Unwrap the Gift of Nature as St. Lucie County’s Guided Hikes Return  

Unwrap the Gift of Nature as St. Lucie County’s Guided Hikes Return  

1. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department’s award-winning Guided Nature Program series returns this month with socially distanced in-person programs offered on weekdays, weekends, and some evenings. This program is a fun and safe way to explore the local nature preserves. Each program presents a plethora of topics, including native animals and plants, local history, wildlife tracking, becoming an environmental steward, the health benefits of nature, and how to “Leave No Trace,” all while enjoying the great outdoors.

Topics for the December hikes include:

• Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.: Coastlines & Coral Reefs Walk at Ocean Bay Beachside, 7600 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach. Florida has more than 1,300 miles of coastline, more than any other state in the continental United States. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the dune and maritime hammock habitats and learn about the importance of these environments. Once on the beach, we’ll investigate items you may find in the wrack line and discuss coral reefs in depth. This program is perfect for beachgoers who have always been curious about their favorite beach spots.

• Friday, Dec. 18 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.: Welcome to the Weekend Hike at Indrio Savannahs Preserve, 5275 Tozour Road, Fort Pierce. After a stressful week, a refreshing hike in nature to recharge and rejuvenate is the perfect prescription. This is a “fresh air & scenic views” active hike, emphasizing some of the benefits of St. Lucie County’s greenways, wildlife, and gorgeous landscapes.

• Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Stroll Through the Pines at Oxbow Eco-Center, 5400 NE St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie. There’s nothing like the fresh scent of pine to immerse us into the holiday spirit. This season, make time to enjoy the splendor of local evergreen pine species by joining us for a leisurely stroll through the woods.  Participants will explore the Mesic Pine Flatwoods community, meet some special namesakes that call the pinewoods home, and learn about the unique qualities that enable pine communities to dominate Florida’s natural landscape. All are welcome, but this hike is most appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older. An adult must accompany all minors.

• Sunday, Dec. 20 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Serenity Scrub & Lake Hike at Gordy Road Recreation Area, 3636 Gordy Road, Fort Pierce. For those seeking the peace and serenity that nature can provide us in these trying times, experience wildlife and natural habitats through this “silent hike” serenity hike to contemplate our past year through the sights and sounds of nature.

• Sunday, Dec. 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Leaving Only Footprints at Steven J. Fousek Preserve, 8551 Carlton Road, Port St. Lucie. Enjoy another opportunity to explore the beauty of natural Florida while getting the lowdown on Leave No Trace. You will learn the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and explore the many ways to leave only footprints in the natural places we all love.

• Friday, Jan. 1 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Annual New Year’s Day Hike at D.J. Wilcox Preserve, 300 Michigan St., Fort Pierce. Two chances to join a local naturalist for a fun New Year’s Day tradition – the family hike. A wonderful way to ring in the new year by enjoying the fine Florida weather and time with family and neighbors in the community – people and wildlife. Appropriate for ages 10 and older. An adult must accompany all minors.

For more information and to find the link for registration, please visitwww.slchikes.org,  call 772-462-2526 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org.

Programs are usually limited to 15 people helping to allow participants to immerse themselves into the county’s beautiful natural areas. Based on current best practices, and because we cannot guarantee safe social distancing at all times during our hikes or paddles, masks must be worn to participate in one of St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department’s Guided Nature Programs.

Programs target ages 12 and older unless otherwise noted.  All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Proper footwear and water are required for all programs and 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 more information about St. Lucie County’s Environmentally Significant Lands visit: www.stluciepreserves.com.