The Oxbow Eco-Center Welcomes Fall with Events for October

PORT ST. LUCIE – The Oxbow Eco-Center welcomes the fall season with a variety of events and programs for the entire family. Additionally, 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 October include:

Visit the Oxbow’s animal ambassadors every Saturday (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28) 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.

Vibrio Bacteria in the Indian River Lagoon
St. Lucie Audubon Society presents “Vibrio Bacteria in the Indian River Lagoon and Their Threat to Human Health” on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Sharp hooks, spines and teeth are some of the dangers that sport fishermen are aware of. Their biggest threat, however, may be from something they are unable to see! Bacteria of the genus Vibrio are natural inhabitants of coastal waters and are a potential human health hazard. Dr. Gabrielle Barbarite of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute will discuss her study of this bacteria in the Indian River Lagoon.

Need help with your entry for Procession? Get “Advice from an Artist” Saturday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. Interested in the Procession of the Species but need help with your entry? Leading up to the celebration local artists will be available to help you find inspiration, tackle a tricky project or just provide their knowledge and expertise. For details on the Procession visitwww.stlucieprocession.com.

Join Ms. Phyllis for Tales and Trails on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 3 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. ]

Oxbow’s Volunteer Open House

Want to give back to your community? Stop by the Oxbow’s Volunteer Open House on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. and learn how you can give back to your community and share your love for nature. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, share your own unique skills, make new friends, or get your hands dirty there’s plenty of opportunity to make a diﬀerence.

Dirty Hands Day

The Oxbow’s Dirty Hands Day returns Saturday, Oct. 21 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.

The Art of Jewelry Making
The Art of Jewelry Making takes place Saturday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. You know what you like when it comes to jewelry, so why not become your own designer? Learn to make a truly unique gift for yourself or someone you love with long-time Oxbow volunteer Bobbie Richards. Richards has been designing and selling home-made jewelry for many years. Appropriate for ages 13 and older, the cost is $25 and includes all supplies. Space is limited, so reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
Take aim at the Oxbow’s Archery Open Range (for Explore Archery participants only) on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. From the Olympics to national tournaments and local clubs, archery offers extracurricular fun for all ages while helping to build strength, endurance, and mental focus. The Oxbow offers two archery courses, Explore Archery and Open Range. Explore Archery is a mandatory introductory course to be eligible for Open Range.

The classes are offered on a rotating monthly basis. 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 on the range. Reservations are required: 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.