PORT ST. LUCIE – Several new educational programs are being offered along with popular monthly standards at the Oxbow Eco-Center this November. 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 November include:
- Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (Nov. 3, 10, 27, 24) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (Nov. 6, 13, 20) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Tuesdays (Nov. 3, 10, 27, 24) at 6:30 p.m. and Fridays (Nov. 6, 13, 20) at 10:45 a.m. Note: No classes on Friday, Nov. 27 – due to the Thanksgiving holiday. 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.
- Saturday Guided Hikes (Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28) return on Nov 7 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 (Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28) 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.
- The new program Nature’s Classroom covers “My Senses Tell Me” on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. Explore a special part of the Oxbow Eco-Center and learn about plants, nature, and green living through hand-on activities. Sharpen your observation skills and other senses and create a journal as you explore the sights and sounds of the Oxbow. Appropriate for ages 7-12, the cost is $25 for the series (Nov.-March) or $6 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The Homeschool Hooper Series digs into Decomposers on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a five-week series at five different environmental centers. Appropriate for ages 7-12, the cost is $25 for the series or $7 per class. Pre-registration is required: Call the Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.
- The St. Lucie Audubon Society’s monthly lecture will focus on the county’s “Platt’s Creek Project” on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Join St. Lucie County biologists as they discuss the Platt’s Creek mitigation project, and the fantastic birding spot that has been created there as part of this resource enhancement project. This lecture is free.
- The Jr. Oxbow Explorers investigate “Invasive Species with Jerry” on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Did you know you could have an alien invader spying on you in your own backyard? Mr. Jerry will have some of his animals on hand to help you learn about some of Florida’s invasive and exotic species. 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, Nov. 12 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.
- The new Garden Buds programs blooms on Friday, Nov. 13 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 $20 for the series (November – April) or $5 per class, Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Pop, Rock & Roll digs into Sedimentary Rocks on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m. This new program will 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 $15 for the series (November – January) or $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, Nov. 19 at 3:30 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 $25 for an annual membership (October – May) or $5 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The monthly art class gets in the holiday spirit with “Pop-up 3D Holiday Cards” on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. Learn to make beautiful collage cards that can be given as gifts or framed for your wall. Use nature’s own designs to get inspired. 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.
- Discover what goes “hoot” in the night with a Night Hike “Owl Prowl” on Friday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Let the full moon illuminate your leisurely hike as you search and listen for the natives of the night. Barred, great horned, screech and barn owls might be some of the species you will hear and see silently swooping through the wilds of the Oxbow. Appropriate for 10 and older, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Calling all early birds! Take a Sunrise Hike at the Oxbow on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 a.m. and work off that holiday feast. There’s no better way to start the day than watching the wildlife wake up with you. Take a peaceful guided hike through the natural beauty of the forest. Feel free to bring your camera, binoculars, or just enjoy the moment without extra technology. Appropriate for ages 10 and older, the hike is free.
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.
