St. Lucie County, FL
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Plan Your Visit
Ready for an Adventure?
If you’re ready to get outside and explore Florida's natural beauty, we have tons to offer! Explore the Pollinator Paradise Garden where you can find the state butterfly, the zebra longwing, and catch a glimpse of Oxbow’s very own mascot, the gopher tortoise! If you’re looking for something longer, Oxbow offers over 4 miles of trails. Explore hydric hammocks and stroll through pine flatwoods. Armadillos are often seen rooting along the edges of trails and sandhill cranes may circle overhead. Observation towers look out over marshes. If you’re up for a challenge, try the Otter Trail, a scenic and hilly hike along the St Lucie River. Look for otters and manatees on your way!
Some Recommendations:
- Wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. Proper footwear will protect your feet and make your hike more comfortable!
- Even in the winter time it may be warm and sunny - we recommend a hat, sunblock and water no matter the season. We do not sell water or snacks on the premise, but there is a drinking fountain and bottle filler located near the restrooms at the Eco-Center building.
- Mosquitoes and other biting insects are often present, especially in the summer months, so bring insect repellent and dress accordingly.
- If you plan on bringing a group larger than 10 people, we ask that you call ahead. Self-guided programs are welcome; let staff show you the trail map and orient you based on your group’s needs and abilities. By calling ahead, we can confirm whether the Center will be open at the time of your arrival and whether our outdoor picnic area will be available.
Trail Conditions:
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1.5 mi. Easy walking trail. Sunny. Pine Flatwoods. Tends to hold water after big rainfalls between markers 2-6 and by marker 12. |
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0.49 mi easy walking trail. Sunny. Pine Flatwoods. Tends to hold water after big rainfalls between markers 4-6. |
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0.35 mi. Shady. Slough. Tends to be very wet and muddy. |
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0.62 mi. Varied terrain. Floodplain forest. Pristine views of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Tends to hold water after big rainfalls between markers 4-6. |
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0.2 mi. Easy walking trail. Some shady sections. Tends to hold water after big rainfalls between markers 4-6. Trail ends at marker 5. |
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0.56 mi. Very sunny. Runs the length of the C-106 canal. Great spot for birding! |
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0.4 mi.Easy walking trail. |
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Easy walking trail. Take a trip through time! Nine artistic windows highlight regional history; scan the code at each one to experience sights and sounds of the times. |
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0.95 mi. Very sunny. Runs the length of the C-105 canal. Great spot for birding! |
Have some great photos from the Oxbow Preserve?
Send them to: Oxbow@stlucieco.gov for a chance to have them featured on our website!
Recent Wildlife Sightings
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Gopher Tortoise |
Nine-banded Armadillo |
American Alligator |
Bobcat |
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Coral Snake |
Monarch Butterfly |
Sandhill Crane |
Roseate Spoonbill |
What's Blooming
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Yellow Butterwort Pinguicula lutea |
Marsh Pink Sabatia stellaris |
Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa |
Wild Pennyroyal Piloblephis rigida |
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Duck Potato Sagittaria lancifolia |
Leavenworth's tickseed Coreopsis leavenworthii |
Scarlet Sage Salvia coccinea |
Blanket Flower Gaillardia pulchella |
