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!

June Programs

• Saturday, June 6 – National Trails Day Hike at Ancient Oaks Preserve (7:00am-9:30am) - Join us as we honor the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day! Celebrating our shared passion for the outdoors, we’ll walk the preserve while inspiring our community to leave the trails better than we found them. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
• Sunday, June 14 – Dog Days of Summer Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (8:00am-10:00am) - It's hot! Come take a morning walk through shaded woods and we will talk all things dogs! From man's best friend, to coyotes, wolves and foxes. Learn about their history and how they have adapted to urban ecosystems.
• Sunday, June 21 – National Seashell Day Stroll at Ocean Bay Preserve (7:00am-9:00am) - Florida, is renowned for its beaches, and the many natural treasures which come ashore, especially seashells. We'll get our toes in the sand and water to have a look at what treasures appear this day.  Instead of taking home treasures we see at this ecological site, we'll practice Leave No Trace principles by "collecting" memories of our finds through photography and video.
• Saturday, June 27 – All About Plants Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (8:00am-10:00am) - Come beat the summer heat on the shaded trails of this preserve as we identify all kinds of plant species. From key indicators of habitat types, common plants seen in this area, to fun plants to know. We will walk the trails ID'ing as many as we can. We will also practice using the iNaturalist app to identify species too.

• Tuesday June 9, 16, 23, and 30 - Sea Turtle Nesting Watch Walks at South Hutchinson Island Beaches (9:00pm- midnight) – Witness a sensitive and highly critical behavior – the sea turtle nesting process. Turtle watches provide a unique opportunity to learn about marine turtle conservation and behavior while under the careful supervision of trained permitted biologists. The program includes a thorough presentation covering sea turtle biology, the nesting process, and threats to sea turtles. The Jensen Beach Community Center will be the meeting point for this program and once a suitable nest is observed, we will relocate to a new location on the beach to watch the turtle lay her eggs for the remainder of the program. There is NO GUARANTEE that we will encounter a nesting female each night. If a turtle has not been spotted by 11:00 PM we will end the program. Limited availability permitted for these free events. Review the requirements online before signing up to ensure enjoyment of the event.

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