Oxbow Eco-Center Focuses on Restoring the Ecosystem this February

Find out what you can do to restore our fragile eco-systems at the Oxbow Eco-Center this February. Drop in to the Oxbow’s Education Center Tuesday through Friday from noon – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. to check out activities and exhibits that focus on the Treasure Coast’s fragile eco-systems.

Programs planned for the month of February include:

• Weekly guided hikes continue at the Oxbow. Each Saturday (Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28) enjoy a guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow and be enriched by the biodiversity this preserve has to offer. No reservations required - just show up at 9 a.m. ready to hike.

• Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi (beginner and advanced classes). Tai Chi for Health classes are held on Tuesdays (Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27) at 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Tuesdays (Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24) at 6:30 p.m. and Fridays (Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27) at 10:45 a.m. Tai Chi instructors Hildie and Hector Ruiz-Puyana will lead the classes, designed for everyone, including those who suffer from Parkinson’s, arthritis, diabetes and balance issues. 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 Home School Day sets its sights on “Nature’s Chemist: How Venoms and Poisons are used in the Wild” on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 2:30 p.m. Coral snakes, poison ivy and fire ants have something in common. They all use chemicals known as toxins to protect themselves. Students will learn about nature’s warning colors. Designed for ages 4-6, the cost is $3 per participant, which includes supplies. Reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.

• Experience all of the area’s environmental learnings centers with the Homeschool Hopper Series on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. Designed for ages 7-12, students must be pre-registered for the Homeschool Hopper series as this five-week program visits five different environmental attractions. The coast is $25 for the series. For more information please call Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.

• Photographers won’t want to miss the St. Lucie Audubon Society’s lecture on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. as Amy Marques, an avid professional photographer, provides a picture show of her best photos taken on various trips throughout her career. Photos include birds and animals seen in their wild habitats. The lecture is free and open to the general public.

• Spread your wings with the Oxbow’s Junior Butterfly Club on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Children ages 5 through 15 are invited to join the Oxbow Junior Butterfly Garden Club, which meets monthly to learn the skills of leadership and gardening, gaining knowledge about butterflies and other wildlife, and tending to their beautiful garden. Annual fee for the club is $20.

• Let your imagination run wild and have a novel adventure at Miss Phyllis’ “Swamp Tales” on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 3:45 p.m. Each month the story changes but the fun never stops. This free program is appropriate for children ages 2 - 6. 

• The Citizen Science Saturday series continues Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. as Master Naturalist Instructor Amanda Thompson discusses the science of reading “Tracks, Scat and Bones.” During this hands-on presentation and hike, participants will get an in depth look at the evidence left behind by wildlife and how it is key to unlocking their interesting behaviors. The cost is $10. (Classes are free to Oxbow volunteers.) Appropriate for ages 16 and older; reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.

• Buzz into the Oxbow on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. for the Bee Keepers Association Lecture. The Treasure Coast Beekeeper Association (TCBA) is a nonprofit organization that provides education about bees and beekeeping for people of the Treasure Coast. Every month there is a new bee-related learning opportunity. This lecture is free and open to the general public.

• Get to know “Nick and Nicole” at the Critter Encounter on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. Stop by and meet this dynamic duo. Nick, the three-striped mud turtle, and Nicole, the stink-pot turtle, are two very common turtles found around your backyard. Watch as Nicole steals Nick’s food and learn about their secretive behaviors. This free program is designed for children ages 5 and older.

• Spend some time in the “Squishy Wooshy Wetlands” with the Oxbow’s Treehouse Time on Friday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. What’s green, slimy and breathes through its skin?  You guessed it - a frog. Join Miss Marion to investigate who else calls the Oxbow’s squishy wetlands home. This free program is designed for ages 3-7 with adult supervision. This great family program will be held at Becker Preserve, 3398 Selvitz Road, nestled along the banks of the lovely St. Lucie River in Fort Pierce.

• Zig zag into your artistic side on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. as the Oxbow teams up with the Treasure Coast Art Association to present a Zentangles art class. Certified Zentangle Instructor Debbie Perdue will show you how to take a moment to “Zen” and then learn some creative and relaxing patterns that are beautiful and easy to do whenever you get inspired. Appropriate for ages 10 and older; the cost is $20 and includes all supplies. Class size is limited, so reservations are 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.