5 Ways Martin County Florida is Leading by Example on Sustainability
May 22, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Stretching about 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas National Park to the St. Lucie Inlet, the Florida Reef Tract is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States and the third largest in the world. This biodiverse ecosystem is home to over 40 species of reef-building corals and more than 500 species of fish, turtles and sharks. Recognizing the importance of preserving this ecosystem, Martin County has collaborated with four other counties to become Coral Reef Ambassadors. Each county has developed regional programs that not only educate residents, tourists, boaters and divers but also conduct research and monitor the reefs to enhance and sustain their health.
Martin County is renowned for its innovative artificial reef program, which is designed to enhance marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices. By repurposing old vessels, concrete structures, and other materials, the county has successfully created several artificial reefs in the region’s waters. These man-made habitats provide a new ecosystem for marine organisms to thrive and offer divers and fishermen new opportunities to explore and catch a variety of fish species. This program not only boosts the local economy but also promotes the conservation of the region’s natural resources by reducing the pressure on natural reefs. The Martin County artificial reef program is a prime example of how human ingenuity can contribute to the preservation of the natural world.
Founded in 1994, Keep Martin Beautiful is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable living through practical action. Their mission is to enhance and preserve the quality of life in Martin County by implementing litter prevention, waste reduction, beautification, and stewardship education initiatives. The organization’s hands-on activities, including an innovative Adopt-A-Road program, attract thousands of volunteers from local businesses, schools, places of worship, families, and individuals every year. Furthermore, Keep Martin Beautiful hosts Environmental Stewardship Awards to acknowledge and reward efforts promoting environmental stewardship and innovation through education and action.
Martin County also boasts several environmental centers that foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the local environment and the importance of conservation. The Florida Oceanographic Society’s Coastal Center in Stuart is a 57-acre learning environment that serves as a hub for conservation efforts in South Florida. In Jensen Beach, the Environmental Studies Center offers classes and hands-on field adventures for every grade, providing students with a wide range of experiences in various ecosystems. The Hobe Sound Nature Center offers free, family-friendly programs, including nighttime sea turtle walks and weekly hikes.The Martin County government has also implemented various environmentally-conscious initiatives, such as constructing energy-efficient buildings, harnessing renewable energy sources, conserving, water, and promoting sustainable transportation options. These programs have earned the region the distinguished gold-level certification as a Green Local Government from the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). The recognition designates Martin County as a trailblazer in preservation efforts, showcasing its unwavering dedication to creating a greener and more resilient community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Whether searching for the perfect heirloom tomato or a jar of locally harvested honey, Martin County offers several farmer’s markets on the weekend that provide an abundance of fresh and delicious options. Hobe Sound and Palm City feature Saturday morning markets, while Stuart’s Market on Main and the Jupiter Farmers Market at Harbourside Place take place on Sunday mornings. Each market offers a diverse range of locally grown and harvested produce, seafood, baked goods, honey, and other food products. These farmer’s markets help reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation and support local farmers in their sustainable practices.
Meet Martin County’s Caretakers of Mother Nature
March 29, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Filled with year-round sunshine, lush parks, and plentiful waterways, Florida celebrates its natural surroundings. Yet no region of the state boasts as many ecological jewels as Martin County on the Treasure Coast. Not only is the area home to the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the entire Northern Hemisphere, but thousands of acres of Instagram-worthy parks and conservation lands provide adventures every day. With so many natural wonders nearby, numerous local organizations are stepping up to educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Let’s take a closer look.
Coastal Center
Nature Center
Studies Center
Coastal Center
Get an up-close and personal look at marine life on Hutchinson Island at the 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Home to the non-profit Florida Oceanographic Society, the organization’s mission is to inspire environmental stewardship of the coastal ecosystem. The passion at its heart, however, is the camaraderie of over 250 volunteers. Citizen scientists can help monitor and collect data on mangrove swamps, oyster and seagrass beds, coral, worm reefs, and more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including 36 rare and endangered species. Families and groups can take part in dozens of adventurous activities like helping protect sea turtles or rebuilding seagrass, while the media-minded can spread the word and share the messaging on social media and at public events.
Nature Center
Studies Center
Content courtesy of Storie.
A Taste of Martin County
March 22, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Farm-to-Table Specialties
Classic Italian Favorites
The Ultimate Oceanfront Dining Experience
Globally Inspired, Locally Sourced
Fresh Seafood Mixed with Island Vibes
Unique and Creative Dishes
Tried & True
Asian and Island Influences
Content courtesy of Storie.
Explore Martin County’s Vibrant History
December 21, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes
From pirates and pineapple farmers to railroad pioneers, Martin County’s vibrant coastal lifestyle has attracted residents and visitors alike since the very beginning of time. The area is filled with a deep and colorful history that spans countless years of transformation and community spirit. Let’s take a journey back in time to explore how Martin County became an exceptional destination.
A Cherished Past, and an Even Brighter Future
Florida’s Treasure Coast received its nickname after Spanish Fleets that shipwrecked along the coast in the 1700s. Gold, silver, and jewels were deposited into the waters and beaches, making it an excellent area to search for buried treasure. Treasure hunters, however, aren’t the only ones who have struck gold along the Treasure Coast. Otto and Ernest, two of Martin County’s earliest settlers in the 1890s, found their fortunes in pineapple farming. Soon after, farmers from across the nation flocked to the area to create a life of their own.
The Indian River became a highway for millions of pineapples, citrus, fish, and more shipped north annually, and Jensen even became known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World.” Enticed by the area’s thriving coastal lifestyle, railroad pioneer Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railway system further south, initiating trading from New York to Key West. The railroad brought about a new wave of excitement to the area, as more and more people were attracted to settle down in this coastal community. Today, the Storie continues to unfold as innovative visionaries recognize the best is yet to come. Stay tuned to be among the first to have a glimpse of the next Chapter of Martin County history with a very unique community concept.
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
Today, Martin County has continued to grow into a world-class destination, but still stays humble to its historic roots. Residents have come together to preserve numerous historic buildings around the city that show the transformation of this tropical locale. Here are just a few of the cultural and historic landmarks that make Martin County irreplaceable.
Photo Courtesy Of: House of Refuge
House of Refuge
Built in 1876, the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is Martin County’s oldest building, and the last remaining of ten cottages built along Florida’s coastline to provide shelter for shipwreck survivors. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum displays historical maritime artifacts, a model ship collection, shipwreck artifacts, and furnishings belonging to the House’s ‘Keeper’.
Elliott Museum
Founded in 1960, the Elliott Museum showcases the ingenuity of local inventor Sterling Elliott and inspires creativity through history, art, and community culture. The two-story museum on Hutchinson Island is filled with something for every age and interest to enjoy, including a comprehensive assemblage of Model A trucks, the world’s largest collection of baseball cards, the history of local smugglers the Ashley Gang, and much more.
Stuart Heritage Museum
Housed in what was previously the Stuart Feed & Supply Store, the Stuart Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the heritage, artifacts, and history of Stuart and its surrounding communities. Countless relics and artifacts span from the area’s Native American heritage up to the present day.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
Martin County’s storied history, however, spans far past the land. The area is home to one of the bio-diverse lagoon ecosystems in the entire Northern hemisphere. For residents, keeping clean water a priority issue and educating on these waterways is equally as crucial. The 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center serves as a hands-on natural learning environment to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s marine life and local coastal ecosystems. With the help of over 250 volunteers, the team leads efforts in biodiversity research, long-term monitoring of water quality, and volunteer-driven restoration of oysters, seagrass, and mangroves throughout South Florida.
A New Chapter in Preserving Martin County’s History
As Martin County continues to grow in popularity, residents have placed a high priority on clean water initiatives and open spaces that preserve the area’s future. Protecting these green spaces and creating new clean water initiatives are two central components of Storie, an innovative new community concept on tap for Martin County’s future. Storie, FL is a vision that has yet to be unveiled, but the designers are placing a high priority on creating a vibrant downtown, parks, educational opportunities, and plentiful outdoor activities for all Martin County residents to enjoy.
Original Article Courtesy of StorieFL.com