Oxbow
PORT ST. LUCIE – The Oxbow Eco-Center has a variety of environmental education opportunities throughout February. The 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 this month include:
- Oxbow’s Saturday Guided Hikes (Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27) 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 (Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27) 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.
- Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Fridays (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26) at 10:45 a.m. 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.
- The St. Lucie Audubon Society’s monthly lecture focuses on Birding with David Simpson on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Join the local Audubon society to enjoy a fantastic bird-related presentation with master birder David Simpson. This lecture is free.
- The Jr. Oxbow Explorers check out “Native Mammals with Jerry” on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. Learn about the mammals that call Florida their home. Get up close and personal with some of Florida’s native mammals and gain an appreciation for the role they play in the environment. Bring your camera for an unforgettable program. Appropriate for ages 5 and older, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Nature’s Classroom cracks into “Eggs” on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. The egg is where life begins for some of our native wildlife. Discover which of Oxbow’s animals lay eggs. Appropriate for ages 7-12, the cost is $6 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Take a hike and hear a story at Tales & Trails on Thursday, Feb. 11 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 Garden Buds program blooms on Friday, Feb. 12 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 $5 per class. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Tap into your inner “Katniss” or “Hawkeye” as the Oxbow presents Families Exploring Archery on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This introduction to recreational archery includes a classroom session and range time. This is a family event for both adults and children 8 and older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $5 for anyone planning to participate on the range (shoot bows). Space is limited to 18 people, so pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift – Try the Oxbow’s Art Class Jewelry and Decorative Pulls on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. Become your own designer and learn to make handcrafted beaded jewelry designs by joining the Oxbow’s Jewelry Class. This class teaches all the techniques of beading and jewelry making to create earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or decorative fan/light pulls. 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.
- Spread your wings and join the Junior Butterfly Club on Thursday, Feb. 18 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.
- Learn how to “Paint Watercolor Irises” on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Learn the art of painting with artist Sandy Evoy of the Treasure Coast Art Association. Ms. Evoy will walk students through an exquisite painting, provide special tips on palette choices and color mixing, and introduce a fun and easy method for layering their work. Appropriate for ages 10 and older, the cost is $20 per person and includes supplies. 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.
