PORT ST. LUCIE - The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County's environmental learning center, has several events scheduled for October, including kayak tours and children's activities.

· The Oxbow's newest program "Swamp Tales" will take place Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. - noon. This free story time is appropriate for ages 2 - 6.

· The Oxbow's "Nature for Families" presents "Sensational Seeds" on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Discover a variety of seeds and learn how seeds survive harsh environments, travel to distant lands, and sprout to become plants. Appropriate for all ages. Advanced tickets are required, and are available at the Oxbow or by phone with a major credit card. Ticket purchases of $3 per participant are non-refundable and seats are limited.

· Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow's environmental ambassadors at the "Critter Chat" on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.

· The Oxbow staff offers a scenic guided kayak tour along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Saturday, Oct. 18 starting at 9 a.m. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the backside of the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Children 5-7 are free. Pre-registration is required.

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.

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