Outdoor Fun Sprouting at the Oxbow Eco-Center this March
PORT ST. LUCIE – There are plenty of environmental activities and outdoor learning sprouting up at the Oxbow Eco-Center this March. The Oxbow’s trails are open daily during daylight hours and the education 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 March include:
- Tours of the Oxbow continue every Saturday through April 14 at 11 a.m. and include a brief history of the 225-acre property, an introduction to our exhibit hall, a walk through the gardens and a short stroll through our beautiful preserve. These 30-minute tours are designed for people of all ages and abilities, and are free of charge. Drop-ins are encouraged; no reservations required.
- Visit the Oxbow’s animal ambassadors every Saturday (March 3, 10, 24, 31) at 3 p.m. with Critter Crunch and Munch. Watch the Oxbow’s inhabitants enjoy their favorite time of day: Meal-time. This interactive opportunity is free and appropriate for all ages.
- The Oxbow’s Naturalists Series continues Friday, March 2 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Interpretation: Live Green and Prosper. Perhaps Aldo Leopold, often considered the father of ecology and environmental ethics, said it best: “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
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The final session of the Oxbow’s Naturalist Series looks at environmental ethics with a focus on how we, individually and collectively, use resources. Through interpretive hikes and presentations, we’ll discuss ways that each of us can lessen our ‘footprint’ by making better choices while still enjoying the natural world to its fullest potential. The cost is $30 per course, but free for active Oxbow volunteers. Reservations required. Designed for ages 15 and older, registration is required at: 772-785-5833 oroxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Join Ms. Phyllis for Tales and Trails on Thursday, March 8 at 3:30 p.m. Appropriate for ages 2-6, this free storytime adventure is followed by a hike in the butterfly garden or down the boardwalk to see what kinds of animals you can spot.
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The Junior Oxbow Explorers step outside for an Environmental Action Day on Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. Where does all our trash go? How can we protect endangered species? How do we keep our rivers clean? Come learn the answers in an activity-filled day of learning and play as we tackle some of the environmental issues facing our community…and world. Programs are designed for ages 8-12. The cost is $5 per participant. Reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Tap into your artistic side with the Hidden Beauty Upcycled Art Series: Upcycled Jewelry on Saturday, March 10 at 9 a.m. Recycling is one of the best ways that individuals can help protect their environment in their daily lives. But, with a little creativity and guidance, upcycling can be so much more. This workshop is designed to encourage looking at everyday discardable objects in a different way and make a beautiful earrings, necklaces or bracelets out of them. Appropriate for ages 12 and older, the cost is $35 and includes all supplies. Space is limited, so reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. This workshop runs from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Learn how you can be a Hero to the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon with the Oxbow’s Homeschool Discover Day: River Rescue on Friday, March 16 at 10 a.m. The Oxbow will partner with research organizations to bring you this very informative and interactive workshop. Participants will move through learning stations on watershed issues, living shorelines, citizen science projects and more. Program starts at 10 a.m. and may run until 1 p.m., so please bring a lunch. Best for ages 8-12, but older children are welcome to join us as well. Younger children are welcome with one-on-one parent participation. The cost is $5 per participant. Reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The Oxbow’s Dirty Hands Day continues on Saturday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m. Plant a tree, pull some weeds, clear a trail and get your hands dirty at the Oxbow Eco-Center. This volunteer opportunity is designed for community groups or individuals who are looking to make a difference through environmental stewardship. Open to all ages, but participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless they are a current Oxbow volunteer.
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Strike out into a new hobby with Explore Archery on Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m. Instruction will include a classroom session and outdoor range time. Please bring a bagged lunch, water bottle, closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing for Florida weather. These programs are for adults and children ages 10 and older. All participants under 15 years of age must have a guardian present. The cost is $10 per person for anyone planning to participate in the range. Registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Take a walk on a Spring Birding Hike on Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 a.m. Join Florida Master Naturalist and experienced birder, Roy Netherton, on an early morning birding adventure. Become acquainted with Oxbow’s avian residents while also searching for rare spring migrants. Please be aware this hike will start early to have the best chance of seeing birds. Ages 15 and older. Registration is required for this free event: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
Situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Eco-Center, 5400 NE St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie, offers a rare glimpse of “the real Florida” with nature trails, boardwalks, observation towers and an interactive environmental learning center. For more information call the Oxbow staff at 772-785-5833 or visit: www.oxboweco.com.