October 26, 2007 - Oxbow Eco-Center Announces Nov. Events
The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County's environmental learning center, has several events scheduled for November, including the return of the ''Wake-Up Call'' Lecture Series and weekly guided hikes.
- The Oxbow's ''Wake-Up Lecture Series'' presents ''Native Plants for Attracting Butterflies on Your Garden'' on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. Guests will learn what plants to use in their garden to attract butterflies. These monthly lectures vary in topic and are free to everyone. Shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee is provided – just bring your own mug. Registration is not required.
- The Oxbow's ''Nature for Families'' will focus on ''Adaptations'' on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Learn why some fish make antifreeze or why polar bears have hollow, transparent fur. Guests will play games and see how these adaptations give each species a special advantage. Appropriate for ages 5 and up, this event is free. However, registration is required. To sign up call (772) 785-5833.
- The Oxbow staff offers scenic guided canoe/kayak tours along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Saturday, Nov. 17 starting at 9 a.m. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the backside of the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Children 5-7 are free. Early registration and pre-payment is required, by calling (772) 785-5833.
- Guided hikes return to the Oxbow every Saturday at 10 a.m., starting Nov. 3. Join an Oxbow naturalist as they lead visitors along a series of trials, discussing the plants and wildlife that live in the different habitats along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Additionally, several club meetings and programs are also held at the Oxbow Eco-Center:
- The St. Lucie Audubon Society will meet Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. with Ernie Cowan, a Florida Park Service Biologist, who will explain the importance of fire to Florida’s natural communities and how plants and animals need fire to survive.
- The Photography Club will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. All photographers, from novices to experts, are encouraged to attend. Field trips take place the following Saturday.
- The Florida Native Plant Society (Lakela's Mint Chapter) will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m. join Michael Yustin, an environmental lands coordinator for Martin County Parks, as he gives a presentation on the management spoil islands, including protecting bird rookeries, establishing native habitats, removing exotic plants, and preventing shoreline erosion.
- St. Lucie Regional Herp Society will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to attend and learn more about snakes, lizards, frogs and other reptiles.
For more information about all Oxbow Eco-Center events call the staff at (772) 785-5833 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow. Situated on a 220-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. Located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center), the Oxbow's trails are open from dawn until dusk, while the education center is open Tuesday through Friday 1-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.