Oxbow Eco-Center & Preserve

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Oxbow Eco-Center entrance sign - St. Lucie County, Florida
Oxbow Eco-Center - St. Lucie County, Florida
kids camp at the Oxbow Eco-Center - St. Lucie County, Florida
Oxbow Preserve trail - St. Lucie County, Florida
St. Lucie County River - St. Lucie County, Florida
Oxbow Preserve trail sidewalk - St. Lucie County, Florida

Welcome to the Oxbow

The Oxbow Eco-Center and Preserve is St. Lucie County's premier destination for environmental education, conservation, and outdoor exploration.

NOTE: The Oxbow Eco-Center main entrance and parking lot will be closed Tuesday, April 7 through Monday, April 20 in preparation for the St. Lucie Earth Day Festival. Auxiliary parking will be open for visitors just south of Oxbow’s main entrance on NE St. James Drive. Directional signage will be posted to guide visitors into the auxiliary parking area.

 

Preserve trails, nature playscape, amphitheater, and picnic areas will remain open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with limited access to indoor Eco-Center exhibits and restrooms.

 

Located on 225 acres along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie, the Oxbow Eco-Center serves as a nature preserve and environmental learning center, connecting residents and visitors to Florida's native ecosystems. Operated by St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department, the center supports the county's long-term commitment to environmental preservation, water quality protection, and community well-being.

Visitors can explore boardwalks, walking trails, and observation towers that wind through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and riverfront habitats. The center features interactive exhibits and live animal ambassadors that highlight local wildlife, habitats, and water resources. Year-round programming includes school field trips, workshops, lectures, public events, and service learning opportunities.

A Model for Sustainability

The Oxbow Eco-Center was built using green building technologies including passive light design, solar panels, recycled materials, and a rainwater cistern system—demonstrating how smart design choices can reduce environmental impact and protect natural resources for future generations.

Oxbow Eco-Center

5400 NE St. James Drive
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

Hours & Admission

Eco-Center
Tue–Fri 12pm–4pm, Sat 10am–4pm
Preserve Trails
Sunrise to Sunset, 365 days
Admission is always FREE!

Main entrance sign to the Oxbow Eco-Center in St. Lucie County, Florida
Longleaf pine forest understory with saw palmetto plants at the Oxbow Preserve

St. Lucie County Preserves

The Oxbow Eco-Center and Preserve is one of many protected natural areas across St. Lucie County. Our network of preserves safeguards sensitive habitats, protects water quality, and provides residents and visitors with opportunities to experience Florida's native ecosystems.

From coastal scrub and pine flatwoods to freshwater wetlands and riverfront habitats, St. Lucie County's preserves offer guided walks, wildlife viewing, paddling trails, and environmental education programs throughout the year. Each preserve plays a vital role in our community's environmental health and quality of life.

Multiple Locations

Preserves throughout the county

Free Access

Open to the public year-round

Guided Programs

Expert-led nature experiences

Oxbow wetlands with water in the foreground, pine trees and blue sky in the background

Explore All Preserves

Discover hiking trails, paddling routes, and natural areas across the county

View County Preserves
Wooden directional sign at the Oxbow Preserve showing Scholar's Lane, Eco Champion Loop, Artist Village, and Community Cove

Explore the Oxbow Eco-Center

Our Mission

"The Oxbow Eco-Center cultivates knowledge, nurtures a sense of wonder, and inspires stewardship for the natural world through education, collaboration, volunteerism, and celebration."