Audubon of Martin County — Local services in Stuart

I recently had the pleasure of getting to know the Audubon Society of Martin County a little better by visiting their nature center, Possom Long Nature Center in Stuart, Florida. They have a long history of promoting environmental conservation in Martin County.

The Audubon Society of Martin County was founded in January of 1955, at the Port Sewell home of Mr. & Mr. S. F. Stephenson with the mission of "The conservation and wise use of America's natural resources." By March they already had 160 members and were the fastest growing Chapter in the shortest time of any Chapter in Florida's history. For the next several years they raised funds while promoting the message of conservation.

In 1964, the Martin County Audubon Society took over management of 123 acres, known as the Reed Wilderness Seashore on Jupiter Island. In 1967 the site was the first in Florida to receive the National Natural Landmark designation by the Department of the Interior. In 1970 was turned over to the federal government and is known today as the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.

From July 1973 until 1983 the Martin County Audubon Society purchased 4.7 acres of land in Stuart between Palm Beach Road and Hibiscus Ave. This land was once owned by Clifton "Possum" Long, a teacher of agriculture at Martin County High School. The land was donated by Juanita Pina, Clifton's daughter to be used as a nature center and named in her father's honor. The house on the property was in disrepair and eventually torn down. It was replaced with a 1948 home that was part of the Camp Murphy (1942-1944), a top secret army camp for the signal corps that was created during WWII in what is now Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The house is a classic example of the frame vernacular building style used by the Army at that time. Today it has meeting rooms, displays, and bird photography. The Audubon Society offers events and guided tours of the preserve.

In January 2011, the Audubon Society of Martin County dedicated a newly created wetland at Clifton "Possum" Long Nature Center. The wetland attracts wildlife including osprey, wood ducks, herons, and waterfowl while it serves to drain and clean rainwater from the neighborhood. The project cost $250,000 and was paid with money raised by the Audubon Society and with a matching grant from the South Florida Water Management District. In 2013 the Audubon Society Society took over another water conservation project, the 2,600 acre Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) managed by the South Florida Water Management District. This area utilizes natural wetlands to clean the water flowing south from the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee forming a vital step in restoring the quality of water flowing out from Lake Okeechobee during the rainy season.

The Audubon Society of Martin County promotes their message of protecting the environment several ways including birding ID field trips a juried photography contest they are currently holding. Categories include birds, wildlife, Florida landscape, creative, and cell phone photography. Entries can be submitted until December 8th. Visit their website for more information about the contest and their...

I live just 2 mins away from this place. The nature and animals here are amazing. I sometimes walk through here. The small pond you guys have are surprisingly stocked with largemouth bass, which I’ve caught a few out of from. I’m not sure if we’re allowed to fish out of it but this is a great...

Beautiful area to explore. We brought our homeschool group here and Mr. Paul was a wonderful guide! Very knowledgeable and great with the kids. Can’t wait to...