Oxbow
PORT ST. LUCIE – Make visiting the Oxbow Eco-Center part of your New Year’s Resolution. The center is open Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Programs planned for January include:
- Oxbow’s Saturday Guided Hikes (Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) continue, starting at 9 a.m. Enjoy a guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow and be enriched with the biodiversity this preserve has to offer. Appropriate for all ages.
- Stop in each Saturday (Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) at 3 p.m. and bring something to snack on for the Oxbow’s Critter Crunch and Munch. Watch the Oxbow’s animal ambassadors enjoy their favorite time of day: Meal-time! This interactive opportunity is appropriate for all ages.
- Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Fridays (Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) at 10:45 a.m. Note: Described as the ‘perfect exercise,’ Tai Chi for Health and Tai Chi Yang Form are designed for young and old alike, physically fit or challenged and especially good for those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and balance issues. Classes are taught by instructors Hilde and Hector Ruiz-Puyana. Appropriate for ages 16 and older, the cost is $10 per class or $32 for four classes. Reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Nature’s Classroom digs into “Plant Seeds” on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. Plant a seed and discover how life begins and matures, blossoms and recycles. Appropriate for ages 7-12, the cost is $6 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The Oxbow’s Homeschool Day goes “Down on the Farm” on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. Students will learn where their food comes from, different forms of gardening, and have an exciting hands-on experience with farms animals. The 4-H ZEP Farm is just north of Okeechobee Road off Kings Highway and is completely outdoors so please wear weather appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes. Address and directions will be sent to you upon confirmation. Appropriate for ages 4-12, Pre-registration is required: 772-462-1660 or carleymiranda@ufl.edu.
- The St. Lucie Audubon Society’s monthly lecture features The Kissimmee Prairie with Dr. Paul Gray on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Join ornithologist Dr. Gray and learn about the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow and other birds of the Kissimmee Prairie. This lecture is free.
- The Garden Buds program blooms on Friday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. as preschoolers discover the amazing world of seasons and plants! Join us each month as we explore the ever-changing garden. Appropriate for ages 2-5, the cost is $6 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The Jr. Oxbow Explorers check out “Crocodilian Species” on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. Learn about the ancient crocodilian order, which includes crocodiles, alligators and caimans, and meet Mr. Jerry’s animal ambassadors. Appropriate for ages 5 and older, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Tales & Trails takes place Thursday, Jan. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Join Ms. Phyllis for a storytime adventure; then take a hike in our butterfly garden or down the boardwalk to see what kinds of animals you can spot. Each month the story changes, but the fun never stops. This free event is appropriate for ages 2-6.
- What to get rid of those pine needles? Turn them into art on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Transform nature into art by coiling pine needles from the forest floor to create beautiful baskets. Treasure Coast Art Association teams up with Oxbow to present this fun, nature-inspired, art class crafting Pine Needle Baskets. Appropriate for ages 10 and older, the cost is $20 per person and includes supplies. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Pop, Rock & Roll cracks into limestone on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. Delight your senses as you discover what rocks, soil, and music have in common. Explore and handle a variety of rocks, learn how soil is created, and use natural materials to make your own musical instruments or art pieces. Appropriate for ages 7-12, the cost is $6 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Spread your wings and join the Junior Butterfly Club on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. Become part of the Oxbow’s Junior Butterfly Club and learn about butterflies, other wildlife, and gardening while gaining great leadership and team-building skills. Designed for ages 5-15, the cost is $5 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
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 Eco-Center is located at 5400 NE 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.oxboweco.com.
