Discover
the wild side of Martin County
Martin County’s location in Florida’s tropical ecotone—where temperate and tropical habitats meet—creates an incredible mix of wildlife. This exceptional variety of wildlife in the air, land and water all in one place offers unforgettable opportunities for discoveries and adventure. What are you waiting for? Come explore and meet some of our locals!
2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Has Started!
Sea turtle nesting season has officially begun along the beaches of Martin County running from March 1 through October 31. During this time, several species — including the Loggerhead sea turtle, Green sea turtle, and the endangered Leatherback sea turtle — come ashore at night to lay their eggs. This process has occurred for millions of years and it is crucial we all play a role in protecting them and their ability to nest. Easy actions play a huge role- by visiting the beaches during the day and giving marked nests plenty of space, filling in holes, knocking down sandcastles, and properly disposing of trash before leaving significantly helps protect our sea turtles!
If you would like to view a sea turtle nesting at night, the best way is to participate in an educational night nesting walk given by a licensed organization in the summer. These walks provide a unique opportunity to learn more about these incredible animals and how our community works together to protect them. Here is a list of the organizations that provide night time sea turtle walks – please note- registration for these walks open later in the spring.
Protecting Our Wildlife
We invite you to explore, wander, trek, or meander. Whatever your speed, explore with care and help protect the natural lands and wildlife we cherish here in Martin County. Check out the simple tips below that can help ensure our wildlife—and these special places—remain healthy for generations to come.
- Never feed wildlife- leave them to forage, scavenge, or hunt- they are wild!
- Check with parks or preserves you plan to visit for any specific information regarding wildlife (nesting areas, precautions)
- Always give wildlife plenty of distance allowing them to maintain natural behaviors
- Always leash your pet while out on the trails- our wildlife thanks you!
Other ways you can help protect our lands and wildlife:
Participate in our BARK Ranger program
Learn more about how you can Leave No Trace
Meet some of our locals
From the beach and the estuary to the forests and wetlands, there is no shortage of breathtaking wildlife to observe. Below are just a few of locals you may see out and about!
North American River Otter
North American river otters are playful, curious residents of Martin County’s waterways, often seen swimming, sliding, or hunting along rivers and wetlands. Their presence is a sign of healthy ecosystems and clean water.
Fun Fact: North American river otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while diving and swimming underwater in search of food!
Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is Florida’s largest heron, easily recognized by its long legs, S-shaped neck, and striking blue-gray plumage. Common in wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas, it hunts patiently for fish, frogs, and small aquatic creatures. These majestic birds are often seen standing silently along the water’s edge, a living symbol of Florida’s rich wetland ecosystems.
Fun Fact: Despite their large size, great blue herons can fly silently and gracefully, with a wingspan of up to 6 feet!
Marsh Rabbit
The marsh rabbit is a small, secretive rabbit native to Florida’s wetlands, often found in marshes, mangroves, and wet prairies. Unlike other rabbits, it is an excellent swimmer and can even take to the water to escape predators. Marsh rabbits feed on grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants, playing an important role in wetland ecosystems.
Fun Fact: Marsh rabbits are excellent at hiding in tall marsh vegetation, making them masters of stealth.
Gopher tortoise
The Florida gopher tortoise is a keystone species found in Martin County’s upland habitats, known for digging deep burrows that provide shelter for hundreds of other animals.
Fun Fact: A single gopher tortoise burrow can be home to more than 350 different species, making this slow-moving tortoise a true wildlife hero.
View local wildlife in any of our 5 beautiful Florida State Parks
Martin County’s Florida State Parks invite you to slow down, follow the trails, and reconnect with nature. Every path, overlook, and waterway offers a chance to experience the wild beauty that surrounds you—your wildlife moment is waiting, just beyond the next turn.
Looking for a more up close and personal experience with wildlife? Check out our partners
Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
Featured Partner
Dedicated to helping wildlife in need, the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native animals while inspiring visitors to care for the natural world. Through educational exhibits, up-close viewing opportunities, and engaging programs, guests can learn about Florida’s wildlife and the important role we all play in protecting it.
Learn more about the center and its residents by joining a private tour, taking place Wednesdays and Sundays from 11am – 3pm! Registration in advance is required.
Florida Oceanographic Society
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a 57-acre marine life nature center on Hutchinson Island where visitors can get up close with the wonders of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Explore nature trails, interactive exhibits, touch tanks, aquariums, and educational programs that bring local marine life to life and inspire stewardship of our beaches, lagoons, and waterways.
Hobe Sound Nature Center
This nature center is a welcoming place where guests can connect with Florida’s wildlife up close and personal. With interactive exhibits, resident animal ambassadors, and scenic trails through diverse habitats at the adjacent refuge, visitors of all ages can learn about and appreciate the natural world while experiencing native species and ecosystems firsthand.
Preserving Lands for the Future- What makes Martin County so special
Martin County is committed to protecting the natural places that define our community. Through a dedicated land acquisition program, we conserve and connect important natural lands—creating protected habitats for wildlife while safeguarding these special places for future generations. These preserved landscapes not only support diverse species, but also strengthen community resilience, reinforcing the vital connection between healthy ecosystems and the long-term well-being of our communities.
Explore & Connect
Discover helpful resources below that make it easy to learn about Florida wildlife, explore Martin County’s trails, and connect with the natural places around you. Whether you’re planning an adventure or just curious to learn more, these tools help you get closer to nature.
Check out up-coming local programming!
