Things to do in St Lucie County: Oxbow Center
Celebrate Mother Nature at the Oxbow this April.
Earth Day falls in April, but every day is Earth Day at the Oxbow Eco-Center, which is open Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to the Oxbow’s Annual Earth Day Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., there are a number of regular programs offered each month.
Programs planned for April include:
· Oxbow’s Saturday Guided Hikes (April 2, 9, 16) start 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 (April 2, 9, 16, 30) 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 free and appropriate for all ages.
· Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (April 5, 12, 19, 26) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Fridays (April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) 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 Oxbow’s Homeschool Day leaps into “Flying Fun” on Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. Explore aerodynamics by making and demonstrating wind-driven helicopters, planes and balloon rockets. Appropriate for ages 7 and older, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
· Discover the birds of Honduras at the St. Lucie Audubon Society’s monthly lecture on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. Speaker Sam Fried is an accomplished birder who leads birding expeditions all over North and South America. He will be discussing birds that can be found in the Central American country of Honduras. This lecture is free.
· Take a hike and hear a story at Tales & Trails on Thursday, April 14 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.
· Spread your wings and join the Junior Butterfly Club on Thursday, April 21 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.
· The Oxbow’s 12th Annual Earth Day Celebration takes place Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free event features local music, crafts, games, environmental/community organizations and wildlife. Create an animal, plant or ecosystem costume and join our Procession of the Species Parade. Prizes will be given for the best individual and team costumes, youth and adult costumes, and costumes made with the most recycled materials. Or just stop by and visit with the various environmentally-friendly vendors, educational booths and live animal displays.
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.
