Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area

EDUCATION AT THE ONA

The 120 acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) is conveniently located in north Palm Beach County. Its wealth of history, diversity of nature, and unique place in the BLM's National Conservation Lands make it an ideal place to learn about public lands and study almost every subject from archaeology to zoology. In fact, the legislation that designated the ONA recognized the importance of science, education and interpretation specifically among the key values to preserve, protect and enhance.

The BLM and its partners offer a wide variety of formal and informal opportunities to learn at the ONA, and actively seek partnerships with academic establishments to facilitate place-based learning through the site's Hands on the Land programs and scientific studies that can aid management and further our knowledge of the environments around us. 

For opportunities for scientific study and service learning, please visit our service learning page.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area includes both the Lighthouse and the Outstanding Natural Area (ONA).

Field trips to the Lighthouse are arranged through the Loxahatchee River Historical Society. The ONA offers the opportunity for ranger led and guided experiences along with the opportunity for teachers and groups to utilize the ONA for self-guided and self-directed outdoor lessons, research and projects. Teachers and leaders of other groups must submit a ONA Group Use Request prior to visiting the ONA for any learning, research, or project activity.

2017-2018 Teacher Information Packet

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A variety of guided educational experiences await elementary students at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA). Teachers and educators may select lessons relating to the history, Lighthouse technology, early cultures, and the natural environment of our surrounding area. While many of our lesson plans are for 4th grade students, unless otherwise noted. The lessons can be tailored to accommodate most grades and age groups whom visit the ONA. The following lesson plans outline the educational components of the tours and their associated State educational standards:

All elementary age students, and their families are encouraged to get outdoors and explore the environments around them. If you have a Palm Beach County student (K-5), download the Palm Beach County School District Field Research Ranger Passport and visit the ONA and other Resources in Science Education (RISE) collaborators to earn your Field Research Ranger certification and patch. You can pick-up the ONA's Field Research Ranger activity sheets at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum or download and print-at-home here:

For more information about the Field Research Ranger program, visit Palm Beach County's Elementary Education Science Website. Questions? Call K-5 Science Program Planner - Tom Salinsky @ 561-432-6386

MIDDLE SCHOOL

A variety of guided and independent educational experiences await middle school students at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA). Teachers and educators may select lessons relating to the study of a number of environmental concepts and natural systems and are encouraged to utilize the outdoor classroom for the development of their own learning experiences.  The following lesson plans provide outlines the educational components of several guided experiences available at the ONA.

All middle school students, and their families, are encouraged to get outdoors and explore the environments around them. If you've a Palm Beach County student (6-8) download the Palm Beach County School District Field Research Ranger Passport and visit the ONA and other Resources in Science Education (RISE) collaborators to earn your Field Research Ranger certification and patch. You can pick-up the ONA's Field Research Ranger activity sheets at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum or download and print-at-home here:

For more information about the Field Research Ranger program visit Palm Beach County's Elementary Education Science Website. Questions? Call K-5 Science Program Planner - Tom Salinsky @ 561-432-6386

HIGH SCHOOL

The ONA site provides Ranger-guided lessons and a great location for Teachers to lead their own lessons, research projects or service learning activities. Students learn problem solving skills and can gain “real world” experience in subjects such as land management, ecology, environmental, marine and biological sciences. Stay tuned for more information on habitat mapping, marine invertebrates, a teacher resource packet, and field trip planning information.

LIFE LONG LEARNING

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.

An ADA compliant trail, located on the north side of Beach Road, leads visitors through the Sandpine Scrub and Tropical Hardwood Hammock habitats to a covered pavilion overlooking a tidal saltwater lagoon. On the south side of Beach Road, a sandy, mulched trail leads one on a loop through the Tropical Hardwood Hammock habitat and along the Dune of the Intracoastal Waterway. For more information about events and educational activities please, visit our Facebook Page.