September 2016

As the calendar turns to October and the temps begin to cool down a little, it also means the return of the Green Market to many South Florida communities. Both the West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens Green Markets get their seasons going this weekend, bringing local vendors back to the area to sell their farm fresh products.

The West Palm Beach Green Market returns to the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront this Saturday, October 1st from 9am to 1pm. The Green Market features the prodcuts from the area's top farms and farmers who will have booths set up throughout the day. The Green Market also offers bottomless mimosas for $10 and free activities for children. The West Palm Beach Green Market will run from 9am to 1pm every Saturday through May 27,

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, the SiSpa at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa has rolled out a "Comfort Care Classics" menu with a selection of services designed exclusively for guests who have cancer as well as survivors.

The special menu includes massage, facial, body, and nail services that all promote relaxation and stress relief to oncology and recovering guests. An accompanying caregiver can also enjoy an exclusive 20-percent discount on regularly priced services. All staff members have extensively trained in proper cancer protocol. Training was provided by The Florida Cancer Aware program and included an eight-hour course of lectures, followed by a five-hour hands-on practicum on the processes and

Have a young relative or family friend that is interested in the environment, the great out doors, and making new friends, all while earning community service/volunteer hours? Well, then Junior Friends is for them!

The Junior Friends Program at MacArthur Park is for students in 6th grade all the way up through high school. Members of the program meet monthly and their next meeting will be Saturday, October 1st from 10am-11am. Each month, the members get together and participate in a service project at the park. Projects include beach clean-ups, plant identification/exotic plant removal, building maintenance, planting, citizen science projects, trail maintenance, and more.

MacArthur Park is located on the north end of Singer Island and constantly

On Friday, pictures surfaced on the internet of a massive mullet run heading south along the coast of Singer Island. The small bait fish were making their way south as part of their normal migration pattern. The warmer temperatures of the water bring the fish down here until the spring time.

The warmer water temperatures are doing more than just bringing the "bait balls" to the area. The bait fish bring with them tarpons, sharks, and other predator fish. As a result, it makes a hot bed for fishing meaning more and more fisherman will be descending on the area.

Below is video of the mullet fish, taken by WPTV Channel 5 on Friday:

On Sunday, September 18th, bird lovers can gather at MacArthur Park for an afternoon of bird watching.

The ranger-led walk will take place from 4pm to 5pm as bird watchers can take part in an educational session identifying the many birds that make their home at the park. The event is free with park admission and while reservations aren't required, they are recommended. Those participating are also encouraged to either bring their own binoculars or rent them from the gift shop.

MacArthur Park is located on the north end of Singer Island. In addition to bird watching, the park constantly offers guided tours and nature walks, as well as a slew of other activities for all ages.

For more information and reservations, call the Nature Center at 561-624-6952.

Mike Nicklaus, Patrick Kelly, and Dan Allen will be amongst the golfers teeing up Friday morning at the Cure NF with Jack golf tournament at Lost Tree Golf Club.

The tournament will get underway at 9am with a shotgun start and is being held to benefit Neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is a common genetic disorder where nerve tissue grows tumors which can damage and compress nerves and other tissues. The tournament is named after Jack Burke. The now 11 year old has suffered from Neurofibromatosis since he was 2. All proceeds from the event will benefit those who suffer from cancer and learning disabilities.

Lost Tree is located in North Palm Beach, just north of Singer Island. It is closest golf course in proximity to Singer Island. The Jack

On Saturday, September 17th people all over the world will gather at their local beaches with one goal in mind: to keep the shorelines free of trash and debris. That's because, that Saturday is International Coastal Cleanup Day.

International Coastal Cleanup Day is the world's largest one-day volunteer effort to clean up the marine environment. Held every September, volunteers from over 100 countries descend on local beaches, rivers, lakes, and canals to show their commitment to cleaner waterways. The event is sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, the world's largest organization focusing exclusively on the health of the marine environment.

International Coastal Cleanup Day is about much more than just removing trash though. Volunteers gather valuable

If you have ever wanted to learn how to kayak, MacArthur park has you covered!

This Sunday, September 4th MacArthur park will be having a land-based Learn to Kayak class that will provide beginners with the necessary skills for kayaking. The one hour class is free with park admission and gets started at 12 noon.

MacArthur Park is located on the north end of Singer Island and constantly offers guided tours and nature walks, as well as a slew of other activities for all ages. For more information, or to resreve a spot in the Learn to Kayak class, call 561-624-6952.

Photo courtesy of Elicus

On Saturday, September 10th MacArthur Park will be holding a Nature Photography Workshop

The workshop will run from 9am to 1pm and will be run by local professional photographers who will provide technical and artistic instruction. The workshop is open to, and perfect for, photographers of all ages and skillsets. Everyone in attendance is required to bring their own camera and camera equipment to the workshop.

The workshop costs $35 and does not include park admission. Light clothing, sun screen, and mosquito repellent are strongly recommended. To sign up for the workshop, visit www.macarthurbeach.org, or send a check to:

Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park
Photo Workshop
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive
North Palm