Start the year off right and explore the outdoors with an award-winning guided nature program series offered by St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department. With more than 11,000 acres of protected land to discover, it’s a great time to start a new healthy hobby. Get moving and enjoy wild Florida by trail and by river. New to the area? Let an experienced guide show you around.
Scheduled programs for January include:
- Saturday, Jan. 4 from 9 to 11:45 a.m. - New Year, New You Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve. Are you new to Kayaking? Here's the perfect opportunity for those who have never paddled before as well as those who would like to increase their knowledge and basic skills of paddling. You'll learn about different styles of kayaks and paddles as well as basic paddle techniques and safety requirements for Florida paddling. All necessary equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
- Sunday, Jan. 5 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Family-Friendly Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve. Enjoy interactive experiences designed for all ages. From scavenger hunts to wildlife observation challenges that encourage teamwork and exploration, this hike has something fun for everyone.
- Saturday, Jan. 11 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. - A Meditative Morning Hike at Sheraton Scrub Preserve. Sneak away from the hustle and bustle of the work week. This is a completely silent hike, which will allow us to experience nature’s full beauty without distraction. Our silence will quiet the mind, as well as highlight the preserve’s exceptional tranquility, while we enjoy this walking meditation. At the end of the hike, we will discuss what we noticed in the preserve during our silence, as well as anything that was noticed in ourselves. Perfect for introverts and those with sensory sensitivities.
- Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9 to 11:45 a.m. - Turtles of Florida Kayak Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve. Join us for this family friendly exploration of the St Lucie River and learn about many of the different turtle species we have in our region. From sea turtles to sliders to tortoises and everything in between. Enjoy a fun leisurely paddle with a ton of turtle trivia. No kayak experience necessary. All necessary equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
- Sunday, Jan. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. - Healing in Nature Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. While we hike through the trails of this preserve and enjoy the beautiful habitat, we will talk about the holistic and scientific view of the benefits of spending time in a green environment. We will discuss both the mental and physical benefits of spending time outside and talk about just how important our green spaces are. You might just find your new favorite stress-reducing activity.
- Saturday, Jan. 18 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. - Ancient Invertebrates: Horseshoe Crabs Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve. The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a fascinating creature that has gone unchanged for millions of years. This 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.
- Sunday, Jan. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Hidden Inlets Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve. A family-friendly opportunity to explore a few of the hidden river trails near the Oxbow Preserve. We'll paddle off the river into some narrow inlets. On a quiet day it feels a little like you just entered Jurassic Park. These narrow, winding inlets often hide a myriad of wildlife. No kayak experience necessary. All equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard or personal floatation device, if you prefer.
- Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 8 to 10 a.m. – Wild West Hike at Teague Hammock Preserve. Head to western St. Lucie County and Teague Hammock (part of Fousek Preserve). Originally wetlands, the land was drained for agriculture and ranching. Now after wetland restoration work, see Teague Hammock Preserve as it was in the early 1900s.
- Sunday, Jan. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Sandy Ridges and Ancient Oceans Hike at Walton Scrub Preserve. Wander through this small, but beautiful preserve, as we discuss the ancient history that has shaped Florida. Walk through significant sands prevalent throughout much of our area. We will be on the lookout for amazing native plants and animals in this preserve. Come enjoy this unique habitat.
- Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. – Nature Therapy Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve. Disconnect from the noises of the world and enjoy the sounds of nature. This slow paced, silent hike is perfect for anyone who needs peace and tranquility. Great for introverts and those with sensory sensitivities.
- Friday, Jan. 31 from 9 to 11:45 p.m. – Hidden Oxbow Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve. An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped body of water that forms when a river's meander is cut off from the main channel. Come explore some St. Lucie River oxbows by kayak. We'll get a nice workout as we paddle south to explore a hidden gem along the river. No kayak experience necessary. All equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
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 are free; however, reservations are required as space is limited. Kayak paddles are $20 per person with all equipment provided. Reservations are required as space is limited. The Guided Nature Program season runs from October through June. There are various 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.
