Natural Resources

Located on the Loxahatchee River, one of two federally-designated Wild and Scenic rivers in the State of Florida, Jupiter’s transition, from a small fishing village to a mix of urban and seaside, has been defined by a desire to protect and showcase both the natural and built environment. Dating back to the 1970’s, the Town established landscaping and marine facilities regulations to protect and preserve upland and waterfront areas, seeking a balance between the natural environment and development. In 1992, prior to the explosive growth that began in the late 1990’s, the Town Council established environmental regulations to protect and preserve a portion of the remaining upland habitat. The Council’s further desire to preserve Jupiter’s rapidly-changing environment led to the creation of regulations that protect individual trees in both existing and new developments.

The Natural Resources Division works to protect Jupiter’s natural resources through:

  • Review of both commercial and residential development projects, including both landscaping and environmental preservation.
  • Habitat protection, through the creation/adoption and implementation of Jupiter’s Open Space Program which preserves and protects land for public benefit and enjoyment, as well as providing wildlife habitat. There are also regulatory requirements within the Town Code which require native upland habitat preservation.
  • Mangrove protection in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Wildlife protection (bald eagles, sea turtles, gopher tortoise), in cooperation with State and Federal agencies.
  • Vegetation protection (upland and wetland vegetation) and individual tree protection.
  • Assistance to the Code Compliance and Neighborhood Services Departments.

Natural Resources welcomes comments and questions, so please feel free to contact us via phone or email. 

Jupiter Open Space Program

Jupiter’s Open Space Program was established in 2004 with the approval of the $17 million Open Space Bond Referendum with the goal of preserving and setting aside properties that are #uniquelyJupiter for future generations. This tradition continued when on March 12, 2019 the residents of Jupiter voted to approve the 2019 Land Acquisition Program Bond Referendum.

Tree City USA

For over 20 years, Jupiter has been a Tree City USA, which is a designation awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to local governments that meet certain standards regarding tree planting, care, and maintenance. The Town of Jupiter celebrates Arbor Day annually with a tree planting event and formal proclamation by the Mayor and Council.

Additional Information Resources

Some resources and information on Natural Resource topics: