Bicycle Iguana-thon at Savannas Recreation Area June 24

Bicycle Iguana-thon at Savannas Recreation Area June 24

LUCIE COUNTY – The UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, in conjunction with the St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation Department, will be conducting the Bicycle Iguana-thon at Savannas Recreation Area. Participants will ride along the paved trail on the lookout for iguanas and native wildlife such as American alligators, birds and mammals.

This noncompetitive biking adventure will be conducted on Saturday, June 24 from 8 to a.m., beginning at the ranger station at the Savannas Recreation Area and Campground, 1400 Midway Road in Fort Pierce. (Please note this is not the Savannas off Walton Road.)

The Savannas Recreation Area is home to native wildlife such as gopher tortoises, alligators, hawks, sandhill cranes, eagles, egrets, otters, turtles and many other species. Unfortunately, nonnative reptiles can be found in many of our community’s natural areas including the Savannas. Extension Agent Ken Gioeli will lead this biking excursion in search of nonnative wildlife such as iguana along with Wendy Clark of St. Lucie County’s Parks and Recreation Department. This program is designed to combine bicycling and wildlife watching.

Preregistration is required. This noncompetitive event is open to campers at Savannas Recreation Area as well as Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, 4H’ers and the general public.  Bring your own bike.  We will ride the paved trail which is approximately four-miles round trip.  Bring water, snacks, binoculars, hat and sunscreen.  A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted, fastened securely and meets the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. We will have to turn away any riders under 16 who do not meet these state safety requirements.

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. People seeking accommodations can make requests two weeks prior to start of the event.

What:                                  Bicycle Iguana-thon

Hosts:                                  Ken Gioeli and Wendy Clark

When:                                 Saturday, June 24 from 8 to 9 a.m.

Where:                                Savannas Recreation Area, 1400 Midway Road, Fort Pierce

Registration:                       Required:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/629382157977

Cost:                                    Free

Information:                       Ken Gioeliktgioeli@ufl.edu