PORT ST. LUCIE - Visit the Oxbow Eco-Center after dark and be prepared to go a little "batty" on Friday, March 7 as the Oxbow hosts its monthly night-time event, Nature at Night, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cyndi Marks and her live bats from the Florida Bat Conservancy will introduce us to our nocturnal neighbors. These flying mammals serve an appreciated function here in Florida; eating thousands of flying insects every night, including the blood-thirsty mosquito.

To round out the evening, "Batman" Ken Gioeli, natural resources agent of the St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension Service, will lead visitors on a hike in search of these nocturnal creatures. Gioeli uses sophisticated equipment such as night-vision binoculars and "bat-sonar equipment" that transforms the high-pitched frequencies of bats into lower frequencies that humans can hear.

Participants are encouraged to bring flashlights with a red lens or translucent red tape or tissue paper over the white lens. This serves to protect everyone's night vision during the hike. Nature at Night is $3 per person. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased in the Oxbow gift store or by phone at (772) 785-5842 with a major credit card. Ticket purchases are non-refundable and seats are limited.

Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County's premiere Environmental Learning Center, is situated on 220 acres on the St. Lucie River. The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive / 25th Street, approximately two miles south of Midway Road, across the street from the Publix plaza. For more information about additional Oxbow programs, call (772) 785-5833.

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