Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands

09/14/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Ever wonder why chili peppers are so spicy? There’s a fascinating story of evolution behind that fiery flavor!

Chili peppers evolved capsaicin, the chemical responsible for their heat, as a natural defense against many mammals that might eat their fruits and destroy their seeds. But birds? They’re not bothered by capsaicin the way mammals are!

That’s good news for the pepper plant because birds can eat the spicy fruit, carry the seeds to new locations, and help the plant spread.

It’s a clever partnership:
The pepper provides the food, the bird spreads the seeds, and the plant gets a chance to grow somewhere new!

Next time you bite into a hot pepper, remember—you may be experiencing the result of millions of years of plant-and-animal evolution!

09/12/2026

The Aroma of Rain

Did you ever notice the smell in the air just before a rainstorm, or during and after?

Here's why...
The distinctive smell of rain, often referred to as "Petrichor" is contributed to a number of factors. these include oils secreted by plants, chemical compounds secreted by bacteria, and also, for stormier showers, the splitting of atmospheric chemicals.
Plants secrete oils in dry periods, which accumulate on rocks and soil. Rain disturbs smaller, volatile compounds within them to be released.
Soil dwelling bacteria produce a compound that has an earthy aroma. Rain can disturb this compound from the soil.
During stormier weather one of the compounds produced is ozone, which can be carried down from high altitudes by thunderstorms, giving the "pre-rain" smell.

09/11/2026

TURN YOUR WALK INTO A NATURE ADVENTURE!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids during your visit to Green Cay? We’ve got a nature adventure waiting for you!

Pick up a Scavenger Hunt sheet at the front desk and let the exploring begin!

As you make your way along the boardwalk, keep your eyes open and see what you can discover. You might spot a bird, butterfly, turtle, or another wetland wonder!

Find it
Check it off
Learn something new
Bring your completed scavenger hunt back to the front desk for a special prize!

It’s a fun way for children to slow down, observe nature, and become junior nature detectives while exploring Green Cay.

Who knows what you’ll discover? Happy exploring!

09/10/2026

SEPTEMBER MOVIE OF THE MONTH!

Endangered Animals: The Battle Against Extinction

What can we do to help wildlife survive?

Discover how scientists are helping endangered animals through captive breeding, rehabilitation, artificial insemination, and innovative conservation techniques.

The future of wildlife depends on all of us. How will YOU make a difference?

Stop in before your walk or after to cool off and catch this fascinating film playing continuously throughout September in our theater!

Come watch, learn, and be inspired to help protect wildlife! 💚

09/09/2026

Oliver being intense for 30 seconds straight.

09/07/2026

Labor Day Weekend at Green Cay!

Looking for a great way to spend the long weekend? Get outside and enjoy a little nature therapy!

Boardwalk: Open sunrise to sunset all weekend!

Nature Center:
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED

Take a stroll, spot some wildlife, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy everything nature has to offer! And don’t forget to tag Green Cay in your photos—we love seeing your adventures!

From all of us—staff and volunteers at Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands—have a happy, safe, and nature-filled Labor Day weekend! 🇺🇸🌿

09/04/2026

Happy National Wildlife Day!

Today is all about celebrating the incredible wildlife we share our planet with—and reminding ourselves that every one of us can play a part in protecting it!

Here in South Florida, we’re lucky to have an amazing variety of wildlife, including species that are considered threatened or endangered. From birds and butterflies to turtles, alligators, and other wetland residents, our local wildlife depends on healthy habitats to survive.

So, what can YOU do to help?

Keep trash out of natural areas — Wildlife can mistake litter for food or become tangled in it.

Protect native plants and animals — Native species provide food and shelter that local wildlife needs.

Use energy wisely — Conserving energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on wildlife and habitats.

Share what you know! — One of the best ways to protect wildlife is to help others understand why it matters.

And now for the fun part!

Show us your wildlife! Take a photo, draw a picture, or paint your favorite animal and share it on social media. Be sure to tag us and use:





Let’s celebrate wildlife today—and help protect it for generations to come!

09/03/2026

Our friends at "Welcome to Boynton Beach" wrote an article and posted some pictures of the new park but please be aware this area is an active construction site, the public is not permitted on the property at this time.

09/03/2026

September is Parks for pollinators month. Join us or one of our sister parks to see the pollinators in action.

Learn all about pollinators & their importance and see how you can help support them during our Parks for Pollinators programs this month!

Hum on Over: World Hummingbird Day Pollinator Hike
Saturday, September 5, 9:30 a.m.
Riverbend Park

Butterfly Gardening
Saturday, September 5, 10:30 a.m.
Daggerwing Nature Center

Caterpillar Crawl & Craft
Saturday, September 12, 10:30 a.m.
Okeeheelee Nature Center

Butterfly Talk & Tour
Saturday, September 19, 9:30 a.m.
Green Cay Nature Center

Registration for all programs is required. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/34cj9rkw

[Alt text: Multicolored graphic featuring text and images of flowers and pollinators, used to share information about upcoming events.]

09/03/2026

DID YOU KNOW???

We all know that the Northern Mockingbird is an incredible mimic, capable of learning and repeating the sounds of other birds, animals, and even human-made noises. But did you know that Blue Jays are talented vocalists, too?

Blue Jays have a surprisingly diverse “vocabulary” and use different calls to communicate with one another. Their sounds can mean very different things!

“Watch out!” — Blue Jays have loud, sharp alarm calls that can alert other birds to nearby predators.

“This is my space!” — During territorial disputes, Blue Jays may use harsh, aggressive calls to warn other birds to stay away.

“Listen to my song!” — Blue Jays also produce a variety of softer, more musical sounds, especially during the breeding season. These vocalizations can play a role in courtship and communication.

Their impressive range of sounds is just one reason Blue Jays are such fascinating and intelligent birds!

Next time you visit Green Cay, slow down and listen! You might be surprised by how much is being said from the treetops.

Have you heard a Blue Jay at Green Cay? What did it sound like?