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!

November Programs

• Friday, Nov 7 – Riverside Trek at Ten Mile Creek Preserve (8:30am-10:00am) - This preserve site is unique as it affords a riverside view of the St. Lucie River from atop spoil berms created long ago, while looking down into riverine hammock woodland.  This program features "hills" in the flatland of Florida, giving insight to the river's more recent history and how the movement of water changed the flora and fauna of this preserve.
• Saturday, Nov 8 – Brush Up on Scrub Brush Hike at Sheraton Scrub Preserve (9:30am-11:00am) - As we walk on a one-mile long journey through Sheraton Scrub Preserve, we’ll share insights on how trees make their own food with photosynthesis, the enzymes and proteins involved, and what influences the oak tree life cycle. This hike is great for those looking to learn something new about our local environment.
• Friday, Nov 14 – Wildflower Wander at Gordy Road Preserve (8:30am-10:30am) - This preserve features many colorful seasonal native flowering plants presenting us with a breath-taking view into Old Florida's hidden wonders. This hike is great for those looking to begin or improve their flowering plant identification skills.
• Friday, Nov 14 – Oxbow Explorations Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (8:30am-11:30am) – Come explore some curvy winding oxbows of the St. Lucie River by kayak. We’ll travel along the natural path of the river, taking a look back into the history of how and why the original flow was altered. This adventure is perfect for those looking for education and exercise at the same time! All equipment provided. No experience necessary. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard if you prefer.
• Saturday, Nov 15 – A Salty Saturday Sunrise Stroll at Ocean Bay Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Interested in learning about some of the amazing animals that reside in our local waters? Want to know why sand dunes are incredibly important for both humans and wildlife alike? Ever wondered about the importance of the seaweed that washes up on our beaches? Come take a deep dive into these topics and more on this sandy morning hike.
• Saturday, Nov 15 – What’s in a Landscape? Walk at George LeStrange Preserve (4:00pm-6:00pm) - On this hike we will pause regularly to discuss various aspects of Florida's varied landscape, from different habitat types and wildlife to the importance of fire in an ecosystem. We will also discuss the utility of preserves, and the different ways you can manage land for the enjoyment of people while maintaining native habitat.
• Friday, Nov 21 – 10 Mile Creek Preserve Paddle at Ten Mile Creek Preserve (8:30am-11:30am) - Join us for a serene calm water paddle removed from the humdrum of the city. Perfect for those looking for an escape from the everyday routine. Lots of birds likely. Follow an experienced kayak guide and get exploring! All necessary equipment is provided. No experience necessary. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
• Saturday, Nov 22 – Ultra-Violet Light Night Adventure at Spruce Bluff Preserve (7:00pm-9:00pm) - As day transitions to night, human vision moves from color to sepia tones. But what might other species see in the white light and darkness? A view into the ultra-violet light spectrum reveals colors and views otherwise hidden from human eyes. This evening adventure is one not to miss!
• Sunday, Nov 23 – Scrub to Wetlands Hike at Bluefield Preserve (2:00-5:00pm) – Venture west to St. Lucie County’s largest preserve! This four-mile hike will go through the scrub south to the viewing tower over wetlands. This hike is perfect for those looking for a longer trail walk in a beautiful and isolated region of the county. 
• Tuesday, Nov 25 – Intro to Disc Golf at Donald B. Moore Preserve (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!
• Friday, Nov 28 – The Unwinding Trail Walk at George LeStrange Preserve (8:30am-10:00am) - Forget the Black Friday craziness and unwind by enjoying a leisurely morning stroll beside the lake of George LeStrange Preserve. Along the way, we'll discuss how nature can help reduce your holiday stress. Keeping to the hard packed lake trail, this program is perfect for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Saturday, Nov 29 – Our Brackish Backyard Walk at Donald B. Moore Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Come enjoy this beautiful coastal hammock trail while learning about the preserve’s history and the importance of this coastal ecosystem. You will also learn about the Lagoon’s Aquatic Preserves, the spoil islands, and the challenging balance between recreation and protection of our coastal resources. 
• Saturday, Nov 29 – Habitats Hike 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!

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