Spring Into St. Lucie County’s Preserves this March
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FORT PIERCE – There’s no better time to be outdoors in Florida than March. Take advantage of our wonderful weather by signing up for the various educational nature series provided by volunteers and staff from St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department.
These free programs give participants an opportunity to explore some of the nearly 50 miles of hiking trails that are located throughout the county’s 11,000 acres of Environmentally Significant Lands.
The March Nature Series features:
· Friday, March 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. – Introduction to Paddle Boarding at George LeStrange Preserve, 4911 Ralls Road, Fort Pierce. If you are new to Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or missed previous classes – then this beginner SUP class is for you. Paddleboarding has become of one of the most popular ways to explore the local waterways and is a great way to get a workout.
During this short class, participants will learn all about this sport’s equipment, different beginner paddle strokes, paddleboard safety, and how to safely get onto and off the board. This introductory class or previous paddleboard experience will be a requirement for future St. Lucie County guided paddleboard tours. Paddleboards with ankle leash, paddle, and personal floatation device will be provided to participants at no charge. Reservations are a must as space is limited.
· Sunday, March 6 from 9 to 10 a.m. – Simply Symbiotic Hike at DJ Wilcox Preserve, 300 Michigan St., Fort Pierce. Explore the world of symbiosis during this short hike though a beautiful hydric hammock. Discover how some of Florida’s plants and animals have an intricately woven relationships whether good, bad or just neutral. Appropriate for all ages; however, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
· Saturday, March 12 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – On Higher Ground Hike at Walton Scrub Preserve, 10809 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce.
Hikers will have the opportunity to experience a remarkable place: Coastal uplands just yards from the Indian River Lagoon. Start your morning with a visit to the sandy ecosystem and learn about its native plants and animals, as well as exotics which have moved into the park. A local naturalist explores oak species, flowering plants, and animal life existing in a dry, sometimes “otherworldly” habitat so near the life-giving waters of the lagoon.
· Saturday, March 19 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. – Feathered Friends Hike at Sweetwater Hammock, 4100 South 25th Street, Fort Pierce. Florida is a spring and summer migration destination for our feathered friends. Join a naturalist in this wooded, riverside preserve to explore resident and migratory bird life at its best. We’ll be looking and listening for birds as well as resident reptiles and mammals in the woods and at the shoreline. One of the county’s smaller and interesting preserves, Sweetwater Hammock offers an easy, flat route especially suitable for children and seniors. Appropriate for all ages; however, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
· Sunday, March 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Succession of a Homestead Hike at DJ Wilcox Preserve, 300 Michigan St., Fort Pierce. The town of Indrio was once a mecca for adventurous pioneers who flocked to this area in search of land and new opportunities. Enjoy a hike through this beautiful hammock of live oak and cabbage palm, discover the history of the land and what historians believe unfolded in this very spot and the pioneering spirit this land invoked.
· Monday, March 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Tree Trivia Hike at Ancient Oaks Preserve/Weldon B. Lewis Park, 4650 Oleander Ave., Fort Pierce. What trees are the longest lived? Monoecious or dioecious and what is the difference? Learn about these and other fun facts about the preserve’s tallest woody vegetation. Discover the adaptations that separate and help ID tree species during this amusing hike through the hammock.
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Wednesday, March 23 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. – Full Moon Lagoon Paddle at DJ Wilcox Preserve, 300 Michigan St., Fort Pierce
. Enjoy a leisurely paddle through the moon-kissed waters of the Indian River Lagoon. While searching for the beautiful bioluminescence you will also enjoy how the wildlife around interacts with the fall of night. Kayaks, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, and paddles provided (you may also provide your own equipment if desired).
Online registration will not be available for this event. Please call 772-462-2526 to reserve your space. Reservations are a must. While this event is free, a credit card is required to hold the spot – in case of no-shows.
· Thursday, March 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Whoooo Gives a Hoot! Night Hike at the Steven J. Fousek Preserve, 8551 Carlton Road, Port St. Lucie. Owls, superstars of the rapture world, are active mostly in the nighttime hours. Join us to go “owling,” during a nighttime walk designed to learn about this raptor and other wildlife active during the evening hours.
· Friday, March 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Animal Tracking 101 at Sheraton Scrub Preserve, 2222 North 41st St., Fort Pierce.
Join us to learn what to watch for on your family hiking excursions. Scat, tracks, nests and dens: These clues will intrigue the youngest of minds to explore nature. Appropriate for all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
· Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Adventure on the North Fork Full-Day Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve, 3398 Selvitz Road, Fort Pierce.
Explore the history and beauty of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This will be an all-day paddle, so bring your lunch and plenty of water as this will be a fairly advanced adventure. Details will be provided to registered participants prior to the scheduled date. Kayaks, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, and paddles provided (you may also provide your own equipment if desired). Online registration will not be available for this event. Please call 772-462-2526 to reserve your space. Reservations are a must. While this event is free, a credit card is required to hold the spot – in case of no-shows.
These educational programs are free, but space is limited, so registration is required. For more information and to register, contact the Environmental Resources Department at 772-577-3562; email Thompsonam@stlucieco.org or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd.
These hikes are geared toward ages 12 and older, unless otherwise noted. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Proper footwear and water are required for all programs. Please leave pets at home.
Purchased through a voter-approved bond referendum, St. Lucie County manages more than two dozen preserves that are open to the public for passive recreation. For a list of all St. Lucie County parks and preserves visit the interactive map at https://gis.stlucieco.gov/parkspreserves.
