Plan Your Visit

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Oxbow Eco-Center Education Center with dinosaur sculpture in front - St. Lucie County, Florida
boardwalk and sign going through forest at the Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County, Florida
Gopher Tortoise - St. Lucie County, Florida
boardwalk through forest at the Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County, Florida
forest trail through Oxbow Eco-Center - St. Lucie County, Florida
sidewalk going through forest at the Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County, Florida

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.
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Trail Conditions:

 

  • Blue Heron Trail:
1.5 mi. Easy walking trail. Sunny. Pine Flatwoods. Tends to hold water after big rainfalls between markers 2-6 and by marker 12.
  • Sundew Platform: Chronolog station - snap a pic for science!
  • Dragonfly Platform: Get a glimpse of beautiful wetlands! Tends to flood in the wet season.
  • Observation Tower: Climb to the top and get a birds eye view!
  • Gopher Tortoise Trail:
0.49 mi easy walking trail. Sunny. Pine Flatwoods. Tends to hold water after big rainfalls between markers 4-6.
  • Scrub Jay Trail:
0.35 mi. Shady. Slough. Tends to be very wet and muddy.
  • Otter Trail:
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.
  • Canoe/Kayak Landing: Stop along the St. Lucie Paddle Trail. Tends to flood during king tides.
  • Raccoon Trail:
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.
  • Limpkin Trail:
0.56 mi. Very sunny. Runs the length of the C-106 canal. Great spot for birding!
  • Bat Trail:
0.4 mi.Easy walking trail.
  • Heritage Trail:
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.
  • Spoonbill Trail:
 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

 Photo of Juvenile gopher tortoise

Gopher Tortoise

Photo of Wild Hogs on Trail

Nine-banded Armadillo

 Photo of Bobcat

American Alligator

 Photo of Bobcat

Bobcat

Photo of Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

Coral Snake

Photo of Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed

Monarch Butterfly

Photo of Zebra Longwing Butterfly

Sandhill Crane

Photo of Giant Swallowtail Butterfly

Roseate Spoonbill


What's Blooming

 Yellow Butterwort Flower

Yellow Butterwort

Pinguicula lutea

 

Marsh Pink

Sabatia stellaris

Hammock Snakeroot

Butterflyweed

Asclepias tuberosa

Wild Pennyroyal Flower

Wild Pennyroyal

Piloblephis rigida

 Southern Bee Blossom

Duck Potato

Sagittaria lancifolia

bee on hempvine

Leavenworth's tickseed

Coreopsis leavenworthii

Photo of Scorpion Tail Flowers

Scarlet Sage

Salvia coccinea

Photo of a Purple Passion Flower

Blanket Flower

Gaillardia pulchella