Spooky spiders, slithering snakes and other creepy crawlers are the focus at the Oxbow Eco-Center this October. The center is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Programs planned for October include:
Programs planned for October include:
- Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Tuesdays (Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27) at 6:30 p.m. and Fridays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) 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.
- Stop in each Saturday 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 appropriate for all ages.
- The Oxbow and the Audubon focus on “Partnering for the Birds” on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. When the Oxbow Eco-Center opened its doors 15 years ago, St. Lucie Audubon was there as a strategic partner to help develop programs and support for the center’s mission. Join Oxbow Eco-Center Coordinator Sandra Bogan as she discusses the history of the Oxbow, the enduring Oxbow-Audubon relationship, and some of the programs being planned for the new season. This lecture is free.
- The inaugural Music in the Woods program was rained out last month, but returns Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Kick your shoes off and start the weekend with local singer/songwriter Christian Olson performing original songs, nestled in the oaks with Mother Nature as the set designer. Music in the Woods is part of the Oxbow Eco-Center’s new ‘after hours’ programming. The event will feature a hot and iced coffee bar and dessert concession, so grab your coffee cup and a friend and come out to support local artists. This free performance is being sponsored by independent record label Life Amp.
- The Jr. Oxbow Explorer program unravels the secrets of “Spiders – Scary or Nice?” on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. Often mistaken as insects, spiders have unique characteristics that separate them into a class of their own. Learn about the valiant huntsman, the artistic orbweaver, and some of the greatest moms in the arachnid family. We’ll discuss special adaptations certain spiders have that make them excellent survivalists. Appropriate for ages 5 and older, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-register is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Find out more about becoming an Oxbow Volunteer on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. Share your love of nature and learning by becoming an Oxbow Volunteer. Join us for this orientation to learn what the Oxbow has to offer and how you could make a difference in your community.
- The Oxbow’s Homeschool Day tackles “Spiders – Scary or Nice?” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. Often mistaken as insects, spiders have unique characteristics that separate them into a class of their own. Learn about the valiant huntsman, the artistic orbweaver, and some of the greatest moms in the arachnid family. We’ll discuss special adaptations certain spiders have that make them excellent survivalists. Appropriate for ages 7 and older, the cost $5 per person. Pre-register is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Tales & Trails takes place Thursday, Oct. 8 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, Oct. 15 at 3:30 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 $25 for an annual membership (Oct.-May) or $5 per class. Pre-register is required: marionross2011@hotmail.com.
- Bring out your inner child at the Oxbow’s fourth annual pumpkin sculpting class on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Woodcarving master Joe Miller makes this is a fun and spooky nature-inspired art class. Appropriate for ages 10 and older, the cost is $20. Pre-register is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- The Bee Keepers Association hosts a “Queen Rearing” lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Rebecca Wilson shares best practices in raising your own queen bees. This lecture is free and open to the general public.
- Uncover the “Myths & Reality of Bats” on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. with a special Halloween-themed program. Florida is home to 13 species of bats that are either year-round or seasonal residents. Fear and misunderstanding are the bats’ worst enemies. Come out and see live bats and learn about our nocturnal neighbors. Appropriate for all ages, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-register is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Sneak a peek of “Snakes, Spiders & Scorpions” on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. with a special Halloween-themed program. Experience the life of spiders, scorpions and snakes. Are they really creepy? Leave with a better understanding of these important creatures. You may surprise yourself and dispel some fears along the way! Appropriate for all ages, the cost is $5 per person. Pre-register is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
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.
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.
