ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Start 2026 off right by joining a guided hike through natural areas of St. Lucie County with more than 11,000 acres of protected land to discover. Let St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department's award-winning Guided Nature Program series introduce you and your family to new or familiar local wild spaces. Join an experienced guide, get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of St. Lucie County.

Topics and locations for January’s hikes include:

• Thursday, Jan. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Annual New Year’s Day Hike at D.J. Wilcox Preserve. Looking for fresh air, sunshine and a good leg stretch after the New Year's Eve festivities? This is for you. Our annual New Year's Day program is a time to visit the outdoors, reflect on the past year and join fellow hikers in a celebration of nature in 2026.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 3 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Reconnection Hike at Richard E. Becker Preserve. A riverine hammock has surprises, and we'll see how a large-scale restoration project can change the character of a site, from the movement of aquatic animals to changes in terrestrial plant communities.
  
  
• Sunday, Jan. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. – Wolf Moon Hike at Teague Hammock Preserve. Howl at the first full moon of the year. Enjoy the darkness as we venture through Teague Hammock Preserve and navigate the trails only by moonlight. A great bonding experience for any wolfpack.
• Monday, Jan. 5 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – National Bird Day Walk at Savannahs Park & Recreation Area. Nature admirers and bird enthusiasts across the country celebrate birds today. Our program emphasizes this day to shine a spotlight on issues critical to the protection and survival of birds in St. Lucie County through the creation of wildlife corridors, greenways and restoration projects. Join us and find out more.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. – Wetlands and Water Management at Indian Hills Recreation Area. Come walk along this paved trail (wheelchair accessible) as we work our way through the wetlands and along a man-made lake. We will talk about how wetlands serve a vital role in cleaning water and how modern techniques improve this filtering. This easy stroll over level ground will show you how we use Mother Nature to help us clean up our messes, but how we are also messing with Mother Nature.
  
  
• Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – County Line Hike at Bluefield Ranch Preserve. Due to the large size of the preserve, very few people see the St. Lucie-Martin County line at Bluefield. January weather is perfect for a challenging hike to the far reaches of the property.  Bring your lunch as we’ll celebrate our trek with a long break before returning to our starting point.  The hike will be at least eight miles, but we will take the easiest (least sandy) trails. Perfect for hikers looking for a challenge.
  
  
• Friday, Jan. 16 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Florida Strangler Figs: The Tree Predator Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Fig trees are native to the U.S., but only two species live in Florida. While visually beautiful, providers of shade and providers of small fruits for wildlife, the adaptability and unusual growing patterns of Florida Strangler Figs can sometimes render them a deadly competitor with other trees. Come learn about these interesting tree predators.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 17 from 7 to 10 a.m. – Waking up on the Water Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve. The early bird catches the worm or in our case glimpses of wading birds. Come join us for a kayak tour of the St. Lucie River, where we will look for Florida birds and native wildlife. This relaxing kayak excursion is perfect for singles, couples and families alike. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own boat, paddle or personal flotation device. The cost is $20 per person.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 17 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Walking Trees and Changing Seas Walk at D.J. Wilcox Preserve. Come along on this nature walk and learn all about some of our most important native plants: Mangroves. How do they grow in saltwater? How many species do we have in Florida? Why are they incredibly important for humans? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions and more, then join in on the fun and sign up.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. – Hootin’ Hike at George LeStrange Preserve. Owls are here in East Central Florida to observe all year-round. Come catch a glimpse of the common owls present at George LeStrange Preserve right before their nesting season.
  
  
• Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. – National Florida Day Walk at Ancient Oaks Preserve. Florida's natural heritage, history and ecosystems are gloriously unique within North America. We celebrate Florida's natural history with a visit to an ecological site with a variety of habitats on a property serving people and wildlife.
  
  
• Friday, Jan. 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Wildflower Walk at Spruce Bluff Preserve. A leisurely visit to enjoy blooms, birds and habitats for the morning hiker. This site affords views of wetlands, scrublands and woodland hammocks. Perfect for those looking for an easy walk among friends.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon – Healing in Nature Walk at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Looking for ways to improve your mental health? Spending time in green environments has holistic and scientific benefits. While we hike through the beautiful habitat, we will discuss both the mental and physical benefits of spending time outside and talk about just how important our green spaces are.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. - Intro to Disc Golf at the Gordy Road Recreation Area. Learn the basics of disc golf: One of the fastest-growing new sports. This hike will cover the rules, equipment and etiquette of disc golf. Great for families and those looking to learn a new, fun sport.
  
  
• Sunday, Jan. 25 from 3 to 6 p.m.– Winding Down in the Water Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve. Join us for an afternoon kayak paddle along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Reconnect with nature on this kayak excursion.  Let the sun melt away your stress as it starts to fade to night. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own boat, paddle or personal flotation device, if you prefer. The cost is $20 per person.
  
  
• Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Experience Pinelands at Pinelands Preserve. Join an experienced hike specialist and learn about native plants, animals, and the ecosystem of this beautiful 750-acre nature preserve, only accessible through the Guided Nature Program series. You will be chauffeured from the meeting point via air-conditioned vehicle, then hike the natural rugged trails through this unique preserve filled with birds and wildlife. This is a can’t-miss experience.
  
  
• Saturday, Jan. 31 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Florida’s Wading Birds Walk at D.J. Wilcox Preserve. Come learn about wading bird biology and nesting as you enjoy the sights and sounds of D.J. Wilcox Preserve. This preserve boasts one mile of interpretive trail and is home to flatwood, hammock and swamp habitats. Species discussed will include our native herons, egrets, spoonbills, wood storks and more.

Visit the St. Lucie County Guided Nature Programs site for more information and to register. For questions, please call the 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. St. Lucie County’s guided nature program season now runs from September through June. There are various topics, locations, and distances designed for different ages and abilities.

The St. Lucie County Environmental Lands project began in 1994 with the passage of a $20-million, voter-approved bond program. The program's mission is to preserve, protect and restore ecosystems in their natural state while providing compatible public use. Land was acquired with the assistance of Florida Communities Trust (FCT), South Florida Water Management District, Save Our Rivers (SOR), and Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL).

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 preserves, visit the Preserves of St. Lucie County site.