Get outdoors and explore St. Lucie County Preserves with award-winning Guided Nature Programs  

Guided Nature Programs within the St. Lucie County Environmental Lands project began with the passage of a $20 million local bond program approved by voters in 1994. Since then, the County has succeeded in more than tripling the initial funding through local, state, and federal partnerships.

To date, more than 11,000 acres of land has been preserved. These lands are managed in their natural state, creating corridors for wildlife, protecting water quality, and providing recreational space for both citizens and visitors.

The St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department is dedicated in its efforts to identify and acquire environmentally significant lands to continue in this endeavor.

Nature hikes and family programs are FREE! 

Kayak program fees $20 per person.

Reservations are required and space is limited. Guided Nature Programs run October through June. There are various topics, locations, and distances all designed for different ages and abilities!

Kayak programs are listed in BLUE

 Click here to sign up!

November Programs

• Wednesday, Nov 20 - Woods & Water Hike at Oxbow Preserve (8:00am-10:00am) - Enjoy the serenity of woods and water as you explore pine flatwoods and freshwater slough of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Minimum age 12.
• Saturday, Nov 23 - Top Secret Topic Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Wondering what this hike is about? To get your answer, come along and join! We will enjoy a morning stroll through tranquil Donald B. Moore Preserve. Our hike will eventually lead us to an observation tower, where we'll take in the beauty of our Lagoon. Let your curiosity be your guide--come and enjoy the mystery! Minimum age 12.
• Saturday, Nov 23 – Beginners Kayaking Class at Petravice Family Preserve (8:30am-11:30am) - Are you new to kayaking?  Here's the perfect opportunity for those who have never paddled before and those who would like to increase their knowledge and basic skills of paddling.  You'll learn about different types/styles of kayaks and paddles as well as basic techniques and safety requirements for Florida paddling. Minimum age 10.

December Programs

• Wednesday, Dec 4 – Early Bird Hike at Indrio Savannahs Preserve (8:00am-10:00am)- Indrio Savannahs Preserve is home to numerous species of resident and migrating birds. From the common Mourning Dove and Pileated Woodpecker to the threatened Florida Scrub Jay, check off some new bird species on your life list! Test your luck and see how many species you can spot. Perfect for both amateur and experienced birders. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
• Saturday, Dec 7 – Bring Your Brew Birding Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Nothing goes together quite like a thermos of freshly brewed coffee and a beautiful morning hike. Come sip and learn about some of Florida’s most important and unique bird species. This serene nature trail leads to an observation tower with a beautiful view of the Lagoon and Ocean. We’ll finish our coffee while we learn more about some of our incredible feathered friends.
• Saturday, Dec 7 – New Explorations Paddle at 10 Mile Creek Preserve (9:15am-12:00pm) - Join us for a serene calm water paddle removed from the humdrum of the city. Perfect for those looking for an escape from the everyday routine. Follow an experienced kayak guide and get exploring! No kayak experience required. All necessary equipment is provided.  You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
• Sunday, Dec 8 – Florida Estuary Adventure: Explore the Coastal Wonders Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - Join us through Florida’s breathtaking estuaries where land and sea meet in a vibrant tapestry of biodiversity. This hike invites nature enthusiasts, families, and adventurers of all ages!
• Saturday, Dec 14 – History of George LeStrange Preserve Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve (9:00am-11:30am) - The perfect family friendly paddle!  Join us as we travel by river west past George LeStrange Preserve.  We'll talk about the history and amenities of this multi-use preserve.  This will be a leisurely paddle and we'll go as far as time allows.  Recommended for all experience levels. All necessary equipment is provided.  You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard you prefer.
• Sunday, Dec 15 – Exploring Scrub Habitats Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - Hike Spruce Bluff Preserve through several varying habitat types. The south path ventures through scrub to a wetland area, while the north path leads through scrub to a very sandy habitat area. We will discuss the differences between one habitat and the next. We will explore the role precipitation, temperature, and elevation play on these dynamics. Perfect for new residents looking for insights into Florida ecosystems. Sound like a good time? Join us!
• Wednesday, Dec 18 – Holiday Peace and Quiet Hike at Oxbow Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - The holidays can be noisy and hectic.  A slow, peaceful, quiet hike is perfect for those who need a break from a noisy, stressful world. Perfect hike for introverts or those with sensory sensitivities.
• Saturday, Dec 21 – A Salty Saturday Sunrise Stroll at Ocean Bay Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Interested in learning about some of the amazing animals that reside in our local waters? Want to know why sand dunes are incredibly important for both humans and wildlife alike? Ever wondered about the importance of the seaweed that washes up on our beaches? Come take a deep dive into these topics and more on this sandy morning hike.
• Saturday, Dec 21 – First Day of Winter Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve (9:00am-11:30am) – Grab the family and join us for the first paddle of winter!  We'll paddle north up the St Lucie River and take in the picturesque scenery while we talk a little about how winter in Florida is different for our wildlife. No kayak experience necessary. All equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard if you prefer.
• Saturday, Dec 28 – Lichens in the Scrub Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - Explore the world of symbiosis through reindeer lichens in a beautiful rosemary scrub habitat.  Discover how some of Florida’s plants and animals have intricately woven relationships; whether good, bad or just neutral. Perfect hike for mutualistic, or even parasitic couples, and families of all ages.

January Programs

• Saturday, Jan 4 – New Year, New You Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (9:00am-11:45am)- Are you new to Kayaking?  Here's the perfect opportunity for those who have never paddled before as well as those who would like to increase their knowledge and basic skills of paddling. You'll learn about different styles of kayaks and paddles as well as basic paddle techniques and safety requirements for Florida paddling. All necessary equipment is provided.  You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard if you prefer.
• Sunday, Jan 5 – Family-Friendly Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (9:00am-10:30am) - Enjoy interactive experiences designed for all ages! From scavenger hunts to wildlife observation challenges that encourage teamwork and exploration, this hike has something fun for everyone!
• Saturday, Jan 11 – A Meditative Morning Hike at Sheraton Scrub Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - Sneak away from the hustle and bustle of the work week. This is a completely silent hike, which will allow us to experience nature’s full beauty without distraction. Our silence will quiet the mind, as well as highlight the preserve’s exceptional tranquility, while we enjoy this walking meditation. At the end of the hike, we will discuss what we noticed in the preserve during our silence, as well as anything that was noticed in ourselves. Perfect for introverts and those with sensory sensitivities.
• Saturday, Jan 11 – Turtles of Florida Kayak Paddle at Richard E. Becker Preserve (9:00am-11:45am) - Join us for this family friendly exploration of the St Lucie River and learn about many of the different turtle species we have in our region.  From Sea Turtles to Sliders to Tortoises and everything in between! Enjoy a fun leisurely paddle with a ton of turtle trivia!  No kayak experience necessary. All necessary equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard if you prefer.
• Sunday, Jan 12 – Healing in Nature Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve (3:00pm-5:00pm) - While we hike through the trails of this preserve and enjoy the beautiful habitat, we will talk about the holistic and scientific view of the benefits of spending time in a green environment. We will discuss both the mental and physical benefits of spending time outside, and talk about just how important our green spaces are. You might just find your new favorite stress reducing activity!
• Saturday, Jan 18 - Ancient Invertebrates:  Horseshoe Crabs Hike at Donald B. Moore Preserve (8:00am-9:30am) - The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a fascinating creature that has gone unchanged for millions of years. This preserve lies along the Indian River Lagoon, which is an estuary home to many aquatic animals including horseshoe crabs. Come learn about this “crab” species that isn’t a true crab, and how they’re a key to modern medicine.
• Sunday, Jan 19 – Hidden Inlets Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (9:30am-12:15pm) - A family friendly opportunity to explore a few of the hidden river trails near the Oxbow Preserve. We'll paddle off the river into some narrow inlets. On a quiet day it feels a little like you just entered Jurassic Park! These narrow, winding inlets often hide a myriad of wildlife. No kayak experience necessary. All equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard or PFD if you prefer.
• Wednesday, Jan 22 – Wild West Hike at Teague Hammock Preserve (8:00am-10:00am) - Head to western St Lucie County and Teague Hammock (part of Fousek Preserve).  Originally wetlands, the land was drained for agriculture and ranching.  Now after wetland restoration work, see Teague as it was in the early 1900s.
• Saturday, Jan 25 – Sandy Ridges and Ancient Oceans Hike at Walton Scrub Preserve (9:00am-11:00am) - Wander through this small but beautiful preserve as we discuss the ancient history that has shaped Florida. Walk through significant sands prevalent throughout much of our area. We will be on the lookout for amazing native plants and animals in this preserve. Come enjoy this unique habitat!
• Wednesday, Jan 29 – Nature Therapy Hike at Spruce Bluff Preserve (8:30am-10:00am) - Disconnect from the noises of the world and enjoy the sounds of nature.  This slow paced, silent hike is perfect for anyone who needs peace and tranquility. Great for introverts and those with sensory sensitivities.
• Friday, Jan 31 – Hidden Oxbow Paddle at Petravice Family Preserve (9:00am-11:45am) - An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped body of water that forms when a river's meander is cut off from the main channel.  Come explore some St. Lucie River oxbows by kayak! We'll get a nice workout as we paddle south to explore a hidden gem along the river. No kayak experience necessary. All equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard if you prefer.

Click here to sign up! 

Want to get involved? 

Get outside and make a difference in St. Lucie County Preserves! A wide range of opportunities are available including:

• Trail stewardship
• Litter clean-up
• Invasive species removal
• Building/fixing fences, boardwalks  and other preserve amenities
• Citizen science
• Species monitoring/inventory
• Assistant for guided nature hikes and kayaking tours

 Click here to Volunteer with the Environmental Resources Department

For questions or to book a private guided hike:

Call 772-462-2536  

Tuesday - Friday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

or email slchikes@stlucieco.org