Oxbow's 2013 Winter Calendar

January – Ice Age Florida Month

Guided Hikes – Every Saturday at 9am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org .  Enjoy a guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow and be enriched with the biodiversity this preserve has to offer.  No RSVP required just show up at 9 am ready to hike!
Tai Chi for Health Classes – Fridays at 10:30am & Saturdays at 3:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, $10 per class or $35 for 4 classes, RSVP, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Tai Chi instructors Hilde and Hector Ruiz-Puyana will lead classes in Tai Chi for Health, designed for everyone, including those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and balance issues. Appropriate for ages 16 and up.  RSVP a must.
 “The Big Year with Sandy Komito” – January 3rd at 7pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. If you’ve watched the movie The Big Year, you’ll want to join the St. Lucie Audubon Society for a lecture by one of the subjects of the movie – Sandy Komito. Based on the book by the same name, three birders were competing in 1998 to break the record, already held by Komito, of finding the greatest number of birds in a single year. Komito kept the record, in fact increasing it by another 17 birds. He still holds the record, now at 847 species. The lecture is FREE.
“Florida Fossils – Show and Tell” Lecture — January 5th at 12:00pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. FREE Brown Bag Lecture, no RSVP.  Put your hands on a piece of ancient Florida history with Fred Mazza, of Paleo Discoveries, as he shares rare and unusual fossils he has found through years of fossil hunting across the Florida and southeast United States. Bring your lunch and a friend to share in this hands-on FREE lecture!
Homeschool Farm Day—January 8th, 10am -12:30pm at the 4-H ZEP Farm in Fort Pierce, RSVP-$3/ child, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. Kindergarten through 4th grade students will be learning about where their food comes from, different forms of gardening, how the water cycle plays a key role for life and will have an exciting hands-on with some of the Farm’s animals. 5th through 12th grade students will be learning about the natural history and physiological systems of the animals.  Space is limited so RSVP a must!
Swamp Tales — January 10th at 3:45pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Join us for a “novel” adventure with Miss Kitty, our fabulous storyteller. Each month the story changes but the fun never stops! This free story and activity is appropriate for ages 3 to 6.
Nature for Families “Megafauna”— January 12th at 10:30am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP-$4/ participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Imagine a world where going outside to collect food meant walking past huge animals like mammoths and giant sloths; a world where you would have been prey for large predators like the Terror Bird, Megalodon and the Sabre-Tooth Cat.   Join us as we learn about the giant animals that once called Florida home and their modern relatives living here today.  Appropriate for children ages 5 and up.
“Save a Tree, Save the Planet” Lecture– January 12th at 1:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Matthew Stover continues his series on simplifying life through mastering simple technology tools. While we all want to reduce our paper consumption, it still seems like we are printing out copious amounts, and recycling reams of paper.  But recycling is not the cure-all. Paper needs to be a certain quality to be recycled, and can’t be recycled too many times before losing its usefulness. So significantly reducing the amount of paper we use is even more responsible than recycling. Learn some ideas on how to go paperless with confidence. This is a FREE lecture and open to all.
Oxbow and the Natives “Tools for Ancient Survival”— January 17th at 3:45pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org .  Jim Stewart from Savannas Preserve State Park will be discussing the weapons, ornaments, and other tools created and used by Florida’s Native Peoples.  Following the presentation watch as the Oxbow animal ambassadors enjoy their favorite foods. This is a free program for children ages 5 and up.
Treehouse Time “Moving like Ice Age Beasts”— January 18th at 9:30am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. Youngsters and parents will warm-up with our naturalist by moving like their favorite ice age animal. This is a free program appropriate for ages 3 to 5 with an adult.
Art Class “Metal Embossing”— January 19th; Adult session 10 am –12 pm, Kids session (ages 8 –15) 1:30 pm– 3:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP- $20/ participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org . The Treasure Coast Art Association teams up with Oxbow to present this stunning art class. Throughout history embossed metal art has been highly prized and during this presentation participants will create a modern twist on metalizing bookmarks, journals and cards.
Native Bee Roosts Workshop — January 26th at 12pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, $20/ participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. In Florida there are roughly 315 species of native bees and our existence depends on their presence here.  With the recent decline in the non-native honeybee colonies, we can all help to encourage native bees to stay in our gardens by making a variety of roosts. Join Master Beekeeper and President of the Treasure Coast Beekeepers Association Michelle Peterson as she discusses the value of having native bees visit your landscape, demonstrates how to make a variety of roosts, and helps you make one for your garden.  Cost includes all supplies.  Appropriate for ages 12 and up. RSVP.

Conservation Poster Contest—All month-- Children are asked to create a poster with the theme “How Can You Conserve Oxbow’s Wildlife”.  They will be displayed throughout the month and there will be prizes at the end of the month for the most original poster in three age categories; ages 2-5, ages 6-10; ages 11-16.  Please stop by the Center or check www.oxboweco.com for poster details.
Guided Hikes – Every Saturday at 9am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Enjoy a guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow and be enriched with the biodiversity this preserve has to offer.  No RSVP required just show up at 9 am ready to hike!
Tai Chi for Health Classes – Fridays at 10:30am & Saturdays at 3:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, $10 per class or $35 for 4 classes, RSVP, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Tai Chi instructors Hilde and Hector Ruiz-Puyana will lead classes in Tai Chi for Health, designed for everyone, including those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and balance issues. Appropriate for ages 16 and up.  RSVP a must.
“Imperiled Scrub Habitat” Lecture — February 2nd at 12:00pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   Scrub areas are some of the oldest and most endangered habitats in Florida.  Created by movements of the ocean during Florida’s geologic history, these high and very dry sand ridges soon became the prime locations to build housing for settlers.  Every year more and more of this important scrub habitat disappears because of degradation and development.  Learn about the special and well adapted plants and animals that survive the desert conditions of the Florida scrub at this FREE lunchtime lecture.  No RSVP.
Home School Day at the Oxbow “Birds 101” – February 7th; Grades K-4th 10am-12pm; Grades 5th-12th 1:30-3:30pm; at the Oxbow Eco-Center; $3/participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Our feathers friends have some very unique adaptations and behaviors.  Students will immerse themselves in the world of birds from their amazing anatomy, their ecological niches, and their strategies for survival. Students will also learn how to use binoculars to spot birds and look for their distinguishing field marks. RSVP a must!
Nature for Families “Florida’s Endangered Species”— February 9th at 10:30am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP- $4/ participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org . In Florida there are only about 100 panthers left in the wild, the Gopher Frog who calls gopher tortoise borrows home is vanishing, and our bromeliads cannot deal with the alien invasions.  Participants will be discovering the hardships of many of Florida endangered species and what they can do to help save these plants and animals.  Appropriate for ages 5 and up. RSVP a must.
Swamp Tales — February 14th at 3:45pm at the Oxbow Eco Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Join us for a “novel” adventure with Miss Kitty, our fabulous storyteller. Each month the story changes but the fun never stops! This free story and activity is appropriate for ages 3 to 6.
Treehouse Time “Threatened Species Sing-a-long”— February 15th at 9:30am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org. Youngsters and parents will sing songs and act like their favorite threatened species like the manatee. This is a free program appropriate for ages 3 to 5 with an adult.
Art Class “Endangered Zentangles”—February 16th; Adult session (ages 16 & up) 10 am –12 pm, Kids session (ages 8 –15) 1:30pm– 3:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP-$20/participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   The Treasure Coast Art Association teams up with Oxbow to present this stunning art class. This program explores the art of Zentangling, which is a form of drawing often described as “doodling with patterns.” Use nature’s own designs to get inspired! RSVP.
Oxbow and the Natives “Gopher Frog”— February 21st at 3:45pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Hop on over to the Oxbow to learn how a slimy frog lives in a sandy burrow. Gopher frogs are a very rare sight but if you listen closely at night you can hear their “snoring” song.  Following the presentation watch as the Oxbow animal ambassadors enjoy their favorite foods. This is a free program for ages 5 and up.

Guided Hikes – Every Saturday at 9am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.    Enjoy a guided hike through the wilds of the Oxbow and be enriched with the biodiversity this preserve has to offer.  No RSVP required just show up at 9 am ready to hike!
Tai Chi for Health Classes – Fridays at 10:30am & Saturdays at 3:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP- $10 per class or $35 for 4 classes, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   Tai Chi instructors Hilde and Hector Ruiz-Puyana will lead classes in Tai Chi for Health, designed for everyone, including those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and balance issues. Appropriate for ages 16 and up.  RSVP a must.
Brown Bag Lecture “Florida’s Early Female Naturalist” Lecture Hike— March 2nd at 12 pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Author and Pulitzer-Prize winner Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings led an extraordinary life in the remote wilds of Florida.  Rawlings’ writings and great observations of the world around her help us to better understand Florida’s past.  Join the Oxbow to learn how she managed her day to day struggles in the hamlet of Cross Creek Florida.  No RSVP required for this FREE lunchtime lecture.
Home School Day at the Oxbow “Archaeology of Prehistoric Florida” – March 7th; Grades K-4th 10am-12pm; Grades 5th-12th 1:30-3:30pm; at the Oxbow Eco-Center; RSVP-$3/participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   Kevin the Archaeologist will be visiting the Oxbow for a very special homeschool presentation. Students will get to explore Florida’s rich past and try their hands at some of the tools used on an archaeological dig.  Students should attend prepared to get sandy. RSVP a must!
Nature for Families “Eco Explorers”—March 9th at 10:30am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP-$4 per participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Learn about ecology and have a blast! Eco-Explorers is about having fun while learning about energy and wildlife. We will be playing games on the trail, so bring a water bottle and a hat. Dress appropriately. Appropriate ages 5 and up; $4 per participant. RSVP a must.
Swamp Tales— March 14th at 3:45pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   Join us for a “novel” adventure with Miss Kitty, our fabulous storyteller. Each month the story changes but the fun never stops! This free story and activity program is appropriate for ages 3 to 6.
Treehouse Time “I Spy Nature” – March 15th at 9:30am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   Youngsters and adults will explore the wilds of Oxbow using their peepers. This is a free program appropriate for ages 3 to 5 with an adult.
 “Pine Needle Baskets” Art Class --March 16th; Adult session (ages 16 & up) 10 am –12 pm, Kids session (ages 8 –15) 1:30 pm– 3:30pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP-$20/participant (includes all supplies), 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.   Treasure Coast Art Association teams up with Oxbow to present this fun, nature-inspired art class using left-over pine needles to create beautiful baskets.  RSVP a must!
Oxbow and the Natives “Biofacts”— March 21st at 3:45pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center, FREE, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.    Animals may be hard to find when you are hiking during the day, but if you look carefully you can always find “Biofacts” or evidence of their presence.  Learn and touch some biofacts found in the Oxbow woods. Following the program watch as the Oxbow animal ambassadors enjoy their favorite foods. This is a free program ages 5 and up.
“Birds for Kids” Workshop—March 27 & 28 at 9:00am to 11:30 am at the Oxbow Eco-Center, RSVP-$10/participant, 772-785-5833 or oxbow@stlucieco.org.  Children ages 7-10 will be introduced into the world of birding by learning about identifying marks, adaptations, behaviors of birds and how to use binoculars.  In the field, young birders will be using their newly found skills to see what birds call Oxbow home.  Participants need to be dressed appropriately.  Space is VERY limited and RSVP required.