Celebrate Earth Day All Month at the Oxbow Eco-Center this April
The staff at the Oxbow Eco-Center thinks every day should be Earth Day, so there are a number of activities this month leading up to the center’s big celebration on Saturday, April 29. 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 April include:
· The Oxbow’s Saturday Guided Hikes (April 1, 8, 15) continue almost every Saturday at 9 a.m. Enjoy a guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow. Be enriched with the biodiversity. Appropriate for all ages.
Tai Chi
· Tai Chi for Health classes on Fridays (April 7, 14, 21) at 10:30 a.m. The ‘perfect exercise,’ Tai Chi for Health is designed for young and old alike, physically fit or challenged. It is 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 $12 per class or $40 for four classes (pre-paid). There is a 20 percent discount for couples. Reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
Critter Crunch and Munch
· Visit the Oxbow’s animal ambassadors every Saturday (April 1, 8, 15, 22) 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.
“Audubon Jay Watch
· St. Lucie Audubon Society presents “Audubon Jay Watch: A Citizen Science Program” on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. The Audubon Florida Jay Watch is a citizen science program that uses volunteers to conduct field surveys of Florida Scrub-Jays. Eva Ries will discuss the program and describe how Jay Watch tracks the nesting success and population of Florida Scrub-Jays at this free event.
Costume Making Workshop
· Find your animal spirit at the Costume Making Workshop on Saturday, April 8 and 15 at 10 a.m. You will be guided through the process of building and decorating your custom creation. Then you can show off during the Procession of the Species parade. It will be at Oxbow’s 13th Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 29. The workshop is for ages 10 and older. The cost is $5 per person. This includes supplies. Reservations are required:
Call 772-785-5833 or email oxbow@stlucieco.org.
Tales & Trails
Join Ms. Phyllis for Tales & Trails on Thursday, April 13 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.
Oxbow’s Dirty Hands Day
· Get prepped for Earth Day at the Oxbow’s Dirty Hands Day. It will be on Saturday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. to noon. 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 in their community through environmental stewardship. This program is appropriate for all ages; however, those ages 18 and under will need to have guardian supervision.
archery
· Take aim at the Oxbow’s archery program on Saturday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m. Explore Archery offers extracurricular fun for all ages. It also helps to build strength, endurance, and mental focus. 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. This program is for ages 10 and older. All participants 15 years old and younger must have a guardian present. The cost is $10 per person for anyone planning to participate on the range (shoot bows).
Reservations are required.
You can call 772-785-5833 or email oxbow@stlucieco.org.
Oxbow’s Earth Day Festival
· Be a part of something truly unique and extraordinary, by joining the Oxbow’s Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This Earth Day Festival is our largest event and is designed with the whole community in mind. The goal is to create a free festival that reflects our citizens, our leadership, our history and our future.
How is the Earth Day Festival at the Oxbow unique? As with many festivals, there will be dozens of science, research and conservation organizations with fun and interactive activities to engage visitors in learning about the natural world around them. In addition, we invite other community organizations that provide resources and opportunities for all people. All of this is designed to reflect our strong and caring community. Don’t miss the music of Ben Prestage, live animal exhibits, and much more. Visit or Facebook event’s page and tell us you plan to attend and invite your friends: https://www.facebook.com/pg/StLucieGOV/events.
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.
