Monday, November 24, 2008 - Oxbow Eco-Center Announces December Events

The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County's environmental learning center, has several fun-filled, educational events scheduled for December, including a holiday-themed event, kayak tours, and guided hikes.

•  The Oxbow's newest program ''Swamp Tales'' returns Tuesday, Dec. 2, 16 and 30 from 11 a.m.  noon. This free storytime is appropriate for ages 2 - 6.
  
• The ''Wake-up Call'' Lecture Series continues Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. - noon with  Dr. Mary Jo Aagerstoun, founder of the South Florida Environmental Art Project, as she discusses how eco-art can inspire communities to take ownership of our environment.  Dr. Aagerstoun will define eco-art and provide details of the only known eco-art project in South Florida, which is currently being restored.  This event is free and coffee is provided, so bring your coffee cup.
  
• Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow's environmental ambassadors at ''Critter Chat'' on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and 23 from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
  
• The Oxbow's ''Nature for Families'' presents ''Holiday Crafts and Tree Trimming Festivities'' on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12:30 - 3 p.m. Release your crafty side and join us to make some cool holiday crafts.  While enjoying your time as an artist extraordinaire, all participants are welcome to help trim the Oxbow tree. Appropriate for all ages. The cost is $3 per person. Admission is non-refundable and seats are limited. Please RSVP.
  
• The Oxbow staff offers a scenic guided kayak tour along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. - noon. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the backside of the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Children 5-7 are free. Pre-registration is required.
  
• The Oxbow's weekly guided hikes take place every Saturday at 10 a.m. Join an Oxbow naturalist as they lead visitors along a series of trails, teaching hikers about the plants and animals encountered along the way. These hikes are free, but space is limited so please RSVP.

In addition to the various scheduled events, the Oxbow's trails are open every day from dawn until dusk, while the education center is open Tuesday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow.