Monday, November 28, 2011 - December Is Dr. Seuss Month At The Oxbow

The Oxbow Eco-Center is celebrating Dr. Seuss for December. Stop in for some free fun activities. Center hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The trails are open daily from dawn until dusk.

Programs planned for the month of December include:

• Guided hikes return every Saturday at 9 a.m. Enjoy a free guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow and be enriched with the biodiversity this preserve has to offer. No reservations are required; just show up at 9 a.m. ready to hike.
• Home School Day at the Oxbow takes place Thursday, Dec. 1 with a focus on “Wild Weather & The Watershed.” Students will learn about the water cycle, watersheds, and extreme weather of Florida. They will be participating in hands-on activities learning about atmospheric pressure, forecasting the weather, and looking at how water (and often pollution) moves through the water system. All students must be dressed appropriately. Grades K-4th are scheduled from 10 a.m. – noon; while grades 5th – 12th will participate from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. The cost is $3 per participant and registration is required. Call 772-785-5833 or email oxbow@stlucieco.org to sign up.
• St. Lucie Audubon Society presents “Birds of St. Lucie” by birding expert David Simpson on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. This lecture is free and open to the public.
• Join the Oxbow Eco-Center for its Brown Bag Lecture on Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon with Doug Coward, former St. Lucie County Commissioner and current interim executive director of the SELF program. Coward will explain how St. Lucie County is empowering its residents and businesses to save money and reduce energy consumption through the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF). Coward will explain this conservation initiative that has drawn national and international attention for its innovative approach. No reservations are required for this free lecture.
• The Oxbow will present a stupendous Dr. Seuss movie on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Feel to bring a snack and drink for this free movie.
• The Oxbow's Swamp Tales returns on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. This free storytime is appropriate for ages 3 - 6. Join us for a “novel” Dr. Seuss adventure with Miss Kitty as she reads an environmentally-themed tale.
• The Oxbow's Nature for Families presents "A Dr. Seuss Adventure” on Saturday, Dec. 10 starting at 10:30 a.m. Children will discover the creative world of Dr. Seuss by acting out beloved characters, and creating their own Seuss-like rhyme involving Oxbow animals. During the program everyone will be making and fishing for “One Fish, Two Fish; Red Fish, Blue Fish.” Reservations are a must. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. The cost is $4 per participant and reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.
• Oxbow and the Natives takes place Thursday, Dec. 15 at 3:45 p.m. Learn about how some of Florida’s native animals like the manatee and mole compare to some of Dr. Seuss’s characters. Following the program watch as the Oxbow animal ambassadors enjoy their favorite foods. This is a free program for all ages.
• Enjoy some Seuss-tastic songs and dances with your little-one at the Oxbow’s Treehouse Time happening Friday, Dec. 16 at 9:30 a.m. This program is energetic, free and fun for ages 3 - 5 with an adult.
• The Treasure Coast Art Association teams up with the Oxbow staff to present “Making Ornaments” Art Classes on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. – noon for adults (ages 16 and up) and from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for youth (ages 8-15). The cost is $20 per participant, including supplies. Reservations are required: 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.

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 Eco-Center 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.