Bring the family and explore with St. Lucie County’s Department of Environmental Resources through the award-winning series of guided nature programs.
- Bring the family and explore with St. Lucie County’s Department of Environmental Resources through the award-winning series of guided nature programs.
- Scheduled programs for November include:
- Friday, November 1, 6 to 8 p.m.:
- Saturday, November 2, 8 to 9:30 a.m.:
- Saturday, November 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 6, 8 to 10 a.m.
- Friday, November 8, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Saturday, November 9, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Saturday, November 9, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
- Friday, November 15, 9 to 11:30 a.m.:
- Saturday, November 16, 9:45 to 11:45 p.m.:
- Saturday, November 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, November 17, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.:
- Wednesday, November 20, 8 to 10 a.m.:
- Saturday, November 23, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, November 23, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Thanks to St. Lucie County voters, there are over 12,000 acres of land protected for you to discover the outdoors.
Scheduled programs for November include:
Friday, November 1, 6 to 8 p.m.:
Ultraviolet Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve. As day turns to night, human vision shifts from color tones to sepia tones. But what might other species see in white light and darkness? A look at the ultraviolet light spectrum reveals colors and sights otherwise hidden from human eyes. Minimum age 12.
Saturday, November 2, 8 to 9:30 a.m.:
Water, Water Everywhere Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve. Come and learn about the beauty of Florida’s aquatic environments. This hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve will take you to a beautiful overlook. This water view will serve as the backdrop for our talk on our coastal ecosystems, including the Indian River Lagoon, its beaches, and the neighboring Atlantic Ocean. Minimum age 12.
Saturday, November 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
– Butterfly Bliss Trail Walk at Citrus Hammock Preserve. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of butterflies as we stroll through a short walk at Citrus Hammock Preserve filled with these delicate and colorful creatures, and learn about their life cycle and behaviors. Minimum age 4.
Saturday, November 2, 9 to 11:30 a.m. – Paddle the Meanders of Evolution at Petravice Family Preserve. Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the St. Lucie River, where we’ll discuss the history and hydrology of the river’s meanders. Enjoy wildlife and a moment of tranquility on the river as we paddle south and explore two meanders. Minimum age 10.
Wednesday, November 6, 8 to 10 a.m.
– Early Bird Hike at Indrio Savannahs Preserve. Indrio Savannahs Preserve is home to numerous bird species. Test your luck and see how many species you can spot. From the common mourning dove and crested woodpecker to the threatened Florida scrub-jay, check off some new bird species on your life list. Be sure to bring your binoculars. Minimum age 12.
Friday, November 8, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
– Birdwatching Excursion at Jones Hammock Preserve. It’s a bird-only hike along a secluded wetland and river in this preserve, adjacent to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Prolific residents and migratory birds are drawn to the site’s abundant food supply. This morning hike will surely impress you with birds, wildflowers, and perhaps even an alligator sighting. Minimum age 12.
Saturday, November 9, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
– The Tree Predator: Florida Strangler Fig Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. This beautiful and seemingly harmless tree has a dark and cunning side that conspires against its neighbors. We’ll visit one of its “stalking grounds,” see the many forms of the fig, and learn about the unique adaptations of the Florida strangler fig that make it successful in Florida’s hammock forests. Minimum age 12.
Saturday, November 9, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
– Paddle at Five Mile Creek at Richard E. Becker Preserve. We’ll take an expedition south from Becker Preserve to Five Mile Creek, where we’ll explore this small tributary of the St. Lucie River system. Observe how the water clarity changes as we move along Five Mile Creek. We’ll discuss the mixing of water in our river systems. Minimum age 10.
Friday, November 15, 9 to 11:30 a.m.:
Paddle North to White City at Petravice Family Preserve. A relaxing paddle along the St. Lucie River north to White City Park and beyond. A perfect trip to explore the flora and fauna of our local waterway. It’s always a great place to see some wading birds. Minimum age 10.
Saturday, November 16, 9:45 to 11:45 p.m.:
Unveiling Vines Hike at George LeStrange Preserve. This hike takes you on a journey through lush and vibrant wildlife, where you’ll encounter a multitude of fascinating plants. Vines will weave their way among the trees as we progress along a 1.5-mile hike at George LeStrange. Minimum age 4.
Saturday, November 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
– Beaver Moon Night Hike at Walton Scrub Preserve. Tradition says the “beaver moon” was named by Native peoples due to the intense activity observed as North Florida beavers were busy building their winter dams.
Florida’s largest native rodent reminds us that the dry season is approaching, with the bright moonlight illuminating our path as we explore ecosystems at night, listening and watching for the wild “night shift” around us. Minimum age 10.
Sunday, November 17, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.:
It’s “Take a Hike Day” at Lake Indrio Preserve. Since the 1870s, American historical figures like John Muir, Frederick Olmstead, and others helped shape our idea of walking for pleasure, leisure, and connection with nature. With the establishment of the National Trails System in 1965, Americans had more recreational areas to explore hiking and reconnect with the environment. This hike is an opportunity for us to celebrate the evolution of hiking within our society, where Florida’s robust ecotourism offerings play a significant role. Minimum age 12.
Wednesday, November 20, 8 to 10 a.m.:
Forest and Water Hike at Oxbow Preserve. Enjoy the serenity of the forest and water as you explore the pine forests and freshwater swamps of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Minimum age 12.
Saturday, November 23, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
– Top-Secret Themed Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve. Wondering what this hike is about? To find out, come and join us. We’ll enjoy a morning stroll through the tranquil Donald B. Moore Preserve. Our hike will eventually lead us to an observation tower, where we’ll admire the beauty of our lagoon. Let your curiosity be your guide and enjoy the mystery. Minimum age 12.
Saturday, November 23, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
– Beginner Kayak Class at Petravice Family Preserve. New to kayaking? This is the perfect opportunity for those who have never paddled before and those who want to increase their basic paddling knowledge and skills. You’ll learn about different types/styles of kayaks and paddles, as well as basic techniques and safety requirements for paddling in Florida. Minimum age 10.
Visit www.SLChikes.org to register. For more information, call Environmental Resources staff at 772-462-2536 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org.
Nature hikes are free; however, reservations are required and space is limited. Kayak paddles cost $20 per person with all equipment included. Reservations are required and space is limited.
The Guided Nature Program season runs from October through June. There are various themes, locations, and distances, all designed for different ages and abilities.
Acquired through a voter-approved bond referendum, St. Lucie County manages over 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.
Image: SL
