sensitive habitats, plants and animals, over 5,000 years of history, recreational areas, and ongoing scientific research. After many decades as a restricted military reservation, the Jupiter ONA now offers continually expanding public access and programs. These include year-round tours of the restored 1860 Lighthouse, Lighthouse Keeper’s Workshop exhibit, historic grounds exhibits including the Tindall Pioneer Homestead and Seminole Chickee, History Museum and gift shop, recreational opportunities on the Town of Jupiter’s/JTAA sports fields and BLM interpretive hiking trails to the north and south of Beach Rd. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities and numerous special events, programs, and activities are also available.

“We celebrate the Jupiter ONA everyday here at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum and are looking forward to developing even more opportunities for residents and visitors every year,” states Jamie Stuve, JILM President & CEO.

For more information on volunteering, programs, and events, visit our website www.jupiterlighthouse.org, or our Facebook page /jupiterinletlighthousemuseum. Come and celebrate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area with us on May 8th!

About the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum:

Operated by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and managing partner in the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, National Conservation Lands. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL 33469.

This activity is conducted under permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and occurs all or in part on public lands administered by the BLM within the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.