Get outdoors and explore St. Lucie County Preserves with award-winning Guided Nature Programs

Guided Nature Programs within the St. Lucie County Environmental Lands project began with the passage of a $20 million local bond program approved by voters in 1994. Since then, the County has succeeded in more than tripling the initial funding through local, state, and federal partnerships.

To date, more than 11,000 acres of land has been preserved. These lands are managed in their natural state, creating corridors for wildlife, protecting water quality, and providing recreational space for both citizens and visitors.

The St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department is dedicated in its efforts to identify and acquire environmentally significant lands to continue in this endeavor.

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Nature hikes and family programs are FREE!

Kayak program fees $20 per person.

Reservations are required and space is limited. Guided Nature Programs run October through June. There are various topics, locations, and distances all designed for different ages and abilities!

Kayak programs are listed in BLUE

 Click here to sign up!

April Programs

• Friday, April 10 – Florida Gopher Tortoise Day Hike at George LeStrange Preserve (10:00am-12:00pm) - Gopher Tortoise Day promotes awareness of and appreciation for these long-lived, gentle reptiles - a keystone species and Florida's only native tortoise. We will observe tortoises and their burrows to learn why protecting this listed species and its habitat benefits the environment.
• Sunday, April 12 – Coffee and Kayak at Petravice Family Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - This easy 2-hour paddle program 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. Bring your favorite coffee and enjoy a glide along the water. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak or PFD if you prefer! $20 per person fee due at time of booking. Space limited.
• Sunday, April 12 - Early Peoples of Florida Archaeological Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (9:00am-10:30am) – Walk in the footsteps of Paleo Indians on this guided tour through lush Florida habitat.  Experience a historic Indian mound and learn about how these early people may have lived.     
• Friday, April 17 – Morning Riverside Hike at Petravice Family Preserve (8:30am-10:30am) - Venture through a previously a commercial plant nursery, featuring riverside views, a bridge spanning the St. Lucie River, and a mix of native and remnant tree stock vegetation. Cross into Captain Hammond’s Hammock Preserve, an island showcasing a view of "Old Florida" complete with epiphytes and old-growth native trees. A great way to start the day!
• Saturday, April 18 - St. Lucie Earth Day Festival at Oxbow Eco-Center & Preserve (10am-4pm) - Alongside community services, artists, educational institutions, heritage and agriculture elements, conservation organizations and environmental agencies, the event will have live music,  food, and hands-on fun! Visit www.StLucieEarthDay.com for info!
• Wednesday, April 22 – Earth Day Paddle on the St. Lucie River at Petravice Family Preserve (8:30am-11:00am) – We’re celebrating Earth Day with a festival at the Oxbow Eco-Center on the 18^th, but today is the actual Earth Day date!  Come learn the history and importance of Earth Day while we paddle the St Lucie River. Follow an experienced kayak guide and get exploring! All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak or PFD if you prefer! $20 per person fee due at time of booking. Space limited.
• Friday, April 24 – National Arbor Day in Florida Hike at Vitolo Family Preserve North (5:00pm-7:00pm) - Arbor Day—which literally translates to “tree” day from the Latin origin—celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees. The focus of this program is to encourage people to appreciate native trees in Florida's ecosystems and encourage residents to plant native trees wherever possible. We will visit native tree stands, examine resident species, and discuss practical tree planting techniques and considerations.
• Saturday, April 25 – Early Bird Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (8:00am-11:00am) - This easy 3-hour kayak program is perfect for beginners, families, or adventurers who just want a relaxing early morning 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 provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak or PFD if you prefer! $20 per person fee due at time of booking. Space limited.
• Sunday, April 26 – Attack of the Alien Plant Invaders at Indrio Scrub Preserve (2:30pm-4:00pm) – Invasive plants are tough to manage. Learn about some of the big problem plants growing within our area, get a lesson in how we manage them, and take action by practicing your new invasive ID and removal skills. Bring a bucket and some gloves to help us steward some invasive plant species off this preserve.
• Wednesday, April 29 – Experience Pinelands at Pinelands Preserve (8:00am-11:30am) - Join an experienced hike specialist and learn about native plants, animals, and 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!

Click here to sign up! 

Want to get involved? 

Get outside and make a difference in St. Lucie County Preserves! A wide range of opportunities are available including:

• Trail stewardship
• Litter clean-up
• Invasive species removal
• Building/fixing fences, boardwalks  and other preserve amenities
• Citizen science
• Species monitoring/inventory
• Assistant for guided nature hikes and kayaking tours

 Click here to Volunteer with the Environmental Resources Department

GNP refund policy: Refunds offered to those who notify of cancellation 48 hours or more before the start of paid program.

For questions or to book a private guided hike:

Call 772-462-2536  

Tuesday - Friday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

or email slchikes@stlucieco.org