Oxbow Eco-Center Announces January Events
December 22, 2009 by St. Lucie Times Staff · Leave a Comment
The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County’s environmental learning center, has several environmental events scheduled for January, including naturalist training and learning about creatures of the night.
- * “Swamp Tales” continues on a new day – the first Wednesday of each month – Wednesday, Jan. 6 from 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. This free storytime is appropriate for ages 2 – 6.
- Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow’s environmental ambassadors at “Critter Chat” happening now every Tuesday (Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26) from 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
- Nature at Night returns (second Friday, January – March) with “Nocturnal Neighbors” on Friday, Jan. 8 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Ever wonder what happens in the night while you are tucked away asleep? Learn about some unknown creatures that like to frequent the nighttime neighborhoods where you live. You’ll have an inside look into the mysterious lives of frogs, nighthawks, opossums, raccoons and other animals that are considered creepy crawlies. Following the presentation, the Oxbow staff will guide participants on the trails looking for signs of nocturnal animals. Participants are encouraged to bring flashlights as long as they have a red lens or translucent red tape over the lens. The cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required.
- The Oxbow’s ”Nature for Families” presents “Amazing Bee Theater” on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Step into the day in the life of a very busy honey bee. Find out how the bees make their deliciously sticky food called honey. Learn about different types of local honey and learn the secret bee language as we try out some bee dances. Participants will even make a fuzzy friend to take home. Appropriate for all ages. Please RSVP. The cost is $3 per person. Admission is non-refundable and seats are limited.
- The Oxbow staff offers a scenic guided kayak tour along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. – noon. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required.
- Naturalist in Florida Training Courses will be offered on Saturday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. by former Oxbow staff member and freelance biologist/environmental education Wren Underwood. This two-part training session will teach students as they explore the Oxbow and the amazing flora and fauna surrounding it. Walk the trails, study the inhabitants and interpret nature. The cost is $50 per person. Pre-registration is required.
- The Oxbow staff will once again be helping with “Party in the Park: Explore-Discover-Protect” on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, 905 Shorewinds Drive. This environmental celebration is a family-event sponsored by the Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County, Friends of the Savannas and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Free entry, free parking and free entertainment. Food and soft drinks are available as fundraiser for the Indian River Keeper, Inlet State Park and St. Lucie 4-H Clubs.
- Weekly guided hikes at the Oxbow continue each Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.
In addition to the various scheduled events, the Oxbow’s trails are open every day from dawn until dusk, while the education center is open Tuesday through Friday from noon – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Oxbow offers a rare glimpse of “the real Florida” with nature trails, boardwalks, observation towers and an interactive environmental learning center.
The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center). For more information call the staff at (772) 785-5833 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow.
