On a refuge of scrub habitat comprised of native plants and animals that are threatened or endangered sits an educational and experiential gem. Visiting Hobe Sound Nature Center is like taking an immersive course in conservation, with its extensive programming, free-admission nature center, educational outreach and camps. Anyone can stop in and hike the trails, visit the small stretch of sugar-sand beach on the Indian River Lagoon and visit the “animal ambassadors” that are non-releasable wildlife.
The Owl’s Roost gift shop is an integral funding source for the refuge’s programs, operating expenses.
“Everything we do is open to anyone and everyone, and the gift shop literally supports everything from taking care of animals to hosting programs and community events,” says Jill Griffin, executive director.
Griffin is personally close to conservation and education as a former faculty member at the University of Miami for 17 years before moving to Hobe Sound with her sons. “I just love this community because people are extremely passionate about the environment,” she says. “People can learn about and interact with local wildlife.”
She adds, “Families love it because there is something for everyone. We are really proud to be a hub for our community.”
The same is true at the Owl’s Roost, where products with a purpose and engaging items that teach conservation are center stage.
Engaging in conservation
You won’t find an iguana or python plushy at the Owl’s Roost, even if they’re animals a child might gravitate to in a gift shop. The Owl’s Roost only carries products that represent native habitats and species — certainly not invasive ones like those.
The gift shop has a big selection of beach apparel for all ages interested in checking out Hobe Sound’s beaches.
Photos: Elizabeth Marini
Every plush, themed T-shirt, toy and sticker is completely native from a theme perspective. This is an integral aspect of aligning with the refuge.
“Ideally, we source products that give back like a 4Ocean model, and we have a variety of products that share this mission,” says Griffin.
Going back to the stuffies, a popular pick for the many children who visit, top sellers include sea turtles, manatees — and possums. “You wouldn’t think a possum could be so cute!” Griffin quips, relating how kids interact with animals in the center, experience wildlife in the refuge and connect with give-back products in the shop.
Customers can follow the whereabouts and lifecycles of a variety of animals with beaded Fahlo bracelets featuring a bone emblem shaped like a creature. Each comes with a QR code and downloadable app so you can track an animal, learn its name and gain a glimpse into a day in the life.
“The gift shop is located directly as you come into the
nature center, so you see it right away. It’s welcoming, bright and open, and we showcase some of the most popular items that sell well with kids up front.” — Jill Griffin
Marine Life Rescue Project makes sea animals in stretchers. “You ‘rehabilitate’ it and there is a lesson about the history of the organism and how to care for your ‘patients’ and we love that this toy teaches kids about conservation and science,” Griffin says.
A similar product by Call For The Wild provides a learning experience. A selection of puzzles by Safariology teaches all kinds of animal behaviors and lifecycles, such as one that depicts a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly.
Give-back products span categories, from children’s toys to jewelry to ornaments made from balsa wood. “These beautiful animals are hand-carved by artisans in Nicaragua by Women of the Cloud Forest and they are painted by locals,” says Griffin, noting the wood is sustainably sourced. “Some of the proceeds go back to them and some to our organization.”
Oh, and don’t forget the owl pellets.
Name-dropped tumblers feature sea life native to Hobe Sound, Florida.
Those are the parts of food an owl eats that are indigestible. Usually, owls regurgitate a pellet a day, and within you’ll detect fur, bones, teeth, claws and feathers. “You can purchase a pellet and break it open, and this coincides with one of the classes we teach,” Griffin relates.
There’s a tight correlation between the interactive time experienced in the nature center and the see-touch-do Owl’s Roost feeling. “In our museum, we have a sensory table and another reading nook, puzzles and a sand box where you can imprint animal footprints, so it’s a great place to explore,” says Griffin.
The same goal is in play at the gift shop. The sense of wonder continues in its retail environment for all ages.
“Families love it here because there is something for everyone,” Griffin relates. “There was a family who came in and the gentleman found a beach hat and the child gravitated toward the plushies and books.”
A wild connection
Products are engaging and so is the merchandise presentation and layout at the Owl’s Roost.
“The gift shop is located directly as you come into the nature center, so you see it right away,” Griffin describes. “It’s welcoming, bright and open, and we showcase some of the most popular items that sell well with kids right up front.”
She’s talking about those stuffies, some of which are puppets, adding to the fun factor. “This makes those plushies more of an interactive experience,” she says.
Merchandise connects customers with sea creatures, through books, artwork and popular animal tracking bracelets.
Products are arranged by category in groupings. Further into the store is a children’s literature section and reading nook with seating and stuffed animals. Then guests happen upon jewelry and apparel, which is selected because of conservation messaging and responsible practices.
Because of the nearby beach, the Owl’s Roost stocks beachwear such as sundresses, SPF swim tops bearing peaceful nature images like one with a manatee, and color-changing shirts for kids. You’ll also find the traditional trucker hat.
Every purchase, small or large, is an impactful way to make a difference for native wildlife while learning about what is involved in sustaining the natural environment.
The Owl’s Roost is a unique destination, dedicated to ensuring a connection between the refuge, its programs, hands-on experiences and literally what’s in store.
Griffin says, “We are very integrated into environmental education efforts across the board.”
