PORT ST. LUCIE — The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County’s environmental learning center, has several events scheduled for January, including an owl prowl, guided hikes and naturalist training.

The Oxbow’s newest program “Swamp Tales” returns Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Jan. 27. This free story time starts at 11 a.m., runs for one hour, and is appropriate for ages 2 to 6.

Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow’s environmental ambassadors at “Critter Chat” from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Jan. 6 and Jan. 20. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.

The Oxbow staff offers a scenic guided kayak tour along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 17. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the backside of the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Children ages 5 to 7 are free. Pre-registration is required.

The Oxbow’s “Nature for Families” presents “Adaptations” from 12:30 to 3 p.m Jan. 10. From bird beaks to turtle feet, explore what gives some animals an advantage in the wild. We will meet some natives and discover the amazing ways animals and plants adapt to their environment in this interactive game-filled program. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. The cost is $3 per person. Admission is non-refundable and seats are limited. Please RSVP.

The Oxbow offers “Naturalist Training” on from noon to 4 p.m Jan. 24 and 31. This course is designed for nature enthusiasts who are interested in learning more about our diverse flora and fauna. The course covers basic ecological principles, local flora and fauna and interpretation techniques. Instruction will take place both inside the center and along the trails. All participants are urged to bring water, a hat and good walking shoes. Space is limited. The cost is $30 and participants must be 16 years old to attend.

The “Nature at Night” series returns from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Jan. 30 with an “Owl Prowl.” With help from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary meet some of Florida’s native owls, then hike the Oxbow’s trails to see if you can see these creatures of the night in their native habitat. Be sure to sign up early as these programs are popular and often sell-out ahead of time. Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance either on-site or by phone with a Visa or MasterCard. Tickets are non-refundable, but may be transferred to other individuals.

The Oxbow’s weekly guided hikes take place every at 10 a.m. every Saturday. Join an Oxbow naturalist as they lead visitors along a series of trails, teaching hikers about the plants and animals encountered along the way. These hikes are free, but space is limited so please RSVP.

The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive. For more information call the staff at 772-785-5833 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow.

Tags: environment, Oxbow

This entry was posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 at 4:16 pm and is filed under Community events, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.