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Education Center
Boardwalk trail
Heritage Trail
Trail
Gopher Tortoise

All Are Welcome Here! 

The Oxbow Eco-Center & Preserve is situated on 225-acres on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Find a glimpse of "real Florida" on over three miles of trails leading through a floodplain forest, palmetto-filled uplands, and seasonal ponds.

The Oxbow Eco-Center is an ecological preserve. It is managed to protect and preserve the natural landscape and the wildlife that rely on it. We ask that you treat it with respect and follow these simple rules to preserve the beauty and integrity of the landscape.

  • It’s the LAW-- All dogs MUST be kept on a leash at all times. Oxbow’s trails are heavily used by many people so in an effort to ensure that everyone has a positive experience, we require dogs to be  on leash and under control. Not only does this protect your pup, but  protects other visitors and our environment! Read the County ordinance here.
  • Please pick up after your pets! - Pet waste adds harmful bacteria and nutrients to waterways when left in nature. Do your duty and scoop the poop!
  • It’s the LAW— Do not touch, harass or kill wildlife. Harvesting of flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves or other plant/ biological materials is prohibited and strictly enforced.
  • Do not feed wildlife. It endangers both people and wildlife.
  • Use the site at your own risk. Please stay on established trails.
  • Our trails are for HIKING ONLY. Please no bicycles or motorized vehicles. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Check with staff about free use of our all-terrain wheelchair.

 

Come Explore!

The Eco-Center houses our Exhibit Hall and Discovery Room where visitors can explore interactive exhibits and meet some of Florida’s reptiles and amphibians. Our centerpiece exhibit is a life-size diorama of the St. Lucie River, bringing you on a journey from its lush freshwater beginnings to the rich biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Look closely to spot some of your favorite Florida natives…they may be hiding! The Discovery Room is home to several native and exotic Animal Ambassadors.

  

Oxbow Preserve & Trails open daily sunrise to sunset.

Eco-Center Hours: Tuesday - Saturday  Noon - 4 p.m.