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!

December Programs

• Friday, Dec 12 – Land, Air & Sea Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (8:30am-10:30am) - Did you know that the Donald B. Moore Preserve has an amazing overlook on the Indian River Lagoon? Come check it out and see how this preserve features many habitats - all teeming with wildlife such as birds, reptiles, and fish! Perfect hike for families with small children 4 years and up.
• Saturday, Dec 13 – Mammals in our Midst Walk at Sheraton Scrub Preserve (10:00am-12:00pm) - Have you ever wondered how raccoons and opossums seem to do so well in the city? How do bobcats and deer manage in urban areas? Join this hike to find out what other mammals might be living in urban areas that we might not be aware of. Patches of green like this preserve are a great place to explore the ways in which mammals have adjusted and adapted to urban life.
• Saturday, Dec 13 – Lakeview Hike at D.J. Wilcox Preserve (3:00pm-5:00pm) - Water is an attractant for many kinds of wildlife. Come explore on this water-adjacent walk through the preserve as we look for creatures, great and small. We’ll focus our view overhead and around seasonal wildflowers.
• Sunday, Dec 14 – Scrub Stroll at Indrio Scrub Preserve (9:00am-10:30am) - This site features tall leafy trees, evergreens, brilliant white sands, and seasonal wildflowers for an easy and relaxing morning in Nature. Perfect for families looking for a nice way to start the day!
• Friday, Dec 19 – Stressless Morning Walk at Savannahs Park & Recreation Area (8:30am-10:30am) - Take a break from holiday preparations and relax with Nature.  We’ll walk through a gorgeous wetland surrounded by wildlife, flowers, and beautiful vistas. A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Bring a friend and enjoy the moment together!
• Saturday, Dec 20 – Bring your Brew Birding Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Nothing goes together quite like a thermos of freshly brewed coffee and a beautiful morning hike. Come sip and learn about some of Florida’s most important and unique bird species. This serene nature trail leads to an observation tower with a beautiful view of the Lagoon and Ocean. We’ll finish our coffee while we learn more about some of our incredible feathered friends.
• Saturday, Dec 20 – Nature Photography Walk at Oxbow Eco-Center & Preserve (9:30am-11:30am) - So much to see at Oxbow Preserve! Capture the moments and beauty as we hike approximately two miles through wondrous trees. Bring your camera and snap some great shots!
• Sunday, Dec 21 – Winter Solstice Kayak Tour at Richard E. Becker Preserve (7:00am-10:00am) - Reconnect with nature on the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice! As the world wakes up we’ll explore the upper reaches of the St. Lucie River on this morning paddling excursion. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own boat, paddle, or PFD if you prefer. $20 per person fee.
• Saturday, Dec 27 – Tranquil Kayak Tour at Petravice Family Preserve (8:00am-11:00am) - Come enjoy a quiet morning kayak on the serene waters of the St. Lucie River. We will likely see a lot of wildlife bathing in the morning sunlight as we glide through the water. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own boat, paddle, or PFD if you prefer. $20 per person fee.
• Saturday, Dec 27 – Remembering the Past; Treasure the Present Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve (10:00am-12:00pm) - Visit an Indian mound and Pioneer cemetery on this historical hike. Taking time reflect on the lives of both of these people helps us put our current lives into perspective. We will explore how they were connected to the world around them, and compare that to what we experience today. 
• Saturday, Dec 27 – Afternoon Exploration Trek at Donald B. Moore Preserve (3:00pm-5:00pm) - After the holiday bustle, slow down and enjoy a green pleasant trek through this intracoastal preserve. Reconnect with yourself and with nature as the Indian River Lagoon reveals a view of blooming native plants and wildlife in the woodland.
• Wednesday, Dec 31 – New Years Eve Kayak at Richard E. Becker Preserve (8:00am-11:00am) - Say your quiet goodbyes to 2025 on the water and set your intentions for the New Year on this paddle of the St. Lucie River. Explore the upper North Fork on this relaxing kayak excursion and discover native plants and animals along our journey. All necessary equipment provided. You are welcome to bring your own boat, paddle, or PFD if you prefer. $20 per person fee.

January Programs

• Thursday, Jan 1 – Annual New Years Day Hike at D.J. Wilcox Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) – 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 time to visit the outdoors, reflect on the past year, and join fellow hikers in a celebration of Nature in 2026.
• Saturday, Jan 3 – Reconnection Hike at Richard E. Becker Preserve (8:30am-10:30am) - 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 – Wolf Moon Hike at Teague Hammock Preserve (6:00pm-8:00pm) – Howl at the first full moon of the year! Enjoy the darkness as we venture through Teague Hammock Preserve, navigating the trails only by moonlight. A great bonding experience for any wolfpack!
• Monday, Jan 5 – National Bird Day Walk at Savannahs Park & Recreation Area (8:30am-10:30am) - 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 – Wetlands and Water Management at Indian Hills Recreation Area (3:00pm-5:00pm) - 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 – County Line Hike at Bluefield Ranch Preserve (9:00am-2:00pm) – 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 8 miles, but we will take the easiest (least sandy) trails. Perfect for hikers looking for a challenge!
• Friday, Jan 16 – Florida Strangler Figs: The Tree Predator! Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (8:30am-10:30am) - Fig trees are native to the US, 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 – Waking up on the Water Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (7:00am-10:00am) - 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 PFD if you prefer! $20 per person fee.
• Saturday, Jan 17 – Walking Trees and Changing Seas Walk 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!
• Saturday, Jan 17 – Hootin’ Hike at George LeStrange Preserve (4:00pm-6:00pm) - 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 – National Florida Day Walk at Ancient Oaks Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - 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, all at once. 
• Friday, Jan 23 – Wildflower Walk at Spruce Bluff Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - 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 – Healing in Nature Walk at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (10:00am-12:00pm) – 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 space are.
• Saturday, Jan 24 – Intro to Disc Golf at Gordy Road Recreation Area (2:00pm-3:00pm) - 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 – Winding Down in the Water Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve (3:00pm-6:00pm) - 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 PFD if you prefer. $20 per person fee.
• Wednesday, Jan 28 – 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!
• Saturday, Jan 31 – Florida’s Wading Birds Walk at D.J. Wilcox Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - 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!

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