Thursday, July 1, 2010 - Oxbow Celebrates Native American Myths And Legends This July
The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County's environmental learning center, has several family-friendly, environmental events scheduled for July focusing on Native American myths and legends.- ''Swamp Tales'' continues on Wednesday, July 7 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. This free storytime is appropriate for ages 2 - 6. Selected story: "The First Strawberries" by Joseph Bruchac. "The First Strawberries" is a Cherokee legend about how the berries came to be on Earth.
- Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow's environmental ambassadors at ''Critter Chat'' happening every Tuesday (July 6, 13, 20, 27) from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
- The Oxbow's Nature for Families presents "Tales about Tails" on Saturday, July 10 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Guests can watch as their favorite animal myths come alive with our fantastic puppets. You’ll even discover legends about different animals that make their home in and around the Oxbow Eco-Center. Participants will be telling their own myths inspired be the Oxbow, and go home with a Native American craft depicting their inner animal spirit. Appropriate for all ages. Please RSVP. The cost is $3 per person. Admission is non-refundable and seats are limited.
- The Oxbow staff offers a scenic guided kayak tour along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m. - noon. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required.
- Spirit of Nature Art Camp runs July 26-30 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Treasure Coast Art Association artists will help to inspire the creative nature enthusiast through a variety of art projects, including zentangles, mask-making, pinch pots, drawing, painting and more. Space is still available so call today. This camp is designed for ages 11-16. The cost is $80 per child.
In addition to the various scheduled events, the Oxbow's trails are open every day from dawn until dusk, while the education center is open Tuesday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Oxbow offers a rare glimpse of "the real Florida" with nature trails, boardwalks, observation towers and an interactive environmental learning center.
The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center). For more information call the staff at (772) 785-5833 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow.