For Hometown News
ST. LUCIE COUNTY --
Start the New Year off right with St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department's weekly winter nature series' guided, educational hikes.
These free weekly programs run through May 4 and give participants a chance to explore some of the 42 miles of hiking trails that are located throughout the County's nearly 7,800 acres of Environmentally Significant Lands.
On Sunday, Jan. 6 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. - Coastal Hammock Walk at Ocean Bay Preserve, 7600 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach. Join a Florida master naturalist and discover the secrets of the rare coastal hammock community. This botanical wonderland sports tropical species specially adapted for life on a barrier island.
On Saturday, Jan. 12 from 9 - 11 a.m. - Discover Florida's Biodiversity at Spruce Bluff, 611 S.E. Dar Lane, Port St. Lucie. What is biodiversity? And why is it important? Discover this and more on a relaxing walk through a variety of native plant communities.
On Sunday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Day Hike at Pinelands Natural Area, 7601 VPI Grove Road, Port St. Lucie. Come and learn a variety of naturalist skills as we hike through one of the County's largest preserves - home to white-tailed deer, alligators and a large variety of birds.Bring binoculars and a camera as you can expect to see many diverse species.
On Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. - Exotic Pests: Plants Behaving Badly at Indrio Scrub, 4100 Old Dixie Highway, Fort Pierce. Take a leisurely stroll and discover some of the "bad guys" in Florida's natural areas. Find out what you can do to protect our environmentally sensitive lands from these invaders.
Anyone wishing to participate in these unique nature programs needs to register at least one day in advance. Programs are free, but limited to the first 15 people.
For reservations call, (772) 971-5611.