Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, Florida: A Beacon for Environmental Education, Research & Conservation by Sheri B Doyle

Among the massive homes, large hotels, restaurants and beaches on the A1A in Boca Raton, Fla., sits the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. This perfect family outing is an inspiring and educational day trip. The center is home to a variety of wildlife, sea creatures, thousands of fish and butterflies.

Dedicated to protecting the local sea turtle population, the center rescues, rehabilitates and releases sick and injured turtles. In the rehabilitation area visitors can see the turtles who are on the mend, watch vets care for injured or sick turtles, hold turtle shells and learn all about sea turtles.

There are three massive aquariums where crowds gather to watch barracuda, sting rays, blowfish, manta rays and thousands of other fish glide through the water. At certain times of the day it is possible to watch the scuba divers clean the tanks, as well. Dedicated to the health and welfare of sea creatures, the center also has a research facility where they house hundreds of baby turtles until they are ready to be released, as well as seahorses.

After walking through the center, we enjoyed the nature walks and butterfly garden to try to find woodpeckers, skunks, screech owls and butterflies along the protected shores. Our family always enjoys an afternoon or morning spent here among the turtles, tortoises and fish.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.