Thank you!

THANK YOU to parents for writing to the Stuart News and letting everyone know how Camp WET touches families!
Click HERE to read some fan mail. (scroll down the page a bit)
Thank you for supporting the Camp WET program.

July 13

Camp WET explored the Bathtub Reef today.

The water was calm, clear and warm, perfect for exploring the hiding places that the worm reef provides.

Always remember that the reef is alive!

Never step on or harm the reef in any way.

And of course, Camp WET getting wet!

Click the play arrow on the bottom left of the box to join us!

July 12

Welcome to Camp WET!

Sea grapes and sea oats help hold the dune together!
Cooling off in the Atlantic....

Seining in the Indian River Lagoon grassflats.

filefish (above)

tonguefish, a relative of the flounder

THANK YOU!

Thank you to Mr. Hoyla and family for a Letter to the Editor which was selected for print in the Stuart News last week.
Read it HERE on tcpalm.com.

July 1

Camp WET enjoys the view and the breeze from Hobe Mountain, the highest point in south Florida. This "mountain" stands 86 feet above sea level. At one point in history the ocean levels were much higher and Hobe Mountain was but an island in the sea.

We explored the shoreline of the Loxahatchee River and took the Loxahatchee Queen to the famous Trapper Nelson interpretive site.

Cypress trees with their flared bases or "buttresses" lined the shore and signaled the merging of brackish waters to fresh.

We all amazed at how Trapper lived to become known as the "Wildman of the Loxahatchee".

These days, many people live on the river like Trapper, but with all the modern day conveniences. This has put pressure on the fresh water river ecosystems of the Loxahatchee and thus the river has become more SALTY than in the past.

June 29

Camp WET travelled to the Bathtub Reef in Martin County today to explore the habitat created by marine worms known as Phragmatapoma caudata.

Campers donned masks and got into the cracks and crevices of the reef to discover the creatures that call it home.

We learned that even a small patch of algae supports life, as seen by the tiny crab hiding in the seaweed below.

Hermit crabs are always a hit...

and this sea hare really earned itself many oooohs and aaaaahs.

June 28

Welcome to Camp WET!

This morning we met our counselors, discovered new friends in our teams, and took off to Stuart Beach for a COOL OFF!

Stuart Beach had some great chest-high waves today in the Atlantic and we sure did enjoy them!

We also found a few different types of algae that drifted by Camp WET.

We discovered that dune plants are important to the beaches. They work hard to keep the sand in place and protect Florida's mainland.

These sea oats are so vital to the dune ecosystem that you may be heavily fined if you disturb them in any way.

We then traveled to the Indian River Lagoon for some seining in the grassflats. 

Our finds included pinfish, seahorses, mojarra, barracuda, shrimp and pipefish.

June 17

Camp WET enjoyed a full day at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The Loxahatchee River winds its way through and out of the park to the Atlantic. On the way we noted how red mangroves flourish in the brackish water closer to the Jupiter Inlet.

Osprey nests towered over the mangroves.

These nests may be up to six feet wide!

As we travel up the river, the water becomes increasingly fresh. A tell-tale sign of this is the cypress trees and their flared bases, or "buttresses".

The captain of the Loxahatchee Queen brought us close to the cypress trees to touch their feathery branches.

We reached the Trapper Nelson Zoo Jungle Gardens. The zoo belonged to a eccentric man who lived here in the 1960's. We toured the area which is now maintained by the Florida Park Service.

We also "climbed" Hobe Mountain and viewed the Florida mainland, the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain (really, a hill!) is 86 feet above sea level.

June 15

Bathtub Reef was our focus today. We discovered many species that depend on this reef for habitat. The reef itself is created by thousand upon thousands of worms scientifically known as Phragmatapoma caudata.

These worms collect sand and shell particles to create tubes in which they live. Colonies of the worms live side by side and create "boulders" where many species of fish and invertebrates live.

June 14

WELCOME to Camp WET!

Today we learned how important dune plants are to our beaches in south Florida. They survive harsh conditions and use their roots to hold the beach together. Campers enjoy a canopy of seagrape trees on their way to cool off at Stuart Beach. Learn more about sea grape trees HERE. They make a great addition to any south Florida landscape.

GUMBO LIMBO trees (above) are also known as "tourist trees" because of their peeling skin or bark.

 Sea oats line the walkway to the beach. These grasses are such a valuable resource that it is against the law to pick or step on them! Their roots hold the beach together.

How can my family do the same activities we did at Camp WET?

Clicking on the links will exit you from the Camp WET blog site. Hit your back button to return, or add us to your favorites!

Stuart Beach -  889 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, behind the Fire Station and Elliot Museum (currently under renovation). During the summer months, check out the sea turtle nests. Tell your family and friends about the different species that nest in Martin County.

 

Indian Riverside Park - 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957

This park is operated by Martin County and the perfect place to view Indian River Lagoon ecosystems. Amenities include pavilions, fishing dock, and interactive play fountain. Click HERE for more detailed information.

House of Refuge & Anastasia Limestone formations - 301 SE MacArthur Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996

To climb in the "caves" through the limestone, arrive near the time of low tide. To find out what time low tide is on the day you'll visit, click here and choose the Seminole Shores, Florida location.
       There is a museum on the property which can be toured; more about that here.

DragonBoats - Treasure Coast Dragon Boats are available for charter to groups large and small. Call Mr. & Mrs. Schelmety at 772-286-1352.

Bathtub Beach and Reef - 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart

This beach provides access to a live reef system created by marine worms known as Phragmatopoma Caudata. Schools of fish gather along the reef and shallow waters make it enjoyable for everyone.



Jonathan Dickinson State Park - 16450 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455       (772) 546-2771

Hobe Mountain is located within the Jonathan Dickinson Park. For more information about the park, click HERE.
Within the park, The Loxahatchee Queen, a pontoon boat,  has daily scheduled trips on the Loxahatchee River. During high tide, the boat brings visitors to the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site. More about the Loxahatchee Queen HERE.




Martin County Oyster Reef Restoration
During Camp WET, students create oyster reef habitat by gathering cultch into bags that will be deployed into the St. Lucie River, which is joined to the Indian River Lagoon. This will draw in live oyster cultivation. Oysters are an important water filter (cleaner) and
http://oysterrestoration.com/index.html
Martin County Artificial Reef Program (ReefBalls) http://www.martinreefs.com/