OXBOW Eco-Center Announces February Events

The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County’s environmental learning center, has several environmental events scheduled for February.

• “Swamp Tales” continues on a new day – the first Wednesday of each month – Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. This free storytime is appropriate for ages 2 – 6. Selected story: “Ten Little Rabbits” by Virginia Grossman and Sylvia Long.
• Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow’s environmental ambassadors at “Critter Chat” happening every Tuesday (Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) from 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
• The Wake-Up Lecture Series returns Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m. with Larry Wood, who will discuss “The Mysterious Hawkbill Sea Turtle.” Bring a coffee mug and enjoy some delicious bird-friendly coffee during this free lecture. Wood is a conservation biologist with the Palm Beach Zoo, and will share his research and insight on these elusive turtles.
• Nature at Night continues with “An Owl Prowl Extraordinaire” on Friday, Feb. 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Busch Wildlife will be swooping in again this year with their famous owls. This is your chance to learn about these fascinating birds of prey and how they are able to hunt – even in complete darkness. After the presentation staff will be taking some of our feathered friends on a hike to see if we can call in other owls from the wild. Please RSVP. The cost is $5 per person. Admission is non-refundable and seats are limited.
• The Oxbow’s Nature for Families presents “Shark Biology 101″ on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Learn how sharks are built, what they eat, and the important job they do in the environment. Participants will try out some fun activities, make a shark craft, as well as watch cool shark videos. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. 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, Feb. 20 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.
• Weekly guided hikes at the Oxbow continue each Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.
• Be sure to visit the Oxbow Eco-Center’s booth at the Manatee Center’s Nature Fest on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., located at 480 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce.

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.