The Oxbow Eco-Center and St. Lucie River

The Oxbow Preserve is a 225 acre parcel of environmentally significant ecosystems. It is home to the Oxbow Eco-Center and the Environmental Education & Community Outreach Division of the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department. 

Join in an overview of this preserve, adjacent to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River- one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the country!

 The Oxbow Waterways

The Oxbow Preserve serves as its own mini-watershed as rainwater makes its way from nearby neighborhoods and roads to the St. Lucie River.

Follow as we trace the flow of water through the preserve!

 From Pines to Ponds

The Oxbow Preserve has a great diversity of ecosystems - from pines to ponds.

Take a hike on the preserve with a guide and learn about how the plants in different ecosystems are amazingly adapted to drastically different amounts of water, nutrients, light and wildfire!

 The Floodplain Forest

One of the most unique features of the Oxbow Preserve are boardwalks through the floodplain forest. These floodplains act as a natural filter for water as it makes it way to the St. Lucie River.  

 A Hike Through St. Lucie History

Take a hike through the heritage of St. Lucie County and learn how humans have interacted with the landscape over generations. Team up with Mike Adams at Adam's Ranch to hear about this history first hand from one of the first families to settle in the area.

St. Lucie Preserves Volunteer Program

The St. Lucie Environmental Resources Department works with over 600 volunteers per year! Projects include preserve clean-ups, upcycled art projects, community outreach, education programs and more!

Learn how to join in volunteering with us!

Creature Feature: The Greater Siren 

Meet Ms. Lily, the Greater Siren! These native salamanders make their homes in freshwater rivers and lakes. Watch and learn more about their interesting adaptations and lifestyle. 

Creature Feature: The Florida Box Turtle 

Meet Tank, the Florida Box Turtle! This native turtle lives in upland forests of St. Lucie County and much of the United States. Learn about how perfectly adapted they are to our local ecosystems.

 Creature Feature: Corn Snakes

Meet Marmalade, the Corn Snake! Corn Snakes are native to the uplands of Florida. These beautiful snakes keep rodents away from homes and gardens and pose no threat to humans. Find out why they are one of our favorite snakes!

"The True Value of Green Spaces" presented by Chris Matthews at St. Lucie's Community Resilience Planning Workshop

Nature preserves protect and enhance our air and water quality, contribute to the public understanding of natural systems and native species, provide sites for educational activities, outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, and nature appreciation. They preserve unique features and the natural beauty of our area.

Health & Nature: Blue Zones- 9 Lessons for Living Longer

Community Health Promotion Director Jennifer Harris discusses the book The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest.

Toxin Transfer from Algal Blooms

ORCA Research Scientist Beth Falls, Ph.D, discusses how toxins from algae blooms make their way through the food chain, contaminate our water resources and transfer to humans.

The State of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River 

A veteran scientist who has been studying and restoring local waterways for more than 35 years, Gary Goforth shares the current state of the St. Lucie River, creeks and canals that feed it, and lead a discussion on how current processes could be modified to restore its health.

 What Goes Around, Comes Around

Florida’s toxic algae blooms have been in the news lately. These blooms raise potential health concerns not only for local wildlife, but people as well. It turns out that what we put into our waterways can return to us in the form of contaminated fish and toxic algae blooms. Dr. Edith Widder, founder of Ocean Research & Conservation Association, shares findings from her research in the Indian River Lagoon, Lake Okeechobee and St. Lucie Estuary and presents strategies that we can all use to improve the health of our waters.

With engaging historic postcards, photos, and lively discussion, historian Dr. Peggy Macdonald blends environment and history to convey an inspirational message through the life and work of Marjorie Harris Carr.

Listen to the Water: A Gut Reaction 

Dr. Brian LaPointe, with FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, has been studying the effects of septic tanks on water bodies from Hawaii to the Indian River Lagoon and Florida Keys. He’ll explain how septic tanks are contributing to the decline of our rivers and how citizens can support the effort to fix this menacing issue.

Listen to the Water: Back to the Future

Take a step back in time and feel the cool clear water of the Indian River Lagoon while learning about the peculiar and extraordinary fish and crustaceans that have long made Fort Pierce a hot spot for anglers, tourists and scientists alike. Why is St. Lucie County the healthiest stretch of the Lagoon? Dr. Gilmore of Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science, Inc., will tell its story.

 Listen to the Water: We're All in This Together

Caring for the land and water we depend on for so many things takes commitment not just from government and industry, but from individuals and organizations who also have an impact and can contribute to restoring the health of our environment. Wayne A. Mills is a former Chairman of Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a 50-year-old organization that faced similar issues we now face with the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. They were successful in bringing the Chesapeake back from the brink of disaster by involving citizens, businesses, farmers and decision makers in the process. Join the discussion and become part of the grassroots efforts to make a difference.

Listen to the Water: Giving Rise to a Community Vision

State Rep. Gayle Harrell gives brief presentation on Legacy Florida, a bill passed in the legislature that will provide long-term resources to restore the Everglades and stop freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee. Dr. Duane Defreese, Executive Director of the Indian River Lagoon Council and National Estuary Program, will present “Giving Rise to a Community Vision,” sharing his views about how community vision, leadership and investment for the Indian River Lagoon can lead to a unique community brand, economic prosperity and enhanced quality of life.

 Listen to the Water: Beyond Triage

 The Indian River Lagoon is sick. Both its northern and southern extents have varying culprits contributing to its decline. At the southern end, ‘doctors’ are performing triage, dealing with the urgent and most devastating issue first -- Lake Okeechobee discharges. But once the bleeding is stopped, there is more to do to bring the patient back to health. St. Lucie County Administrator Howard Tipton, Water Quality Manager Patrick Dayan, and Biologist Mike Middlebrook will discuss some of the ways the County, Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce have begun to deal with water issues and a long-term collaborative plan to restore and protect our rivers.

 Listen to the Water: A River on the Edge

With no significant industry to blame, the decline of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon is like a protracted CSI episode involving forensics and a cast of colorful characters. Leaky septic tanks, stormwater runoff, sewage spills, fertilizers and pesticides are just a few of the suspected sources of pollution. Dr. Edie Widder, with Ocean Research & Conservation Association, takes a unique approach with a 24-hour monitoring device christened ‘Kilroy,’ that collects the forensics and allows us to map pollution to find the ‘culprits.’ The information gained with Kilroy helps scientists, citizens and decision-makers understand all the attacks that are putting our diverse waterways on the edge, so we can find the right solution and each play a part in its recovery.