March is “Birds of a Feather” month at the Oxbow Eco-Center. Visit the center for some free fun activities, and check out our glass display showcasing bird adaptations, what it takes to migrate, and Oxbow bird species. Stop in Tuesday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and participate in different activities, games and coloring pages. These self-guided activities are free and fun for the whole family.
Other programs planned for the month of March include:
* Guided hikes are back every Saturday (March 5, 12, 19, 26) starting at 9:30 a.m. Take a hike with a naturalist through the Oxbow forest. Please wear appropriate footwear and remember your water bottle. Hikes are free.
* Join the St. Lucie Audubon Society for a free showing of the documentary “Wild Goose Jack” on Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. “Wild Goose Jack” explores the life of Jack Miner, an early naturalist who is considered to be the father of bird banding.
* The Treasure Coast Art Association Teams up with the Oxbow to present a Spirit of Nature Art Class: Tangle Time on Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. - noon. This fun, nature-inspired class will explore the art of ‘Zentangling’ on various three-dimensional items to create great works of art. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, the cost is $20 per participant. Reservations are required.
* The Oxbow’s ”Swamp Tales” on Wednesday, March 9 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. is a free story time appropriate for ages 2 - 6. Join storyteller Miss Kitty as she reads and exciting book about birds.
* The Oxbow’s Nature for Families presents “Adaptive Birds of Prey” on Saturday, March 12 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Birds of Prey come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Join us as we discover the cool features of these amazing hunters. Appropriate for all ages. The cost is $3 per participant and reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
* “Oxbow and the Natives” will be held on Wednesday, March 16 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages. Learn interesting facts about Florida’s native birds and then watch as the Oxbow ambassadors enjoy their favorite foods.
* Move like an animal, get engaged in our exhibits, and hike the preserve with your little one at “Oxbow Treehouse Time” happening Friday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. This program is energetic, free, and fun for ages 2 - 5 with an adult.
* Join the Oxbow Eco-Center as naturalist and birder David Simpson presents “Birds of St. Lucie” at the Brown Bag Lecture on Saturday, March 19 from noon - 2 p.m. Simpson will provide some insight into some of the area’s hot spots for birding. Bring your lunch and enjoy this free lecture.
* Want to learn more about Florida’s natural environment? Then join the Oxbow Eco-Center’s monthly training series on Saturday, March 26 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. This program will introduce naturalists-in-training about the birds of St. Lucie County, how to identify them, practicing with binoculars, and more. The course will take place both in the classroom and out in the field. Please wear appropriate clothing and foot wear, and remember to bring your reusable water bottle. The cost is $5 per person or free to registered Oxbow volunteers. Appropriate for ages 16 and up, reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
In addition to the various scheduled events, the Oxbow’s trails are open every day from dawn until dusk. Situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Oxbow offers a rare glimpse of “the real Florida” with nature trails, boardwalks, observation towers and an interactive environmental learning center.
The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center). For more information call the staff at 772-785-5833 or visit www.oxboweco.com.
