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!

May Programs

• Saturday, May 16 – Passionvine and Butterflies – Pollinator Mutualisms at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - 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 – Chasing the Sun on the St. Lucie at Petravice Family Preserve (4:00pm-7:00pm) - This 3-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 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, May 17 - St. Lucie Pioneer Spirit Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (10:00am-11:30am) - From Native Americans to citrus farming and moonshining, this 75 acre site has been a key part to St. Lucie’s adventurous and wild history. Learn some interesting facts about our local history during a hike through the beautiful hammocks near the Indian River Lagoon.
• Saturday, May 23 – Walking Trees and Changing Seas at D.J. Wilcox Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - 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 – Memorial Day Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (8:00am-11:00am) - 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. You are welcome to bring your own kayak or PFD if you prefer! $20 per person fee due at time of booking. Space limited.
• Wednesday, May 27 - Experience Pinelands at Pinelands Preserve (8:00am-11:00am) - 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!
• Friday, May 29 – National Alligator Day Hike at Citrus Hammock Preserve (3:30pm-5:30pm) - Florida's official state reptile, the American Alligator, has existed for over 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 habits where they live. This program encourages respect of this ancient neighbor by celebrating their contributions to Florida's environment.

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