Wildlife Sanctuary Hosts Open House

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a place to see animals, it’s a real wildlife adventure! On Saturday, February 2, the sanctuary will host an open house celebration from noon to 5 p.m. This event is open to the public and admission is free. Activities will include: wildlife presentations and guided tours of the sanctuary, a barbecue, live music by Mitch Rolling, a presentation by the Hitchiti Native American Interpretive Dancers, and a raffle with all sorts of great prizes. This event will promise to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

The sanctuary offers visitors a chance to learn about Florida’s wildlife and natural environments. The concept of the sanctuary was to build a unique facility that combined a community nature center with a wildlife hospital. Nature trails and boardwalks lead visitors through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and cypress wetlands. Along the trails are wildlife habitats exhibiting a variety of native animals from bald eagles to Florida panthers.

To complement the sanctuary’s outdoors exhibits, a hands-on discovery center with a gift shop allows visitors to explore nature through a variety of interactive displays. The open house celebration will serve to help the sanctuary raise funds to continue its efforts to care for injured wild animals and preserve Florida’s precious natural resources. The sanctuary’s educational programs offer visitors a "one of a kind" opportunity to learn from nature up close, while creating a memorable message of respect for our natural surroundings.

Bring the whole family for a real wild experience! The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the grounds of the Loxahatchee River District at 2500 Jupiter Park Drive. From Interstate 95 (exit 59A) or the Florida Turnpike (exit 116) take the Jupiter exit and go east to Central Boulevard and head south to the next traffic light (Jupiter Park Drive) and go west one block, the sanctuary entrance is on the left. For more information call 575-3399.

Let’s Get Involved Now

The Florida Legislature just completed a special session on the budget, called by the governor to fix a $1.3 billion shortfall in tax collections due to economic slowdown and the events of Sept. 11. The end result was additional cuts in public school spending and social services.

Florida’s counties and cities definitely feel the impact of these budget-cutting sessions, especially when the state requires programs but provides no funding for them, this is called "unfunded mandates." Examples of state-mandated programs include the state court system, Medicaid match payments, transportation, emergency management, the medical examiner’s office, veterans’ services, indigent burials and revision of the county’s comprehensive land us plan, to name a few. Added to this situation is that the state also cuts revenues that are designated to counties – all of which further burden local government that is now dealing with the added expenses of fighting terrorism.

Palm Beach County’s population has now reached 1,131,000 people and continues to grow, stretching the resources and budget of county government. We can no longer afford to absorb millions of dollars for programs "shifted" by the state to the county. Crowded classrooms, needed social services for the sick and elderly and community service programs are already stretched to the limit and Florida already ranks among the bottom 10 states in measuring education, health and welfare and criminal justice services.

The Board of County Commissioners has been working with members of the Florida legislative delegation to make it known in no uncertain terms that we will not stand by complacently any longer and wait for these unfunded mandates to be passed down from Tallahassee. As president of the Florida Association of Counties, I can tell you there is a steadfast and unified effort among all 67 counties to carefully monitor the upcoming session and be proactive at countering any attempt at passing unfunded mandates.

The 2002 legislative session begins in mid-January instead of March due to legislators beginning the redistricting process. This is a newer legislature and it is important for us – you and me – to let our wishes be known early on. Please take the time now to notify your local representatives of your concerns about future unfunded mandates.

As always, feel free to call my office (355-2201) if you have any questions or concerns. As president of the Florida Association of Counties, with the necessary travel it entails, I may not always be available to take your call personally; however, please be assured that my staff is always accessible and will relay your concerns to me.

Happy Holidays to each of you and please take a part in your government!

Gulfstream Goodwill Opens Jupiter Store

Gulfstream Goodwill Industries opened its newest thrift store at 1280 W. Indiantown Road in Jupiter on Dec. 28. The store became one of 1,776 retail thrift stores in North America, including 15 operated locally by Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Inc. within Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

Goodwill Industries is North America’s largest nonprofit provider of employment training services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill, which employs more people with disabilities than any other private sector business in the world, provides job training and placement, case management, vocational evaluation, job coaching, computer skills instruction and life skills training.

Revenue generated from the sales of donated items and other sources supports Goodwill’s job preparation and training programs. Some of the programs include a homeless residential program, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, welfare to work, school to work transition, free use of equipment from the loan closet and Americans with Disabilities Act surveys.

For information about programs and services call Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Human Services at 561-848-7200. To schedule a free home pickup, or for drop-off locations call 561-833-1693. For business pickups or employee donation drives, call 561-315-6629.

Heart Disease And Diabetes

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that diabetic women are at nearly four times the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to women without diabetes. Overall, the prevalence was twice that observed in women without diabetes. These findings emphasize the need to reduce risk factors associated with CVD among men and women with diabetes. Does this sound familiar? Isn’t this what we have been telling you for years?

Researchers from the CDC and the Agency for Health Care Quality analyzed data from 1997 to 1999 and found that hypertension, heart disease, history of a heart attack, angina or stroke was reported by 72 percent of women with diabetes. Diabetes was diagnosed in 28 percent of all women who had been hospitalized with heart disease. This points to the fact that diabetes is a significant risk factor in both sexes.

A co-investigator for the study at the CDC in Atlanta said that diabetics need to be better informed so that they can improve their outcomes. This may be new information to the CDC, but we have known this for many years. That is why we take a preventive approach with our patients. We believe that preventing a problem is much better than trying to chase after the problem to fix it. Our job is to help you to maintain optimal health with an eye toward quality of life and longevity.

In line with this information, the American Diabetes Association, in concert with the National Diabetes Education Program and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, initiated a new public awareness campaign in October. The campaign is called "Be smart about your heart: The ABCs of controlling diabetes."

Their point is "Because 75 percent of people with diabetes die of CVD-related causes, everyone needs to know the importance of controlling their blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as blood glucose levels."

We are so fortunate to have tests available that can help us to achieve optimal health. The goal of the campaign is for people with diabetes to know their target numbers for the hemoglobin A1c test (a lab test measuring blood sugar over a three to four month time frame), their blood pressure and their cholesterol. But, these are really not enough.

Our goal has always been to prevent illness, so we go beyond this recommendation by adding several other blood tests to more clearly evaluate your cardiovascular risk. One of these lab tests looks for heart disease in a revolutionary new way and another checks your average blood sugar for the last two weeks, not just for the last three to four months. This allows for more accurate interpretation of your circumstances.

Just last week, a man visited my office whose symptoms of tiredness, increased hunger and thirst turned out to be uncontrolled diabetes. This was a new diagnosis for him. There are many people who are not aware that their blood sugars are elevated, making them at higher risk for heart disease. Yet, the problem can be so easily recognized.

When left out of control, diabetes can have devastating effects. But in most cases, with an intelligent plan, the more problematic aspects are preventable. If you are interested in prevention, contact us at 746-7826 for an appointment. We will evaluate and discuss your individual goals as well as what you need to do to reach those goals. It would be an honor to help you.

Land/Sea

Jan. 10 through May 5. South Florida Science Museum presents "Monsters of the Deep," an interactive exhibit that compares sea life of the world today to that of prehistoric times. It includes a rare live chambered nautilus, 32-foot giant squid replica, life-sized shark diorama, a bone yard, touch stations, ancient coral reef display and more. The museum is at 4801 Dreher Trail N. West Palm Beach. It opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children 3 to 17 and free for children under 3. Call 832-1988.

Jan. 13. Dave Carson of the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management shows slides of Florida’s endangered manatees. The presentation is at 2 p.m. at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park nature center, A1A at the north end of Singer Island. Reservations suggested. Manatee documentaries by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be shown throughout January at 2 and 4 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. Admission is $3.25 per car. Call 624-6952.

Jan. 23. Marine biologist Ken Lindeman of Environmental Defense discusses the past, present and future of Cuba’s marine fisheries at 7 p.m. at the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, North Flagler Drive at Fifth Street. Free. Call 832-6780.

Jan 23. Palm Beach Sail and Power Squadron presents talk on boating safety rules, equipment and inspections at 6 p.m. at West Marine, 1401 Old Dixie Highway, Lake Park. Free. Call 863-1440.

Jan. 23. Skipper Don Landry explains using GPS navigation to build a route. The free clinic is at 6:30 p.m. at BOAT/U.S. Marine Center, 1900 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Call 684-4900.

Jan. 25. Palm Beach Sailing Club hosts a mixer at its waterfront headquarters, 4600 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Bring finger food for the free informal social at 6 p.m. Call 848-9508.

Jan. 26. Canoe Outfitters of Florida leads a nature/history tour of the Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first national Wild and Scenic River. The trip begins at 8:30 a.m. at Jupiter’s Riverbend Park off Indiantown Road and returns to the park around 12:30 p.m. Beginners welcome. Cost is $35 and reservations are required. Call 746-7053.

Jan. 27. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park ranger Rob Matriscino discusses the basics of surfing, including board selection, reading the waves and safety. The clinic, which includes in-water instruction, begins at 2 p.m. at the nature center, A1A at the north end of Singer Island. Cost is $3.25 per car. Reservations suggested. Call 624-6952.

Jan. 28. Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council meets at 2 p.m. at Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, 357 Hiatt Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. Topics include the river’s minimum flows and levels. Public input welcome. Call 223-2600 ext. 3603.

Jan. 30. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 52 begins a four-week safe boating course. Classes are from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at Jupiter Lighthouse Park, U.S. 1 at Alternate A1A. Register at door before first session. Cost is $30 for materials. Call 845-8927 or 744-3876.

Feb. 1. Larry Wood of the Marinelife Center of Juno Beach shows slides of Florida’s sea turtles and discusses nesting trends and conservation programs. The show is at noon at The Nature Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound. Admission is $15 and includes lunch. Reservations required. Call 744-6668.

Feb. 6. Sailfish expert Nick Smith shares tips on fly fishing for billfish at 7 p.m. at the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, North Flagler Drive at Fifth Street. A fly-tying workshop precedes the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Free. Call 832-6780.

Feb. 6. Sailing writer Roger Mummah shows slides of cruising the Abacos Islands in the Bahamas at 6:30 p.m. at BOAT/U.S. Marine Center, 1900 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Free. Call 684-4900.

Feb. 9 and 10. Ocean Impact Foundation Valentine’s open house features free guided tours of its hospital for native Florida wildlife. Children welcome. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. Call 471-3403.

Feb. 12. Ocean Watch Foundation executive director Lisa Wetherington shows slides of coral reef monitoring off Florida and discusses diver training to assess reef health. The free presentation before the Palm Beach County Reef Research Team is at 7 p.m. at Building 509, Fifth Street a quarter mile north of Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. Call 842-8624 or 640-4810.

Feb. 9. The Nature Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks Preserve conducts a slide show and eco-tour of Indian River Lagoon from 9 to 11 a.m. aboard the Manatee Queen. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under 13. Meet at the preserve, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound. Reservations required. Call 744-6668.

Feb. 22 through 24. Powerboating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are among topics taught at the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The three-day course is suitable for beginners. Participants must be 18 or older. The $125 cost includes equipment, meals and cabin at J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area west of Palm Beach Gardens. Preregistration required. Call 625-5126 for brochure or reservations.

Put your maritime organization and events aboard the Nautical Notebook. Activities must be open to the public. Call Harvey Rosenfeld at 640-4810.

‘Mini’ Plastic Surgery

One of the most interesting trends in modern medicine is the increasing popularity of "minimal" surgery. This can mean many things, ranging from the use of a less invasive procedure to reducing the length of an incision and therefore the scarring. Plastic surgeons have embraced this concept wholeheartedly and have been quite creative in its application in many areas of the body.

Rejuvenation of the aging face was one of the first areas that a "mini" approach was utilized. For many decades, a face-lift was the mainstay for those seeking a more youthful appearance. As our understanding of anatomy and technology grew, innovations unfolded into new smaller techniques, allowing the plastic surgeon to target precise facial zones, such as the cheeks, jowls and neck. The use of "small incision face-lifts," "mini face-lifts" and "neck-lifts" has now been popularized and certainly has their place. The "mini" idea has extended to the technique of brow-lift as well. It is rare to see a full brow-lift performed in favor of a more minimal technique.

Perhaps the prototype example would be the use of liposuction over the previous alternative, excisional surgery. As recently as 25 years ago, a fatty hip or thigh could only be reduced by excision, literally cutting away the extra fat and skin and carefully stitching the wound together. The invention of liposuction now allows a skillful plastic surgeon to accomplish basically the same goal with far less scarring and risk. Modern techniques, including my own "Standing Epidural Liposuction," have carried the concept even further, allowing us to achieve the wonderful results possible today.

Cosmetic breast surgery has seen advances of this type as well. Breast augmentation scars have decreased in length and can now be hidden in several different positions. Breast reduction scars have also decreased in length with the newer techniques. Mastopexy, or breast-lift, has undergone a conceptual change of late, with several innovative options now available, including the circular or donut procedure. These alternatives have allowed many more women to accept the scars, which can be seen with any surgery.

It should be mentioned that smaller surgeries might not always be the best surgeries. Each case should be individualized, taking into account the patient’s feelings and the surgeon’s preference and experience. In many cases, the tried and true "full" technique may indeed be preferable. It is important, however, to have an open mind, as a "mini" technique can often be the best one for the job.

For more information on "mini surgeries" please call 561-743-0244.

Play Like A Champion

Every once in a while a uniquely designed course finds itself in an area or climate not typical for its style. For example, the Greg Norman designed White Course at Doral Golf & Resort is a desert-style track found in south Florida. Well, The Shark struck again with ChampionsGate, which is a fairly new development located directly off of Interstate 4 in Orlando. The development features two distinctly laid out courses, The National and International. Both courses are par 72 that measure just over 7,000 yards from the tips. Opened October 2000, the development is also home to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Leadbetter is world renowned for his teachings with some of the PGA Tour’s famous students, Nick Price, Ernie Els, Greg Norman and Charles Howell, to name a few.

The International Course is an authentic links-style course reminiscent of the great courses found in Britain, Ireland and Scotland. You quickly notice the flat layout with strategically placed pot and waste bunkers. The course is also surrounded by a number of sand dunes that line the finely manicured fairways. Even though this course lies in central Florida, the sand dunes and the pot bunkers have the appearance as if they were windblown by strong ocean winds. The challenging track also has a number of water hazards that come into play.

The first hole is not your typical starting hole. It challenges the golfer with a more rewarding second shot if they play to the right of the fairway. However, depending on which tee you play from, there is water and an extended waste area on the right, so an accurate tee shot is a must. Shot makers will particularly like holes 3, 6, 7 and 8 which require precision shots to skirt waste areas and numerous pot bunkers strategically placed in the fairway and alongside the green. Beautiful orange mangrove trees line the right side of the third hole. The back nine features pretty much the same challenges as the front nine where an accurate tee shot will dictate the success you will have on that particular hole. I found numbers 10, 12, 16 and 18 to be particularly tricky to navigate.

The National Course is a more traditional American design that will force a golfer to use every club in their bag. Each hole presents a unique challenge from accurate tee shots to well placed approach shots around oversized bunkers and fairway skirting water hazards. On windy days, club selection plays a very important role with some holes playing to as much as a two-three club difference.

Similar to the International Course, the par four first hole requires an accurate tee shot that will determine your approach shot. Leaving it short or to the right will automatically guarantee you with bogey plus. There’s also a unique par four 16 which is a drivable 255 yards from the blue tees. You just have to make sure you navigate around the sand bunkers in front of the green and the large waste area to the left. Number 16 is followed up with an extremely difficult par five 17, which has water running down the whole left hand side and very little bailout area to work with on the right. If the winds are blowing and pin placement is tricky on this hole, you will be happy if you can walk away with a par.

I was surprised to see how great a shape both these courses were in given the fact that they’re fairly new. Both courses feature oversized greens that played true and incredibly quick. The staff goes out of its way to make your experience a memorable one and I was impressed with how incredibly knowledgeable the starters were of the course layout and design. ChampionsGate offers a full-stocked pro shop, complete with Callaway equipment rentals. To hone your game, the on premise David Leadbetter Golf Academy offers the perfect remedy for players of all skill levels, ranging from major championship winners to novices. The school caters to individuals as well as corporate groups. Students are offered spacious classrooms, state-of-the-art video and computer analysis, swing analysis units, an expansive short game practice area, a separate driving range and a master club fitter to evaluate your existing equipment. For information you can contact the academy at 888-633-LEAD.

ChampionsGate is expected to include 4,136 hotel rooms, including the 732 room, four-diamond luxury Omni Orlando Resort, set to open in 2002. In addition, there will be 1,636 resort villas and apartments, time-share accommodations, a luxurious spa, six restaurants and 426,000 square feet of retail space. A 40,000 square foot clubhouse has been recently completed.

ChampionsGate is located 10 minutes away from the Walt Disney World Resort®, just off of Exit 24 on International Drive. When exiting you will notice the grandiose steel gates with course name prominently displayed. For more information visit http:/www.championsgategolf.com or call 888-558-9301.

The Start Of Something Big At Jupiter Theatre’s Palm Beach Playhouse

Thanks to the persistence and energetic efforts of Todd Alan Price, executive director of Palm Beach Playhouse Inc, the former Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre in Jupiter will open once again. The acquisition of the historic Jupiter Theatre from Christ Fellowship Church has been completed at a purchase price of $2,675,000.

In order to turn a dream into a reality, Price, associate producer of Miami’s Coconut Grove Playhouse from 1994 through 1997, has been actively campaigning for the theatre’s future, making presentations in many residential communities in Jupiter and on Jupiter Island over the past season. He expects to embark on a major fund-raising campaign that will target the entire Palm Beach County and Southern Martin County areas, to retire the theatre’s entire debt. If the community rallies around this project, Price is optimistic that the theatre could be opening next winter.

The building will undergo a complete renovation to become a traditional theatre. Plans include eliminating the former dining experience to accommodate Broadway seating for 500, including three VIP boxes that will offer bar service. Programs offered will feature a mix of comedy, drama and musicals with performances by name stars, for a full subscription season.

Another unique program to be established beyond the norm of a regional theatre will be offering debuts of new plays by accomplished or aspiring playwrights who will be invited to take residence at the Palm Beach Playhouse. The project will also include the mentoring of up-and-coming playwrights and productions with film screenings, showing the transformation of plays into film.

Price said, "We are committed to children’s education and hope to be an important resource in the community for singing, acting and dance classes, as well as a children’s summer theatre camp. I would like to see school buses bring children to the theatre every day. We look at our role as one of doing much more than bringing entertainment to an underserved arts population, but will expand it to include education and training."

Todd Alan Price has a 17-year tenure in theatre management and production and is no stranger to the challenge and operation demanded by the purchase and running of the Palm Beach Playhouse. His training as an arts and entertainment lawyer and theatrical producer in New York and Florida serves him well as executive director of the not-for-profit playhouse. During his tenure at Miami’s Coconut Grove Playhouse he produced Jimmy Buffet and Herman Wouk’s Don’t Stop The Carnival for the venerable regional theatre. In New York, in April of last year, he produced Noel Coward’s Suite in Two Key starring Hayley Mills and Judith Ivey.

Understanding that "experience and creativity will only get us so far," Price is inviting theatre lovers, students and dedicated patrons to come together to bring the project to life. His excitement, pride and enthusiasm are contagious. He said, "I know it can happen and I look at our accomplishments in securing the building, and I believe that it is just the start of something big for our community."

If you would like to be a part of this exciting project to open and sustain programming for the theatre, contact the Palm Beach Playhouse Inc, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, at 561-997-9258 or www.Jupitertheatre.org. Potential supporters, both large and small, are needed.

Study Skills Are Essential To Success In School

Good study skills are key ingredients that parents, teachers and students all agree are essential to academic success. Students need to take an active role in studying, one that goes beyond sitting on their bed, reviewing their notes or facts.

School curriculum today is focused primarily on teaching the subjects that are necessary for graduation. The demands of the school curriculum rarely leave sufficient time for teachers to focus on students’ individual learning styles and the study skills approaches best suited to them. Parents, however, can play an important role in helping their children learn necessary study skills.

Four of the most critical study skills are: organization and time management, note taking, test taking and reading. The professionals at the Sylvan Learning Center in Jupiter advise parents to consider the following tips:

• Have their children use a planning calendar to track daily, weekly and monthly assignments and responsibilities. This is a life skill that will stay with your child forever.

• Encourage children to break down large, complex tasks into manageable pieces. This alleviates the feeling of hopelessness and overwhelming fear when approaching a project.

• Have children prioritize homework and other tasks when they get home from school; then complete the tasks in that order.

• Help your child organize their workspace. Have all necessary tools readily available so when they do sit down to do their work, everything they need is in one place.

• Encourage children to review their notes and even rewrite them if necessary to be sure they make sense.

• As they review their notes, have children identify the most important points and highlight them. Auditory learners should read the notes aloud; visual learners should highlight, and tactile learners should use flash cards.

• The key to good note taking involves being able to format the notes in an outline or webbing configuration. This aids the student in using the notes for studying.

• Whenever possible, and as often as possible, practice with similar sample tests beforehand to familiarize yourself with the testing format and directions. Tape record spelling words and write them, or have someone dictate them and write them.

• Study over a period of days or weeks instead of cramming the night before. Our brain can remember three to four new bits of information at a time, so small increments is better than trying to memorize long lists.

• Review the material the night before.

• Be sure the student has the right equipment for taking the test, whether that means a calculator, class notes, textbooks or simply a sharp pencil.

• Read all directions carefully and critically.

• Answer test questions you know first and then go onto more challenging questions.

• Double-check for careless mistakes, skipped questions, and/or misinterpretation of directions.

• Say to yourself, "I am a good test taker." Confidence is half the battle.

• Encourage young readers to use all the clues available to them while reading, such as headlines, pictures, captions, charts, tables and graphs.

• Urge them to read different types of writing, such as books of fiction and nonfiction, newspapers and magazine articles, letters and Web sites.

• Talk with your student after they read a book or article. Have them tell you what the story was about, how they would change the ending, which character they liked, or how it related to their life.

Of course, any student needs strong academic skills in order to be a successful student. Study skills need to be incorporated and practiced so they become habit-forming and a natural component to a student’s lifestyle. For more information on study skills ideas and programs, learning styles, or building strong academic skills, call the Sylvan Learning Center in Jupiter at 745-1171.

Wildlife Sanctuary Hosts Open House

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a place to see animals, it’s a real wildlife adventure! On Saturday, Feb. 2, the sanctuary will host an open house celebration from noon to 5 p.m. This event is open to the public and admission is free. Activities will include: wildlife presentations and guided tours of the sanctuary, a barbecue, live music by Mitch Rolling, a presentation by the Hitchiti Native American Interpretive Dancers, and a raffle with all sorts of great prizes. This event will promise to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

The sanctuary offers visitors a chance to learn about Florida’s wildlife and natural environments. The concept of the sanctuary was to build a unique facility that combined a community nature center with a wildlife hospital. Nature trails and boardwalks lead visitors through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and cypress wetlands. Along the trails are wildlife habitats exhibiting a variety of native animals from bald eagles to Florida panthers.

To complement the sanctuary’s outdoors exhibits, a hands-on discovery center with a gift shop allows visitors to explore nature through a variety of interactive displays. The open house celebration will serve to help the sanctuary raise funds to continue its efforts to care for injured wild animals and preserve Florida’s precious natural resources. The sanctuary’s educational programs offer visitors a "one of a kind" opportunity to learn from nature up close, while creating a memorable message of respect for our natural surroundings.

Bring the whole family for a real wild experience! The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the grounds of the Loxahatchee River District at 2500 Jupiter Park Drive. From Interstate 95 (exit 59A) or the Florida Turnpike (exit 116) take the Jupiter exit and go east to Central Boulevard and head south to the next traffic light (Jupiter Park Drive) and go west one block, the sanctuary entrance is on the left. For more information call 575-3399.