Schedule of Nature Programs

of Boca Raton. It is bordered by Congress Avenue and the El Rio Canal on the west and

I-95 on the east, and is bisected by Clint Moore Road. It is the largest remaining scrub tract

in Southern Palm Beach County. The Yamato Scrub lies on a sandy ridge along an ancient

shoreline, as do most sites that contain a Florida scrub ecosystem. The vegetation is

composed mainly of sand pines, saw palmettos, dwarf oaks, and lichens. Except for a few

small areas in neighboring states, Florida scrub is unique to Florida. This dry ecosystem

is maintained by fire. The Yamato Scrub Natural Area also includes oak hammocks, pine

flatwoods, and dry prairie. These diverse habitats support many endangered and

threatened species.

occasionally visit the site to feed and rest. One threatened species, the eastern indigo

snake, and two species of special concern, the gopher tortoise and the Florida mouse, live

on the site. The Florida scrub-jay, another threatened species, has been observed in the

past but may no longer be present.

plants. Endangered plant species known to occur on the site include Curtiss’ milkweed,

long strap fern, sand dune spurge, large-flowered rosemary, burrowing four-o’clock,

cutthroat grass, common wild pine, twisted and banded air plant, and giant wild pine. Other

listed species observed on the natural area include nodding pinweed, and reflexed wild

pine.

purchased 10 acres of the site from Knight Investments, Inc. On February 27, 1997, the

207 acre Boca Commerce Center Associates tract was purchased jointly by the County, the

City, and the State. State Preservation 2000 matching funds were provided through the

Conservation and Recreation Lands program. The Yamato Scrub Natural Area is managed

as part of a countywide system of natural areas, protected to maintain the diversity of

biological communities and species in Palm Beach County. The site is available to local

residents and organizations for environmental education, scientific research, and passive

recreation such as photography, bird watching, and nature walks