Background Information
In the 1970s, businessman John D. MacArthur donated the land for this park to preserve a sub-tropical costal habitat, much of which had already been lost to urban sprawl. A unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest, this barrier island provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. The park encompasses 317 acres of uplands and another 120 acres of submerged lands. Visitors can explore both maritime hammock (seaside hardwood forest) and mangrove communities. The park's nature center shows visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach; scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading, kayaking, or canoeing, and can also fish from non-swimming areas of the beach.
The Park, which is located in northern Palm Beach County , 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard on A1A, features a 1,600-foot boardwalk spanning Lake Worth Cove. Mangroves surrounding the Cove comprise the most productive estuarine system in all of Lake Worth . Herons, ibis, roseate spoonbills, and osprey hunt for prey, while fiddler crabs scuttle among the roots of the "walking trees."
At the beach end of the boardwalk, on the west side of the dunes, lies a coastal hammock. A trail winds through mixed temperate and sub-tropical trees, including cabbage palms, mastic trees, gumbo-limbos, and strangler figs. On the beach, sea lavenders, beach stars, and other rare native plant species thrive. Along the ocean shoreline, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and other shorebirds may be seen resting and feeding.
MacArthur Beach is also a prime nesting area for sea turtles. Large numbers of loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles nest in the park from early May through late August. Marine life is abundant along the offshore reefs and rock outcroppings within the park. These spectacular natural features, easily accessible from shore, make snorkeling a popular activity in the shallow waters. Because it is a natural barrier island, the park also protects the mainland from harsh ocean storms. Shifting beach sands absorb wind and wave energy. To keep the area as natural as possible, roads and structures were designed around rare trees and other plants. Non-native species, such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper, are removed.
The earliest evidence of human occupation of this area comes from artifacts recovered from "kitchen middens" located in the park. Native Americans who settled this area gathered food from the ocean and lake. Fragments of bones, shell and pottery were discarded in refuse piles or "middens."
In the early 1900s, nearby Munyon Island was famous for its lavish resort hotel, "The Hygeia." Built by Dr. James Munyon, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1915. Munyon Island is not open to the public, but only accessible by boat.
The park is named after the previous property owner, John D. MacArthur, who wished to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. In the 1970s, after a university study convinced MacArthur that the property was a biological treasure, he donated a section for use as a public park. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation contributed additional funds to help develop the park and Nature Center . Facilities opened to the public in 1989.
Learning Resource
http://www.floridastateparks.org/macarthurbeach/
Name____________________ Date____________
Class ____________________ Class Period______
Activity:
This educational expedition takes you to MacAurthur State Beach Park , where you will kayak to nearby Munyon Island , a wildlife sanctuary virtually untouched by human hands, and federally protected to remain a sub-tropical coastal habitat. On your trip, you will likely encounter many different species of marine life, such as manatee, fiddler crabs, and various types of fish species. Once you reach the island, you will embark on a short hike around the perimeter of the island. At various points, you will be stopping at designated points to discuss various issues, such as native vegetation, various types of mangroves and their functions, and Florida history.
Following the hike, you will kayak through a maze of mangrove estuaries, returning to your original launch point. Keep in mind the following questions and consider submitting them as a classroom exercise.
Discussion Topic 1: Conservation
A) On your hike, you saw lots of mangroves. What are the four types of mangroves found on Munyon Island ? Describe the distinguishing trait among each type.
B) Government regulations prohibit any type of urban development on in MacArthur State Beach Park . Your guide described one industry that existed on Munyon Island during the early 1900s. What was the name of the establishment, and what happened to it?
C) Government officials have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to eradicate invasive vegetative species from MacArthur State Beach Park . Name the two most destructive species that threatened the native mangrove habitats.
Discussion Topic 2: Marine Resources
A) Congress has proposed an amendment (HR 4761) that would lift the 25-year ban on oil drilling off the coast of Florida . Discuss the impact on Florida 's beaches and marine wildlife if such an amendment would be passed into law.
B) Research President George W. Bush's stance on Florida off shore drilling during his reelection campaign of 2004. What was his position and how did it change over time?
C) How important are Florida 's beaches and offshore waters to the state's economy? List three ways these natural resources are used to promote tourism.
Learning Resources
Books: Michael Strutin, Florida State Parks , Mountaineer Books, 2000.
J. Malloy, Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida , University Press of Florida , 1999.
Michael Grunwald, The Swamp: The Everglades , Florida , and the Politics of Paradise , Simon and Schuster Publishing, 2006.
Web: The Environmental Defense Fund: www.environmentaldefense.org/
The National Resource Defense Council : www.nrdc.org/bushrecord/water_ drilling .asp
The Action Network: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/florida_oilbill
