Liz Figueroa, South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist for the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program shows Pocket Refuge sign with partners

We've got some seriously exciting news for you. This Earth Day, the National Wildlife Refuge Association teamed up with the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the City of Delray Beach’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Sustainability to create a groundbreaking Pocket Refuge at the Family Recreation and Fitness Center Playground.

But what exactly is a Pocket Refuge? It's a native garden designed to restore urban wildlife habitats and provide access to green space. And let us tell you, Delray Beach is absolutely killing it in this department! This is their second Pocket Refuge, with the first being planted at Barwick Park earlier this year in partnership with the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program.

This new Pocket Refuge is home to twenty native plants, including two coontie plants, which are culturally significant to the indigenous peoples of South Florida. Not only that, but they're also the host plant of the endangered Atala butterfly. Talk about a win-win for the environment and local wildlife!

But it gets even better. Twenty-two members of the community showed up to support the planet, Florida native wildlife, and their city by planting these amazing plants. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is incredibly proud to partner with Delray Beach and support its commitment to sustainability and equitable access to green space. So, if you're looking for some inspiration on how to make a difference in your community, take a page out of Delray's book and plant a Pocket Refuge today!