Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Oxbow Celebrates Surivavalist Allure In November

Visit the Oxbow Eco-Center during November and learn about different techniques for surviving the wild. Stop in Tuesday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. to check out the “Survivalist” exhibit and try your hand at fun activity sheets and coloring pages. These self-guided activities are free and fun for the whole family.

Other survival programs planned for the month of November include:

  • Guided hikes are back every Saturday starting Nov. 6 at 9:30 a.m. Take a free hike through the Oxbow forest with a naturalist and learn about plants, birds and butterflies. Please wear appropriate footwear and remember your water bottle.
  • The St. Lucie Audubon Society will be hosting a lecture about the "Birds of the Dry Tortugas" at the Oxbow on Thursday, Nov. 4, starting at 7 p.m. Wes Biggs and Gallus Quigley will give a 44-year overview of the birds of the Dry Tortugas, a small group of islands located about 70 miles west of Key West. The Dry Tortugas were discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. The U.S. government built Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in 1826. After the Civil War, the fort was no longer needed and was turned into a prison not unlike Alcatraz and served as such until 1874 when a hurricane damaged it. The program is free.
  • The Treasure Coast Art Association teams up with Oxbow Eco-Center on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. - noon to present its monthly "Spirit of Nature Art Class." This month you'll be "Painting Nature on Silk" and creating beautiful works of art for yourself or as a gift for someone special. No drawing experience is necessary. The cost of the program is $25 (which includes all supplies) and is appropriate for ages 15 and up. Reservations are a must.
  • The Oxbow's ''Swamp Tales'' on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. is a free story time appropriate for ages 2 - 6. This month's story is "The Two Bobbies: A True Story about Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival” by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery. "The Two Bobbies" follows a dog and cat that depended on each other to survive the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and ultimately find a new loving home.
  • The Oxbow's Nature for Families presents "Lost in the Woods" on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Learn how to survive in the wild and what you should do if you get lost in the woods whether for an hour or for days.  All participants need to be accompanied by an adult. Most of the program will be held outside, so please prepare accordingly. Appropriate for all ages. Reservations are a must. The cost is $3 per participant. Admission is non-refundable and space is limited.
  • Learn interesting facts about Florida's native animals and their strategies for survival at ''Oxbow and the Natives'' on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Following the presentation, learn about some of the Oxbow's ambassadors as we feed them their favorite foods. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
  • Move like an animal, get engaged in our exhibits, and hike the preserve with your little one at "Oxbow Treehouse Time" happening Friday, Nov. 19 at 9:30 a.m. This program is energetic, free, and fun for ages 2 - 5 with an adult.
  • Bring your lunch and learn survivalist techniques at the Oxbow's Brown Bag Lecture Series. This month program, "Survivalist School," will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 from noon - 2 p.m. Survivalist instructor Hank Fannin will be leading this free lecture. Be prepared for hands-on, outdoor activities.
  • Do you have a love of nature and a thirst for knowledge? Join the Oxbow's "Becoming a Naturalist" training on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. This monthly series will take the classroom outdoors to experience hands-on learning in our preserve. The theme for November is Reptile Survival Techniques. Please wear appropriate clothing and foot wear, and remember to bring your reusable water bottle! Appropriate for ages 16 and up. The cost is $5 per participant or free to registered Oxbow volunteers. Reservations are a must.

In addition to the various scheduled events, the Oxbow's trails are open every day from dawn until dusk. Situated on a 225-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.

The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center). For more information call the staff at 772-785-5833 or visit www.oxboweco.com.