The St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department kicks off its 2007-08 Nature Program Series on Saturday, Dec. 1 This weekly program is held each Saturday at various Environmentally Significant Land sites throughout the county from December through April.

• Saturday, Dec. 1 from 3 - 5 p.m. -Pinelands Treasure Hunt. Discover modern treasure-hunting adventures at Pinelands Natural Area. With the help of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units, a new outdoor hobby has been created worldwide, where hikers can find others’ hidden treasures. GPS units are optional, as the ERD staff will have some available. For details visit: http://www.geocatching.com/.
  
• Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. - noon - Wildlife Walk at Bluefield. Experience a long morning walk through flatwoods and open grasslands, searching for wildlife on St. Lucie County's largest preserve. This event is geared toward hikers with the stamina to walk a three-mile hike. Hikers should wear appropriate apparel and bring drinking water, cameras and binoculars.
  
• Saturday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. - Paleo Hammock Owl Prowl. Want to see a Barred Owl, Screech Owl or a Great Horned Owl? Then join a biologist who will call these featured friends from under an oak hammock at Paleo Hammock Natural Area. Flashlights are necessary.

Events will not be held Dec. 22 and 29 due to the holidays.

Anyone wishing to participate in these unique nature programs needs to register at least one day in advance. Programs are free, but limited to the first 15 people. To register or for more details, call the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department at (772) 462-2525 or visit: www.stlucieco.gov/erd.