St. Lucie County, April 23, 2024 - As the weather heats up in South Florida, St. Lucie County’s monthly guided nature series is winding down. Led by trained volunteers and staff, this free nature series focuses on exploring the more than 11,000 acres of nature preserves that exist in St. Lucie County
Scheduled programs for May and June include:
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM - May Day Hike with Jerry at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (min age: 12). May Day is a May 1 celebration with a long and varied history, dating back millennia. Throughout the years, there have been many different events and festivities worldwide with the express purpose of welcoming in a change of season. As we get to the halfway point between the equinox and the solstice, spend your May Day morning with us hiking in the woods.
- Saturday, May 4th from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM - Ancient Invertebrates: Horseshoe Crabs with Kirk at Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve (min age: 12). The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a fascinating creature that has gone unchanged for millions of years. Donald B Moore Preserve lies along the Indian River Lagoon, which is an estuary home to many aquatic animals including horseshoe crabs. Come learn about this “crab” species that isn’t a true crab and how it is a key to modern medicine.
- Sunday, May 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM - International Dawn Chorus Day Stroll with Eva at Sweetwater Hammock Preserve (min age: 12). Join us for a morning adventure to appreciate nature’s sounds and listen to the sweet music of different bird’s native to Florida. It’s a day set aside for nature lovers to come together and listen to them sing to the rising sun.
- Sunday, May 5th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM - Twilight Chorus Stroll with Eva at Sweetwater Hammock Preserve (min age: 12). Conclude your day with us and a setting sun with a stroll through this beautiful preserve. We will enjoy a serenade by the “twilight chorus,” courtesy of the area’s resident and migratory bird species.
- Saturday, May 11th from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM - Florida’s Wading Birds with Kirk at D. J. Wilcox Preserve (min age: 12). Come learn about wading bird biology and nesting as you enjoy the sights and sounds of D.J. Wilcox Preserve. Some of the species discussed will include our native herons, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks. You’ll have no EGRETS about joining us.
- Tuesday, May 14th from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM - Hike: World Migratory Bird Day with Eva at Indrio Savannahs Preserve (min age: 12). Experience the various habitats birds need to survive and learn about birds and the ecosystem services they provide. We will also discuss the impacts of climate change on birds and Florida’s unique role in American bird conservation.
- Wednesday, May 15th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Two Preserves for the Price of One with Jerry at Petravice Family Preserve (min age: 12). Petravice Family Preserve and Hammond's Hammock trails wander between oxbows and the St Lucie River. Previously, Captain Hammond's was only accessible by boat, so we’ll be able to experience both preserves in one morning.
- Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Passionvine & Butterflies: Pollinator Partnerships with Bill at Petravice Family Preserve (min age: 8). Join in as we hike along the trail and viewing various plants with their butterfly partners. We will learn how both the caterpillar and butterfly/moth/skipper life cycles rely closely on these plants. We will discuss the role these insects play as pollinators and the mutualistic relationships that have helped make these flowering plants dominant.
- Sunday, May 19th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Habitats Based on Scale – How much is enough? with Bill at D. J. Wilcox Preserve (min age: 8). On this hike we will discuss how scale is used to classify habitats and how relatively tiny patches of habitat are significant. We will talk about the diversity of habitats found within this park and why small patches versus large patches occur (oftentimes right next to each other). We will point out plants that serve as indicators of habitat type and learn how to spot an ecotone.
- Wednesday, May 29th from 3:30 PM to 5:15 PM – Hike: National Alligator Day with Eva at Citrus Hammock Preserve (min age: 12). Florida's official state reptile, the American Alligator, has existed for more than 35 million years, and humans in Florida have lived alongside the great reptiles for thousands of years. Alligators have a wider natural range than many imagine and contribute a wide range of ecological services for their habitat. This program encourages respect for this ancient creature by celebrating its contributions to Florida's environment.
- Saturday, June 1st from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Man’s Effect – What’s in a Preserve? with Bill at George LeStrange Preserve (min age: 8). On this hike we will discuss Florida's varied landscape, including different habitat types, how communities deal with stormwater through retention ponds and the importance of fire. We will learn about the value of preserves and the ways land can be managed for the enjoyment of people as well as native ecosystems.
- Saturday, June 15th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Mammals in Our Midst with Bill at Sheraton Scrub Preserve (min age: 8). Have you ever wondered how raccoons and opossums seem to do well in a city? How do bobcats and deer, animals that you might think move long distances, manage in urban areas? What other mammals might be living in urban areas that we are not aware of? Patches of green like this park are a great place to explore the ways in which mammals have adjusted and adapted to urban life.
- Saturday, June 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Impact of Invasives and Native Resilience with Bill at Petravice Family Preserve (min age: 8). The site is named after Dr. Peter Petravice (1915-1999), who established this site as a plant nursery in the 1980s. Since the preserve’s opening in February 2022, hard work has been dedicated to removing many exotic plants left after the nursery closed. During our hike, we will talk about these various invasive plants. We will explore what makes them invasive, what conditions allow them to invade and how native habitats can fight back.
Visit www.SLChikes.org to register. For more information, call the Environmental Resources staff at 772-462-2536 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org. Nature hikes and family programs are free. Reservations are required and space is limited.
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.
