Luck may be on your side when you explore the outdoors through the Environmental Resources Department’s award-winning guided nature program series. With more than 11,000 acres of protected land to discover, you might find yourself in the right place at the right time, witnessing a rare sight or hidden treasure of nature. Let our expert guides help you connect with the natural world in ways you won’t soon forget. You might discover what's waiting at the end of the rainbow.
Scheduled programs for March include:
- Saturday, March 1 from 8 to 10 a.m. – Water, Water Everywhere Walkat Donald B. Moore Preserve. Come along and learn about the beauty of Florida’s aquatic environments. This walk eventually leads out to a beautiful overlook of the Indian River Lagoon. This water view will be the backdrop to our discussion on our coastal ecosystems, including the lagoon, its beaches and the neighboring Atlantic Ocean.
- Saturday, March 8 from 9 to 11:45 a.m. - History of George LeStrange Preserve Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve. Join us for the perfect family-friendly paddle as we travel by river west past the LeStrange Preserve. We'll talk about the history and amenities of this multi-use preserve. This will be a leisurely paddle and we'll go as far as time allows. Recommended for all experience levels. All necessary equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
- Saturday, March 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. - Visiting Florida from Scrub to Hammock Hike at DJ Wilcox Preserve. Come tour this hidden gem and explore the varied habitat types on display. View wet scrub through to the local variant of hydric hammocks. We will discuss the role of fire and the factors that affect what plants are found in the various ecosystems. Learn more about how different habitats get established and maintain their presence.
- Sunday, March 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. – Sunday Evening Wind-down Walk at Citrus Hammock Preserve. Unwind and embrace the tranquility of nature as you journey along a hammock trail, vibrant with life, nestled beside the serene floodplain banks of the St. Lucie River. This peaceful retreat provides the perfect conclusion to a Sunday evening, allowing you to reconnect with the natural world in a setting that soothes both body and soul.
- Wednesday, March 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Wild West Walk at Bluefield Ranch Preserve. What do the scrublands, wetlands, polo players, cowboys and the Seminole Wars all share? Discover their fascinating connections as you explore the trails of St. Lucie County’s largest preserve, where history, culture and nature intertwine in a landscape rich with stories and heritage. Uncover the threads that link these diverse elements and experience a journey through time and wilderness.
- Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. - Firefly Bioluminescence Experience at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Fireflies have captivated the human imagination for centuries, their mesmerizing glow a symbol of nature’s magic. Now is the season to witness their enchanting flashes of light, as they dance through the twilight hours of early evening. Experience the wonder of nature’s own twinkling lights, both in the air and on the ground, as these luminous creatures create a captivating spectacle that evokes awe and timeless beauty.
- Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Pollinator Pathways Walk at Donald B. Moore Preserve. Discover the vital role of pollinators in Florida's diverse ecosystems and uncover the intricate relationships that sustain them. Explore the fascinating world of native plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators and learn how these species work together to nurture the environment. This experience offers a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and the crucial impact pollinators have on our ecosystems' health and vitality.
- Saturday, March 15 from 9 to 11:45 a.m. – Kayaking for Beginners Class at Petravice Family Preserve. Whether you're ready to start a new hobby or just want to brush up on your skills, this kayak program is for you. Learn safe kayaking and basic paddle techniques in this class. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own boat, paddle or personal floatation device (PFD) if you prefer.
- Friday, March 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. - National Buzzard's Day Hike at George LeStrange Preserve. What's in a name, and what's a migration of buzzards? These are marvelous birds with qualities not found in other large, soaring birds. With Florida's buzzards overhead and their habitat beneath our feet, we explore their aerial and terrestrial habits while tracking their movements as we hike.
- Saturday, March 22 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Seagrape Sunrise Walk at Ocean Bay Beachside Preserve. What exactly is a seagrape? Seagrapes are an incredibly important plant species for both beaches and humans. Referred to as "the backbone of the dune," they are fascinating plants that play a pivotal role for our sand dunes. If you'd like to know more, come along on this hike exploring both backdune and oceanfront beach habitats.
- Saturday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to noon – 10 Mile Creek Kayak Exploration at 10 Mile Creek Preserve. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a peaceful paddle across serene, calm waters. This tranquil experience offers the perfect respite for those seeking to break free from the daily routine and reconnect with nature. Glide through the waters while surrounded by the soothing sights and sounds of abundant birdlife. Led by an expert kayak guide, you'll explore hidden corners of the landscape and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the wilderness. All necessary equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
- Saturday, March 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Mammals in our Midst Hike at Sheraton Scrub Preserve. Have you ever wondered how raccoons and opossums seem to do so well in the city? How bobcats and deer manage in urban areas? Join this hike to find out what other mammals might be living in urban areas that we might not be aware of. Patches of green like this are a great place to explore the ways in which mammals have adjusted and adapted to urban life.
- Monday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to noon – Indian River Lagoon Paddle at D.J. Wilcox Preserve. Embark on a unique kayak tour exploring Florida’s fascinating spoil islands—artificial islands formed by the remnants of channel dredging. We'll launch from D.J. Wilcox Riverside and go out to the spoil Islands to explore a bit before paddling down the Indian River and back to our starting point. Whether you’re an avid kayaker or new to the waters, this tour offers a scenic, educational experience that connects you to Florida’s maritime history. All necessary equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
- Wednesday, March 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Butterflies of Paleo Hike at Paleo Hammock Preserve. Springtime offers the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant variety of butterflies along the trails of Paleo Hammock. Bring your camera and binoculars to capture the beauty of these delicate creatures and enjoy a fun-filled morning hike through this picturesque landscape. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll, this is the ideal time to connect with nature's wonders.
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.
