Oxbow Eco-Center
Unwrap the Gift of Nature at the Oxbow Eco-Center This December
PORT ST. LUCIE – There are plenty of holiday surprises at the Oxbow Eco-Center this December. The center is open Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Oxbow Eco-Center will be closed Friday, Dec. 25 and Saturday, Dec. 26.
Programs planned for December include:
- Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (Dec. 4, 11, 18) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Fridays (Dec. 4, 11, 18) at 10:45 a.m. Note: No classes on Friday, Dec. 25 – due to the Christmas 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.
- Oxbow’s Saturday Guided Hikes (Dec. 5, 12, 19) 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 (Dec. 5, 12, 19) 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 Oxbow’s Homeschool Day turns trash into treasure with a “Holiday Ornament” art class on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. Students will create some unique new ornaments and decorations from recycled materials. These little masterpieces also make great gifts for friends and family. Treasure Coast Art Association will be teaching this fun class. The cost is $10 per student which includes all supplies. Appropriate for ages 6-12, Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The St. Lucie Audubon Society’s monthly lecture is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. with Margaret England sharing 10 years of wetland tours at the Hendry and Glades Counties Stormwater Treatment Areas, and the abundance of birds that utilize these areas. This lecture is free.
- The Jr. Oxbow Explorers ignites a hot topic as it focuses on fire Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. Explorers will journey into the forest and learn how Preserve Rangers keep the forest in tip-top shape and see some of the cool equipment they use. Appropriate for ages 5 and older, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The Oxbow Eco-Center is partnering with the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County and ONE Treasure Coast to host a 3K Hike on Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at 1 p.m. in recognition of World AIDS Day. This free hike is open to all ages and is an effort to help raise awareness, elevate knowledge toward prevention, and provide community support for those families along the Treasure Coast who struggle with this disease. While the hike is free, registration is required by signing up electronically at https://www.onetreasurecoast.org.
- Nature’s Classroom cuts through the pulp to focus on trees on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Go on a nature walk to identify different types of trees. Use leaves, bark, twigs, and fallen seeds to identify native trees and learn about their lifecycles. Appropriate for ages 7-12, the cost is $6 per class). Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Tales & Trails takes place Thursday, Dec. 10 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 program blooms on Friday, Dec. 11 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.
- Need a gift idea? Check out the “Jewelry Making” Art Class on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. Become your own jewelry designer and learn to make your favorite pieces by joining the Oxbow’s Jewelry Class. This class teaches all the techniques of beading and jewelry making to create earrings, necklaces and more. Appropriate for ages 13 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 slips into Coquina on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 2:00 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, Dec. 17 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.
