Unwrap the gift of nature this December as St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources continue its winter guided hikes. These free, guided hikes allow residents and tourists to explore the county’s more than 10,000 acres of preserves.
Hikes for December include:
- Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 8 to 10:30 a.m.: 4th Annual SLC Christmas Bird Count at George LeStrange Preserve, 4911 Ralls Road, Fort Pierce. This program is modeled after the Audubon Society’s yearly event and helps participants to learn basic count techniques. We’ll use our new found skills to assess the morning’s bird species present at this preserve. Members of St. Lucie Audubon Society will be on hand to answer questions about bird identification and birding in general. Hikers will complete an official bird checklist, which will be submitted to the National Audubon Society. This is a great citizen science opportunity.
- Friday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m.: Ultra-violet Vision: Colors through Animal Eyes Night Hike at Walton Scrub Preserve, 10809 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce. Humans have great eyesight, but other animals can see things we cannot. Find out more about how light waves are perceived by animal eyes and learn about the importance of color in nature. During this night hike, we will be using ultraviolet lights to see a "new side" of plants, insects and more.
- Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon: Plant ID and Beach Walk at Queen’s Island Riverside Preserve, 4653 State Road A1A, North Hutchinson Island. Plants near the beach are tough and able to survive difficult and ever-changing conditions. Come to see these unique plants on a short plant identification hike on the riverside of the park. Afterwards, we’ll head to the beach in search of some of the mysterious marine treasures that have been washed ashore by the tides.
- Saturday, Dec. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m.: Nature’s Holiday Light Display Night Hike at Bluefield Ranch Preserve, 30501 Bluefield Ranch Road, Port St. Lucie. Away from the light pollution of the city, one can see the extravagant beauty of the stars and the natural holiday lights they provide. Go west to Bluefield Ranch Preserve for this naked eye astronomy adventure where participants can hike under starlight of the open sky.
- Sunday, Dec. 9 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Beach Tracks Morning Hike at Ocean Bay Beachside Preserve, 7600 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach. Though sea turtles returned to the ocean for the season, many shore-dwelling animals are still very active. We’ll hunt for their biofacts and footprints as well as look to discover their secret hideaways. Along the way, participants will investigate the wrack-line and see how different shells can be found scattered on the site’s beautiful beach.
- Thursday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Shifting Sands Kayak Excursion at Queens Island Riverside Preserve, 4653 State Road A1A, North Hutchinson Island. Discover the hidden 'inside passage' paddling trail in the Indian River Lagoon. We'll paddle a serene, quiet, little-used waterway a stone's throw from A1A, venturing south of the Jack Island foot bridge and back as we search for the original Indian River Lagoon inlet. Appropriate for ages 14 and older. Kayaks, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices and paddles provided (guests may also bring your own equipment if desired). The cost is $10 per person. No online registration, please call 772-462-2526 to reserve your space. Reservations are a must.
- Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Native vs. Invasive Species Hike at Ancient Oaks Preserve, 4650 Oleander Ave., Fort Pierce. Over the years, this site has gone through many environmental changes from a commercial mine to a nature preserve. Learn about St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department’s restoration efforts and how invasive species can severely impact these restored areas.
- Sunday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: O’ Florida Christmas Tree Family Hike at Sheraton Scrub Preserve, 2222 North 41st St., Fort Pierce. Welcome to Florida – but where are the Christmas trees? Unlike habitats further north, there are not very many “traditional” Christmas trees around here. Come see and learn about how Florida's pioneer inhabitants used the Sand Pine to deck the halls. This hike will also include other scrub plant identification and is a great way to get in the festive spirit.
- Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m.: Mysterious Mushroom and Lichens Hike at 10-Mile Creek Preserve, 3401 Gordy Road, Fort Pierce. A stroll through this shady and surprisingly hilly hydric hammock and floodplain forest will reveal many of nature's secrets. Keen observers will enjoy looking at a variety of lichens and fungi as well as the opportunity to learn about their interactions with the natural world that surrounds them. Bring along your hand lens to a get an up close and personal look.
- Saturday, Dec. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m.: Family Nature Walk at Indian Hills Recreation Area, 100 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce. Bring the whole family for a leisurely stroll around the scenic pond located on the north end of Indian Hills. Connect with nature and decompress before heading into your busy holiday week. View our feathered friends and other critters living along the trail. All ages welcome. An adult must accompany all minors. This trail is suitable for all-terrain and jogging strollers.
- Friday, Dec. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m.: After the Holiday Hike at 10-Mile Creek Preserve, 3401 Gordy Road, Fort Pierce. Are you feeling the stress from all the holiday planning, dinners, parties, and hosting endless visitors? Join our "decompression" hike to enjoy birdsongs, wildflowers and a view of the serene river. Stay for the fresh air and peace that are sure to recharge your internal holiday batteries.
- Saturday, Dec. 29 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Walk It Off Fitness Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve, 611 SE Dar Lane, Port St. Lucie. Pants feeling a little snug after all those holiday treats and feasts? Planning a new year’s fitness resolution? If your answer is yes to either question, then kick your healthy habits into gear at this beautiful preserve by walking off any of those extra indulgences. This 1.5-mile fitness hike will maintain a brisk pace.
- Monday, Dec. 31 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.: The Last Sunset of 2018 Hike at George LeStrange Preserve, 4911 Ralls Road, Fort Pierce. Reign in the New Year by saying goodbye to yesteryear. Finish your day enveloped in warm golden rays and a sense of Zen as the sun sets over the lake. This preserve is one of the top spots in St. Lucie County to enjoy sunsets and watch as the wilderness around you changes. Bring your camera, binoculars or just enjoy the moment free of technology.
- Tuesday, Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.: Annual New Year’s Day Hike at D.J. Wilcox Preserve, 300 Michigan St., Fort Pierce. This year, our annual celebration is twice as nice with two times the fun opportunities to hike. Welcome in the New Year, explore this unique intra-coastal habitat with mighty pines, scrub oaks and wildflowers. We’ll be watching for our resident winter migrant birds, enjoying blooming upland wildflowers and looking for anoles sunning on trees.
For more information and to find the link for registration, please visit www.slchikes.org, call 772-462-2526 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org.
Programs are usually limited to 15 people helping to allow participants to immerse themselves into the county’s beautiful natural areas. Programs target ages 12 and older unless otherwise noted. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Proper footwear and water are required for all programs and please leave pets at home.
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.stlucieco.gov/erd. For a list of all St. Lucie County parks and preserves visit the interactive map at http://gis.stlucieco.gov/parkspreserves.
