ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Embrace the force of nature with St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department's award-winning Guided Nature Program series. Whether you explore solo or with clones, there are many trails to discover within 11,000 acres of protected land in the county. Join an experienced “nature Jedi” and enjoy the natural beauty of St. Lucie County.

  Topics and locations for May’s programs include:

• Friday, May 1 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. - Florida Tree Predator Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Fig trees are native to the United States, but they lean towards the dark side. While visually beautiful, providing shade and small fruits for wildlife, the adaptability and unusual growing patterns of Florida Strangler figs can sometimes render them a deadly competitor with other trees.
  
  
• Saturday, May 2 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Florida’s Array of Colors Walk at Spruce Bluff Preserve. The north and south sections of this trail showcase two distinctly different habitats. The north features a rosemary scrub, while the south is a basin marsh. Join us to learn how these contrasting ecosystems can exist so close together. We’ll identify key indicator species in each habitat, explore the role of soils and hydrology, and discuss aspects of Florida’s natural history.
  
  
• Sunday, May 3 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. – International Dawn Chorus Day Walk at Sweetwater Hammock Preserve. A morning adventure for those who appreciate nature’s sounds.  Rise at dawn to listen to the sweet melodies of Florida’s native birds.
  
  
• Sunday, May 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  – Twilight Chorus Stroll at Sweetwater Hammock Preserve. Conclude the day with a setting sun while being serenaded by the “twilight chorus,” courtesy of the area’s resident and migratory bird species, which are more vocally active in the evenings.
  
  
• Saturday, May 9 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – World Migratory Bird Day Hike at the Savannas Recreation Area. Discover the habitats birds rely on for survival and learn about the essential ecosystem services they provide. Explore the impacts of climate change on bird populations and Florida's unique role in American bird conservation.
  
  
• Saturday, May 9 from 9 to 11 a.m.  – Rowing on the River at Petravice Family Preserve. This easy two-hour paddle is perfect for beginners, families or adventurers who just want a quick and quiet nature reset on the water. We will get to explore the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on this morning excursion and hopefully encounter some native wildlife. All necessary equipment will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own kayak or personal floatation device, if they prefer. The cost is $20 per person due to the time of booking. Space is limited.
  
  
• Saturday, May 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Passionvine and Butterflies: Pollinator Mutualisms at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. This stroll along the east trail is all about plants and butterflies. We will discuss the role of butterflies, moths and skippers as pollinators and how this has helped make flowering plants so dominant.
  
  
• Saturday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. – Chasing the Sun on the St. Lucie at Richard E. Becker Preserve. This three-hour kayak paddle is perfect for adventurers who are ready to wind down on the water. We will get to explore the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on this late afternoon excursion and hopefully encounter some native wildlife. All necessary equipment will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own kayak or personal floatation device, if they prefer. The cost is $20 per person due to the time of booking. Space is limited.
  
  
• Wednesday, May 20 from 8 to 11 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, May 23 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. - Walking Trees and Changing Seas 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, join in on the fun and sign up.
  
  
• Sunday, May 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. – Memorial Day Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve. Explore the North Fork of the St. Lucie River by kayak and have a quiet reflection on the water in memory of those who served and sacrificed. All necessary equipment provided. All necessary equipment will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own kayak or personal floatation device, if they prefer. The cost is $20 per person due to the time of booking. Space is limited.
  
  
• Friday, May 29 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – National Alligator Day Hike at Citrus Hammock Preserve. Florida's official state reptile, the American Alligator, has existed for more than 35 million years, and humans in Florida have lived alongside the great reptiles for thousands of years. Alligators have a wider natural range than many imagine and contribute a wide range of ecological services in the habitats where they live. This program encourages respect for this ancient neighbor by celebrating their contributions to Florida's environment.
  
  
• Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - School’s Out for Summer Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve. Join us for a 3-hour summer kayak program, perfect for beginners, families or adventurers who want to jump-start the season on the water. We will get to explore the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on this midday excursion and hopefully encounter some native wildlife. All necessary equipment will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own kayak or personal floatation device, if they prefer. The cost is $20 per person due to the time of booking. Space is limited.

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.