Oxbow Eco-Center

The Oxbow Eco-Center is an environmental learning center located in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Eco-Center has a series of trails totaling about 3.5 miles. 

The center houses an Exhibit Hall and Discovery Room which are currently closed due to COVID-19. However, the hiking trails, butterfly gardens, and picnic areas are free and open to the public, offering a safe and healthy activity for the whole family.

It was nice to be out in the fresh air surrounded by nature and art. The grounds are peppered with an eclectic mix of art installations and kid-friendly sculptures like this funky frog made from upcycled tires.

They also have a little outdoor theater for special events. My ukulele club was supposed to play in their Earth Day concert but unfortunately, it was canceled due to the stay at home order. On a positive note, there was a banner on the front of the building announcing that they will be open for summer camp.

The South Florida Water Management District and St. Lucie County purchased the lands to preserve and sustain its native wildlife.

Boardwalks, bridges, trails, and observation towers have been built from either recycled or recyclable materials to allow visitors to fully experience nature without disrupting it.

You can launch your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from the canoe launch and paddle down the St. Lucie River.

It has more species of fish than any other river in the state!

Along the Florida Heritage Trail, you will discover many delightful art installations.

These folksy animal sculptures are made from wood.

These endearing scenes made me feel like I was in an enchanted forest.

I couldn't get enough of them so I actually hiked this trail twice.   

The scenes are numbered but there was no interpretive signage and I couldn't find any information about them on the trail map.

I can only assume that this trail normally offers a guided experience when the Eco-Center is open. The mystery of it all has made me even more intrigued.

I can't wait to go back to the Oxbow Eco-Center when it is fully operational again. I am curious to know more about this special place. I will add a Part 2 to this post with photos and information about the Exhibit Hall and Discovery Room when they re-open.

In the meantime, I hope you visit the Oxbow Eco-Center and enjoy it as much as I did!

"The Oxbow Eco-Center cultivates knowledge, nurtures a sense of wonder, and inspires stewardship for the natural world through education, artistic expression, collaboration, volunteerism, and celebration."

www.oxboweco.com

5400 NE St. James Drive

Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

Admission is free

Iao Valley State Park

In Hawai'ian, 'Iao (pronounced EE-ow) means "cloud supreme" 

Iao Stream

Iao Valley was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972

Iao Needle

Located in Central Maui just west of Wailuku and home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, Kuka`emoku (the Iao Needle), an erosional feature which rises 1200 feet from the valley floor. For the best view of the needle, visit in the morning as it is often obscured by cloud cover later in the day.

The park is 10 miles long and is 4,000 acres of lush landscape and easy hiking paths.

There is a 0.6 mile paved pedestrian path that leads to the Iao needle viewing point and provides a scenic lookout with expansive views of the valley.

Aside from its natural tropical beauty, sacred Iao Valley has great historical significance. In 1790 it was the site of the battle of Kepaniwai where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army and ultimately changed the course of Hawaiian history.

Families can also take a rainforest walk or explore interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center, which is also located within Iao Valley. 

Also within Iao Valley is the Kepaniwai Park's Heritage Gardens. Since 1952, they have memorialized Maui's multicultural history. Scale models of ethnic buildings and gardens representing the immigration of Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese, American missionary, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese cultures are the park's highlight. 

There are restrooms and picnic tables in the gardens as well so be sure to pack your picnic basket!

Iao Valley is located at the end of Iao Valley Road (Highway 32). It is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The entrance fee is $5.00 per car. There is no fee for Hawaii residents or for walk-in visitors.