FORT PIERCE - St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department (ERD) will open a new nature preserve along Juanita Avenue this week, providing 56 acres of passive recreation. Sheraton Scrub Natural Area offers a 20-minute interpretive hiking trail and observation tower that leads visitors through rare habitat occupied by the Florida Scrub-Jay, a threatened species.

Due to habitat loss, the Florida Scrub-Jay is rapidly disappearing in Florida, and this site was purchased to preserve the unique habitat of the bird.

Scrub-Jays range over much of the western United States and Mexico, but the Florida Scrub-Jay, which is physically and behaviorally unique, is restricted to scattered and often small and isolated patches of sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, and scrubby flatwoods in peninsular Florida such as Sheraton Scrub. It is the state's only endemic bird species, which means it is found in Florida and no where else in the world. This species is entirely dependent on scrub habitats, which is a unique vegetation community composed of ancient dune ridges left thousands of years ago by retreating seas.

The greatest decline of this species has occurred during the last 15 to 20 years with an estimated 25 to 50 percent reduction in Jay numbers. The decline over the last 100 years may be as high as 80 percent. The original range of the Jay, once estimated at 7,000 square miles, has been reduced considerably by suburban development and conversion of scrub habitats to agricultural uses. Many isolated populations have been eliminated, and the almost continuous population along the Atlantic coast has been radically fragmented by urban development. Preservation of existing populations is very important, as is management of the habitat within preserved areas.

The Jays at Sheraton Scrub will be monitored on a regular basis to determine the status of the population. Some birds have been banded with special leg bands which will help identify the individual to ensure protection.

To help save the Florida Scrub-Jay:

· Please do not disturb or feed the birds. Feeding them lessens their fear of humans, which is a threat to any wild animal.

· Report harassment of Jays or their nests to the FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)

· Support the land acquisition programs locally and throughout the state.

If you live on or around Scrub-Jay habitat:

1. Limit use of or avoid use of pesticides in your yard. This is a good practice to follow for the Jays and other birds and wildlife.

2. Keep your cats indoors. Cats kill millions of animals each year and are one of the major causes for the Jays' decline. Indoor cats are actually healthier animals and live longer lives. If your cat must go outside, try to supervise it or keep it on a leash. Putting bells on collars doesn't work well as cats are still able to hunt silently, and Jays and other birds don't associate the ringing of a bell with danger. It's also a myth that well-fed cats don't hunt wildlife. Visit www.abcbirds.org/cats/ for more information.

3. Plant, protect and cultivate patches of scrub oaks and keep them below 10 feet in height.

Spread the word - educate others about this very unique bird and its habitat.

The Sheraton Scrub Natural Area was funded through the Florida Communities Trust and the Environmentally Significant Lands Program. It is the 17 th site opened to the public of the 25 sites purchased through the Environmental Significant Lands Bond Program. This site is located on the southern corner of Juanita Avenue and 41 st Street in Fort Pierce.

The site is open from dawn until dusk and managed and maintained by St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department. For more information call the ERD staff at (772) 462-2525 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd.

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