How the Jupiter Lighthouse's Erosion Fix Became a Place to Snorkel

"This project is critical," Peter DeWitt, the Bureau of Land Management's site manager for the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, told The Palm Beach Post in October. He was talking about erosion. The Post reported that the shoreline had been losing about 7 feet a year, and that the 120-acre site has lost more than 5 acres over five decades.

The $16 million answer to that problem opens to the public on Thursday, December 3. Almost every new structure that holds the shoreline in place also gives people a new way onto it or into the water. The wall has stairs, the breakwaters make a snorkel route, and the reef sits where paddlers can reach it. Because the water side is still being built, the project opens in two stages.

A seawall that steps down to the water

The project follows about 800 feet of shoreline along the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River Lagoon. On the land side, crews built a terraced retaining wall. They finished putting in the stair piles in February, so the terraces now step down from the upper grounds to the beach rather than closing it off. The BLM's project description calls for nine stairways. WPTV reported seven staircases in September, so treat the exact count as something to confirm on site.

In June, barges brought in sand and placed it on the beach in front of the sheet pile wall to reshape the shoreline. The first tree went in on January 21. It was a mature cabbage palm on the upper retaining wall, the first of several hundred plants chosen to match the ecosystems already on the property. WPTV put the total planting at 22,000. Mangroves are part of the same defense. The MANG Foundation led the first mangrove planting in March, a volunteer planting on July 4, and another round behind one of the breakwaters on August 30.

The boardwalk runs along the river edge. The BLM's project page gives its length as about 700 feet, while The Post and WPTV reported figures closer to 800. America Strong, the contractor on the boardwalk, began clearing for it in March and had the north end in its final stretch by August 20. An ADA-accessible pathway leads to the boardwalk and a native plant trail, and it was nearly finished by July 31. The Post describes the new path as an accessible loop with a pavilion.

In the water, the defenses become the destination

The BLM's own progress notes show the dual purpose most clearly in the water. The agency placed the first limestone breakwater near Cato's Bridge on January 23, and it wrote that the growing chain of breakwaters will "protect the property, support new habitat, and create fresh opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife viewing."

Here is what each piece of the shoreline defense also gives the public:

• Limestone breakwaters along the Indian River Lagoon. They take the force of the water off the shore. They also anchor the planned snorkel trail near Cato's Bridge that Stet News described in September.
• Reef Arches on the Loxahatchee side. The first of these experimental structures went in on September 9. The BLM calls it the start of an artificial reef system built both for ecological study and for visitors. Stet News reported that teams from the University of Miami and Florida International University will study the habitat and erosion results.
• Acoustic monitors. These went in the water on September 10 to track green sea turtles and other marine species moving through the waterways.
• Rebuilt beach and small-boat landings. Stet News reported plans for beaches that small boats can reach, with room for roughly 15 to 20 boats depending on size, plus expanded kayak access.

The Post reported that Florida Atlantic University will monitor how stable the beach stays after construction ends. That means the new snorkeling area is also being studied as part of the erosion work.

Why December 3 and December 20 are different days

Because the water work comes last, the opening is split. According to The Post, an invitation-only ribbon cutting takes place at 10 a.m. on December 3, followed by a public grand opening from 1 to 5 p.m. that afternoon. The snorkeling area is expected to open on December 20, a little more than two weeks later. The Post reported that crews got more time after a government shutdown. The whole project was originally supposed to finish in August.

The BLM's three-month outlook for September through November covers the final breakwater and boardwalk work and the start of floating dock installation. The outlook says a six-person crew from the American Conservation Association will help mulch the new trail system ahead of the opening. For the following winter, the agency says the public will be able to explore new beaches, hike more miles of trail, and snorkel routes improved by the experimental reefs. It also expects the historic corridor to be fully finished. All of these dates are scheduled and could still change.

What stays limited after the opening

Some limits stay in place even after the new shoreline opens.

The floating dock is for permit holders. Stet News reported that it is meant for permitted uses only and not for general public docking. Boaters who have tied up or beached here in the past should plan on a capacity of about 15 to 20 vessels at the small-boat beaches, not an open dock.

Two groups already have a home at the new tiki hut. Stet News named Get Up and Go Kayaking and the Palm Beach Outrigger Canoe Club as users. The chickee huts went up between April and June, and the BLM describes them as adding a historic and cultural dimension to the site. WPTV also reported that the BLM intends to run regular public fishing programs.

Until the work is done, the BLM lists a temporary trail reroute of about 500 feet, intermittent area closures, and limited boat anchorage. Jupiter News Now has also reported occasional grounds closures and fewer spots for beaching boats. The natural area itself is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the BLM lists no fee. The project's partner list includes the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Village of Tequesta.

The lighthouse calendar around the opening

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a separate organization, led by executive director Katrina Heller according to The Post, and its calendar runs alongside the shoreline schedule. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m., and is closed Mondays. From October through May, guided lighthouse tours run Tuesday through Friday at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., included with admission. The museum notes that hours can change without notice.

The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County schedules its 32nd annual holiday boat parade for Saturday, December 5. It starts at 6 p.m. and is expected at the lighthouse around 8 p.m. The organizer estimates the Jupiter Federal Bridge will open around 7:45 p.m. and notes that exact times depend on conditions. Luminary Nights include lighting, local artisans, entertainment and family activities. Event dates and tickets are worth checking again on the museum's calendar closer to each night. For more places to spend a day outside in town, see our guide to Jupiter parks and the Jupiter neighborhood page.

On December 3, the boardwalk, stairs and new trail will be open to walk. The breakwaters and Reef Arches are expected to open for snorkeling on December 20.

If you're returning for the season and want your house ready before the December calendar fills up, Holland Group coordinates arrival preparation, maintenance and vendor scheduling through our Home Advisory network. Book a call, and we'll have the house ready when you are.