Learn to Paddle with Purpose at the Oxbow Eco-Center Feb. 20
PORT ST. LUCIE – The Oxbow Eco-Center is partnering with the Florida Paddling Trails Association to host a “Paddle with a Purpose” workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The “Paddle with a Purpose” training course is designed to make sure people paddling local waters “do no harm.” This full-day training session will focus on knowledge of Florida’s environment and wildlife; how to interact with nature; gear needed to monitor and report environmental problems; and taking a proactive approach to helping the environment.
The course is open to all levels of paddlers. The cost is $25, with a special rate of $5 for members of the Florida Paddling Trails Association. Consisting of both classroom and on-the-water training, students will need to bring their own boat, as well as personal floatation devices (PFD).
Following the classroom session at the Oxbow’s education center, students will launch into the North Fork of the St. Lucie River from White City Park, 2018 W. Midway Road, Fort Pierce. Handouts will include a wildlife guide for Florida’s plants and animals; a “Who Do You Call List” for problems you might encounter on the water; a page of references to find resources to answer your questions; a “Stewards of Florida Paddling Trails” patch for your PFD and more.
Interested parties should register and pay online at www.floridapaddlingtrails.com. Click on “FPTA Store” on the top menu and then “FPTA Events.” For information regarding the Paddle with a Purpose training and other paddling-related programming, contact John Corzine at johncorzine@yahoo.com or call 585-455-6989.
Located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive in Port St. Lucie, the Oxbow Eco-Center is a St. Lucie County Environmental Learning Center on 225 acres of land on the St. Lucie River. To learn more visit www.oxboweco.com or call us at 772-785-5833.
