FORT PIERCE - The St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department's Nature Program Series, held each Saturday at various Environmentally Significant Land sites, is winding down this spring with guided hikes that cover snakes, owls, treasure hunting and stargazing.

· Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. - noon - Wildlife Walk at Bluefield. Experience a long morning walk through flatwoods and open grasslands, searching for wildlife. Geared toward hikers with the stamina to last the three-mile hike. Bring your hiking apparel, drinking water and your cameras as we trek more than three miles.

· Saturday, March 10 from 6 - 7 p.m. - Snakes at Dusk. Study snakes as close as you like as we travel along the entrance road to Pinelands Natural Area. Observe snakes soaking up the last bit of heat off the road as they prepare for the cool night. Flashlights are optional.

· Saturday, March 17 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. - Spruce Bluff Archeological Walk. Discover a ceremonial Indian mound built thousands of years ago, while discussing the immense process of constructing it and the significance behind it.

· Saturday, March 24 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Pinelands Owl Prowl. Whoo, whoo, whoo wants to see barred owls, screech owls, and great horned owls? A biologist will call our local feathered friends under a full moon. Flashlights are necessary.

· Saturday, March 31 from 9 - 11 a.m. - Pinelands Animals Tracks Trek. Been out hiking and seen animal tracks and not known what kind they were? Join us and we'll try to find some to identify!

· Saturday, April 7 from 3 - 5 p.m. - Pinelands Treasure Hunt. Come discover modern, treasure hunting adventures at Pinelands Natural Area. With the help of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units, a new outdoor hobby has been created worldwide where one can find another's hidden treasures. GPS units are optional as we will have one to use. Call for details or go online to www.geocaching.com to learn more.

· Saturday, April 21 from 8 p.m. - midnight - Stargazing at Bluefield. Calling all stargazers. Fix your eyes on the sky, miles from the city lights, with the expertise of the local astronomy club members to help guide viewers using professional telescopes. Dress appropriately and bring a chair or blanket to view from.

Anyone wishing to participate in these nature programs needs to register at least one day in advance. Programs are free, but limited to the first 15 people. To register or for more information call (772) 462-2526 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd.

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