Learn about life in the swamps this July as the Oxbow Eco-Center staff wades into the marsh for its monthly programs. Drop in 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 life in the swamps.
Programs planned for the month of July include:
- Learn to get balanced with Tai Chi for Health. Beginner and intermediate classes are held on Tuesdays (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays (July 11, 18, 25) at 9:15 a.m. Tai Chi Yang Form classes are held on Tuesdays (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at 6:30 p.m. and Fridays (July 11, 18, 25)at 10:30 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.
- Summer camps at the Oxbow continue with the Spirit of Nature Art camp July 7-11 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. What’s that up in the sky? It’s a bird, it’s a cloud, it’s a beautiful sunset. Let your imagination take over as you enjoy a week filled with creativity and fun. We will be exploring many different art and craft mediums in an effort to allow your child to improve their self-expression and gain confidence. Let your child grow some wings and fly with this year’s theme “Up in the Air.” Bring your own snacks and a lunch for the camp. Appropriate for ages 7-10, the cost is $95 per camper. Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Let your imagination run “wild” and have a “novel” adventure as Miss Phyllis hosts an environmentally-themed storytime at the Oxbow’s Swamp Tales on Thursday, July 10 at 3:45 p.m. Each month the story changes, but the fun never stops. This free program is appropriate for ages 2-6.
- The second session of the Spirit of Nature Art camp runs July 14-18 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. We will be exploring many different art and craft mediums in an effort to allow your child to improve their self-expression and gain confidence. Let your child grow some wings and fly with this year’s theme “Up in the Air.” Bring your own snacks and a lunch for the extended camp. Appropriate for ages 10-16, the cost is $125 per camper (includes supplies). Pre-registration is required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
- Meet the Oxbow’s Mr. Tickles at the Critter Encounter on Thursday, July 17 at 4 p.m. Ball pythons are strong and beautiful constrictors, although Tickles may seem larger than life at the Oxbow in the world of pythons he is considered a small species. Get up close and personal with our gentle exotic snake, Mr. Tickles, at this free program for children ages 5 and older.
- Treehouse Time explores “Life under a Log” on Friday, July 18 at 4 p.m. with a dancing, sign-song good time. Have you ever wondered what lives under the log in your backyard. Explore with Miss Marion has she leads a “log turning’” expedition. Enjoy some silly fun songs about you may discover. This is a free program appropriate for ages 3-7 with an adult.
- The Oxbow’s Junior Naturalist Day Camp takes place July 28 – Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Bring your youngsters to Oxbow’s day camp and let them get a little wild. Each day will focus on different families of animals ... where they live, what they need to survive, and some of the strategies they use to outsmart their predators. Each day will be filled with fun learning and creative crafts. Choose one day or all five! Bring your own snacks. Appropriate for ages 4-7, the cost is $15 per camper per day. Pre-registration 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.
