Give thanks for cooler weather and undeveloped nature preserves with help from St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department as staff and volunteers continue to offer free guided hikes on the county’s 11,000-plus acres of protected lands.
Topics for November 2023 include:
- Saturday, November 4th - Scrubby Upland & Lake Hike with Eva at the Gordy Road Recreation Area from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. A scrubby upland yields Florida’s wildflowers as we first explore the scrub, then journey around an old sand quarry lake. Each offers varied plant and animal communities to surprise and amaze. (minimum age: 12)
- Sunday, November 5th - Ancient Invertebrates: Horseshoe Crabs with Kirk at Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. 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 they’re a key to modern medicine. (minimum age: 12)
- Friday, November 10th - Meet the Early Bird Hike with Eva at Citrus Hammock Preserve from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Which resident and migratory bird species are in this unique 33-acre habit during Florida's dry season? Seasonal bird sightings vary from the time of day to month of the year and from site to site. Bring binoculars, your favorite field guide and your curiosity. (minimum age: 12)
- Saturday, November 11th - Hike Your Morning! with Eva at Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. A morning hike complete with seasonal flowering plants to greet us in the hammock woodland, while we search the boardwalk for a local reptilian celebrity. The tower affords views of tidal waters, soaring and wading birds. If we're fortunate, a possible glimpse of Indian River Lagoon dolphins. (minimum age: 12)
- Saturday, November 11th - Preserve Pals Community Stewardship Day with Tessa at Richard E. Becker Preserve from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Do you love our preserves and want to help protect them? Join our Preserve Pals Community Stewardship Days held once a month on a select weekend. Each month is hosted at a different preserve with a different action project. This month is at Richard E. Becker Preserve for some weeding along the St. Lucie River. After the successful oxbow restoration project in 2022, many native plants have been planted along the shoreline. Volunteers will help weed and clean up that site so the natives can continue to thrive. All equipment will be provided and all ages are welcome. Go from a passive hiker enjoying nature to an active steward protecting nature. (minimum age: 12)
- Sunday, November 12th – Introduction to Disc Golf with Erick at Lakewood Regional Park from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports and with six different disc golf courses in St. Lucie County, there is plenty of room for more players. Members of the Treasure Coast Disc Golf Club will provide an overview of the game including basic instruction, etiquette, equipment and area courses. Find out what makes this sport so appealing. All equipment will be provided, but St. Lucie County Libraries have disc golf bags and discs available for checkout. (minimum age: 14)
- Friday, November 17th - National Take a Hike Day™ with Eva at Indrio Savannahs Preserve from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Originating with acclaimed American naturalist John Muir in the late 1800s, this day was founded to protect and preserve all hiking trails along the historic mountain ranges, as well as developing new ones. Today, we incorporate this activity into our communities as part of healthful outdoor recreation surrounded by nature with a mind towards preserving Florida's habitats for the future. (minimum age: 12)
- Saturday, November 18th - Healing in Nature with Bill at Steven J. Fousek Preserve from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. While we hike through the west side of this preserve and enjoy the beautiful habitat, we will talk about the scientific view of enjoying nature and the benefits of spending time in a green environment. (minimum age: 10)
- Saturday, November 18th - Fall Feathers Hike with Angel at Sheraton Shrub Preserve from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Let's soar together in Sheraton Shrub Preserve. Join us as we show you our feathered friends of the Treasure Coast. We’ll pay close attention to the bird calls, physical characteristics, tracks, food sources and habitats. (minimum age: 5)
- Sunday, November 19th - Bobcat Beat with Emily at Spruce Bluff Preserve from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Come bounce along with us on our bobcat beat at Spruce Bluff Preserve in Port St Lucie. Learn about Florida's charismatic and adaptable native species, found in the "'burbs" and the "boonies." We will make several stops along the one-mile Spruce Bluff Ais trail to learn some bobcat facts, biology and conservation. We will wrap up our banter at sunset when most bobcats are gearing up for their nighttime business. (minimum age: 6)
- Saturday, November 25th - Native Species Family Walk with Angel at Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. There will be much to explore along the one-mile trail at Donald B. Moore Preserve. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for native reptiles, birds, plant species and more. Hikers will make observations to understand that wildlife is all around us. (minimum age: 4)
- Saturday, November 25th - Waxing Moon Hike with Eva at Indian Hills Recreation Area from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The moon climbs overhead as we transition from evening to night, enjoying its light over the habitat and trails of this site. Night sounds from passing birds, insect, and frogs trilling add to the mystique of nighttime in the ecosystem. (minimum age: 12)
- Sunday, November 26th - Otter Madness with Emily at Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Join us at Donald B. Moore Preserve for some otter madness. On our one-mile walk along the Indian River Lagoon, we will make several stops to talk about one of the lagoon's most elusive and adorable residents, the river otter. Although we do not expect to see our slinking subjects, our walk will focus on otter biology, conservation and fun facts. (minimum age: 6)
- Sunday, November 26th - Wild Night Hike with Jerry at Bluefield Ranch Preserve from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. End the holiday weekend with a night in the woods. Experience the beauty of the largest preserve in St. Lucie at night. You’ll learn about the moon, as well as the nocturnal animals we may encounter along the way. For wildlife, the party starts at dark. (minimum age: 12)
Nature hikes and family programs are free; however, reservations are required as space is limited. To register visit: www.SLChikes.org. For additional information, call 772-462-2536 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org. The Guided Nature Program runs from October through June with a variety of topics, locations and distances all designed for different ages and abilities.
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.
