PB PERS PBC ERM Environmental Resources Management

Talked with Benji Studt, Public Outreach Program Supervisor, Dept of Environmental Resources Managemnt (ERM) Palm Beach County. "Benji Studt is a scientist, conservation photographer, nature communicator, and explorer. For the last 7 years, Benji has led ERM’s public outreach team with the goal of inspiring real connections between the residents and visitors of the Palm Beaches, and the incredible public lands system that makes this area so special." PBC has 34 Natural Areas, 28 with public use facilities-listeners can find them at pbcnaturalareas.com. There are mutli-use trails, 4 main trails connect over 160,000 acres of public land and can be found at jeagawildways.com. PBC ERM on a 7th and 10th grade science curriculum in partnership with Discover the Palm Beaches - listeners can check it out at www.hiddenwildfilm.com. With this Summer being so hot, early morning and evening outings are the best times to enjoy paddling at some of the natural areas... Loxahatchee Slough, Pine Glades, Winding Waters, Snook Islands, South Cove, Peanut Island, Munyon Island, MacArthur Beach, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Sawfish, Fullteron Island, and Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River (lots of these have kayak/canoe rental facilities). Activities that may be good for folks with mobility issues: Frenchman's Forest and Delray Oaks. For families with young children two natural areas are great, Pondhawk (which includes "Storywalk") and N Jupiter Flatwoods (certified Autism friendly). The next event is August 19th - Night for the Natural Areas at Twisted Trunk Brewing in Palm Beach Gardens. $25/person venmo/cash. Listeners can sign up to participate in programs, become volunteers and get info at www.pbcerm.com.