In addition to their historic significance, you may be surprised to know that the Bonnet House grounds encompass one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. Five distinct ecosystems can be found on the property including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a freshwater slough, the secondary dune (which includes the house site), mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest.
The Primary Dune is incredibly important to Bonnet House, as our estate exists on a Barrier Island. Primary dunes are very important to barrier islands because they offer protection against flood tides and storm surges. These natural barriers are formed and maintained by the plant life that lives on them. Living conditions on primary dunes are extremely harsh, with strong winds, salt spray, low moisture retainment, shifting sand, and hot sun. For this reason, the plants and animal species that inhabit these dunes tend to be similar to those found in desert regions.
In many dune systems, like ours at Bonnet House, Secondary Dunes can also be observed past the primary dunes. At Bonnet House, this is where the main estate is located. These dunes form when severe storms breach the primary dunes and deposit sand further inland. Due to their relative stability over time, and because they are protected by primary dunes, secondary dunes.
The grounds of Bonnet House are also home to a freshwater slough, a deep marshy river that remains flooded almost year-round. Sloughs are particularly important to South Florida’s ecosystem because they deliver freshwater to bays and estuaries. Because water flow through a slough tends to be slower than most rivers and streams, water is often subject to chemical changes. These changes can actually involve the removal of pollutants and excess nutrients, and are necessary to prevent degradation of any receiving estuaries.
Additionally, The Bonnet House gardens contain beautiful mangrove wetlands. Mangroves are thick, dense shrubs and trees that have adapted to life in brackish water, including along tidal rivers and streams, and low energy coastal wetlands. Red, black and white mangroves are native to South Florida, and are considered excellent contributors to coastal fisheries due to their high productivity and nursery functions. Mangroves are built to withstand the harsh growing conditions and subtropical climate of South Florida, and are considered essential to life in the Everglades because they stabilize the coast line and reduce erosion from storm surges.
Lastly (but certainly not least), the Bonnet House grounds feature a beautiful Maritime Forest. Maritime forests are coastal estuaries found on higher ground than dune areas, and within range of oceanic salt spray. They support a great diversity of plant and animal species that can withstand strong winds, periodic flooding, and salt spray. A variety of mammals, and reptiles often make homes in maritime forests, and thousands of birds migrate to these locations each year.
If you’re interested in experiencing the great natural beauty of South Florida all in one place, be sure to visit Bonnet House on your next visit to Fort Lauderdale! If you have any questions, or would like to plan your next trip, contact us!
The most unique floors in all of Bonnet House Estate, however, are the Ojus [Oi-yo] tiles found in the Drawing Room and the Shell Museum. The tiles were named after the Ojus Rock Company quarry that was opened after the turn of the last century. The techniques used to make the tiles was imported from the Mediterranean long before Florida became a state. Each tile can be unique in size, shape and color, as you may notice in the Shell Museum. Unlike the thin walled, but highly decorative glazed tiles, Ojus tiles are thick and heavy, and are sun-dried rather than kiln-dried, making it easier to produce needed quantities.
With a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), you can make a long-lasting impact for the preservation of Bonnet House-and here’s what you get in return for your gift:
In a show of support for preserving Bonnet House, residents of the nearby Corinthian Condominium banded together to make a substantial gift. Recently, Corinthian Board President Theo Folz delivered Bonnet House a contribution of $51,010. The gift will be used for a variety of capital improvement projects such as painting the Citrus Courtyard and Welcome Center, repairing termite damaged siding, vegetation trimming along the beach path, and improving the museum gift shop with a new roof and new tile flooring.
Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from biochemistry to banking, and law to photography. Many have been with us for over two decades, and are still enjoying their time here! Former Bonnet House CEO, Karen Beard, believes that “Bonnet House is a special place and it attracts some of the most dedicated and professional people I have ever known.” Stephen Draft has certainly left his mark at Bonnet House as both Volunteer and Curator. After moving to the Fort Lauderdale area, Stephen began his time with Bonnet House as a volunteer working with the Grounds Manager, and later doing tram tours. But as his passion for Bonnet House and his experience here grew, he was offered employment as our Curator.
Classes, Workshops & Lectures:
Holiday Magic Evening Experience:
We are so excited to announce this wonderful opportunity for Bonnet House. The Salah Foundation has most generously awarded Bonnet House a $25,000 Challenge Grant to complete our hurricane recovery efforts by refurbishing the fence along A1A and repairing the Boat House.
Bonnet House has long been known for its beautifully tranquil, expansive gardens, as well as its historic art gallery, studio, and museum. But did you know that Bonnet House is also home to a Gift Shop featuring a variety of unique inventory that is sure to please even the notoriously “hard-to-buy-for?”
For your convenience, tickets for 
