SPECIAL SUMMER NOTICE

The Oxbow Eco-Center hosts youth summer day camps June 8 through July 31. During this time, the Exhibit Hall will remain open, including the virtual sandbox and VR experience. However, access to the Discovery Room will be limited to Saturdays only.

Oxbow Eco-Center & Preserve

The Oxbow Eco-Center building with a recycled-material stegosaurus sculpture and a mosaic-tiled bench in the native garden out front. A wooden boardwalk winds through pine woods beside a large trailhead sign reading The Oxbow Preserve. A live oak branch arches over the calm St. Lucie River at Oxbow Eco-Center, lined by palms and green woods. An educator leads a large group of schoolchildren and adults along a garden path during an Oxbow Eco-Center field trip. Preschool children hold cardboard-tube binoculars at a table of large insect illustration cards during an Oxbow Eco-Center nature program. A green Little Free Library book box on a painted post stands in a garden along an Oxbow Preserve path.

Welcome to the Oxbow

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

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 and overlooks, an observation tower, and pedestrian trails through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and riverfront habitats. The center features interactive exhibits and live animal ambassadors, highlighting 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 rainwater cistern system, demonstrating how smart design choices can reduce environmental impact and protect natural resources.

Oxbow Eco-Center

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

Hours & Admission

Eco-Center
Tue to Fri, noon to 4 p.m.

Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Preserve Trails
Sunrise to Sunset, 365 days
Admission is always FREE!

Main entrance sign to the Oxbow Eco-Center in St. Lucie County, Florida

Good to Know Before You Visit

Group Visits

Organized groups such as Scouts, youth groups and clubs must call ahead at (772) 785-5833 to use Oxbow facilities or amenities. Unannounced groups are not guaranteed space or accommodations. The pavilion, playscape, picnic tables and other amenities are reserved first for Oxbow programs and activities.

Parking

Limited parking is available near the Eco-Center. Additional parking opens on an as-needed basis just south of the main preserve entrance, on St. James Drive at the canal gate.

A live oak branch arches over the calm St. Lucie River at Oxbow Eco-Center, lined by palms and green woods.

Explore the Oxbow Eco-Center

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. This network of preserves safeguards sensitive habitats, protects water quality, and provides residents and visitors with opportunities to experience Florida's natural 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.

Free Access

Open to the public year-round

Guided Programs

Expert-led nature experiences

28 Preserves

60+ miles of trails and 11,000+ acres, open sunrise to sunset

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

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."