The Rookery Trail – an Audubon Moment in the Making

People have said that Florida’s nature is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before, but it’s hard to understand why until you see it up close. Watching dolphin play in the river, catching sandhill cranes stride across a green, or seeing a bobcat peer out from behind a bush proves that Florida’s wildlife lives alongside humanity at its own pace. At Harbour Ridge in Palm City, nothing proves this better than the Rookery.

Located in the Buttonbrush neighborhood is a large collection of mangroves that lay by the edge of the water. Mangroves often serve as a shelter and a feeding spot for many of Florida’s animals, but these mangroves in Harbour Ridge are unique for sheltering an abundance of egrets and other birds. Each morning like clockwork, these birds fly off in one large flock at sunrise and return every sunset. Harbour Ridge residents look forward to this every day. Watching the birds move in a cloud of white feathers is indescribable. The amount of birds that choose to rest here is so substantial that scientists from the National Audubon Society use the Rookery to measure the population of certain species and the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

For their efforts in conducting Club maintenance while preserving the surrounding natural areas, Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club has received the Outstanding Florida Community Award from Audubon International. Both of Harbour Ridge’s championship golf courses are also designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. What stands out as proof of Harbour Ridge’s commitment to conservation is the presence of wildlife within and around the Club. Residents here often report sightings of ospreys and bald eagles, and even make note of them in the Club’s monthly newsletter. They assist local wildlife services in the protection and the care of the animals. And of course, they look forward to a visit to the rookery.

Harbour Ridge is one of Florida’s premier private waterfront golf communities. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River near the “Sailfish Capital of the World” makes it the perfect place to live, and members and residents alike enjoy the well-rounded Florida lifestyle that it offers. They also enjoy the variety of homes and condominiums offered in the twenty-three different villages.

Harbour Ridge is the best of the best. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.

To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.