STUART, Fla. (December 5, 2023) – Martin County, Florida is known for being a premier family-friendly vacation destination, thanks to countless ecotourism activities, beautiful hotels, world-class restaurants, and miles of pristine coastline. However, it's also a popular pet-friendly escape.

The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing and Explore Natural Martin recognize that outdoor adventures and pets go hand-in-paw, which is why they are excited to announce the new B.A.R.K. Ranger program, which launched on November 4 in celebration of World Wildlife Conservation Day. An extension of their ongoing partnership with Leave No Trace, this free program's mission is to promote responsible outdoor recreation when visitors and residents are exploring Martin County with their four-legged friends.

To ensure a “pawsome” outdoor experience, while helping protect local wildlife and our natural lands, pet owners can commit to following the “Rules of B.A.R.K.” These guidelines include:

Bag Your Pet's Waste
Always on Leash
Respect Wildlife
Know Where You Can Go

Pet owners who sign the free online pledge will receive a complimentary B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag and branded bandana. Program collateral can be retrieved from partner locations, including the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and the Hobe Sound Nature Center (13640 SE Federal Highway in Hobe Sound), Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic (37 SW Osceola Street in Stuart), and select pet-friendly hotels throughout Martin County.

The B.A.R.K. Ranger program originated in the National Park System in 2015 as a positive way to promote awareness about responsible recreation with pets on public lands. Since then, the program has gained popularity and spread across various states.

“Whether you're strolling our beautiful beaches or trekking through one of our pristine parks, there's no better adventure buddy than your pup,” said Nerissa Okiye, Martin County Tourism Director. “It's vital to ensure that the impact on local wildlife and public lands is minimal when exploring Martin County with pets, and we believe our new B.A.R.K. Ranger program will be a fun and educational tool for visitors and residents alike.”

“Together, with the Hobe Sound Nature Center, we are committed to protecting and conserving South Florida's unique natural heritage through education and management,” said Refuge Manager Bill Miller. “By nature, we are all animal lovers, and we are excited to be a part of such an important endeavor to share natural lands with our pets in a fun but responsible way.”

This program will continue to grow and evolve over time. Visit www.MartinBarkRanger.com to learn more and find the most up-to-date list of prize pick-up locations.

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About the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and the Hobe Sound Nature Center:

For the past five decades, the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and the Hobe Sound Nature Center have worked together to host transformative education programs for people of all ages, while simultaneously protecting countless acres of critical habitat, restoring fragile habitats, and ensuring the survival of many threatened species.

About the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing:

Encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound, Sewall's Point, and Hutchinson Island, this hidden gem is a place for unwinding and reconnecting. The Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing is the official tourism marketing arm of Martin County, Florida, whose goal is to provide information to those interested in Martin County and to spread the word about this one-of-a-kind destination. Learn more at DiscoverMartin.com.

Press Contact

Ian Centrone
Tourism Program Manager
Office: (772) 320-3157 | Mobile: (772) 361-2276 | icentrone@martin.fl.us

This notification can be reproduced in an alternative format upon request by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772-221-1396), the County Administration Office (772-288-5940) or Florida Relay 711.