​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Public Programs

 

Return to Riverbend​
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Reservations are required for ALL programs (unless otherwise noted). All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form before each program.

Activities promote environmental and historical awareness, conservation, and recreation.

TO REGISTER and MAKE PAYMENT for PROGRAMS:
Online - Select the “Online Services” tab at the top of this page and click on Register/Pay for Program; Login with your username and password. (New users must create a household account online-please follow online instructions)

In Person - Visit the Riverbend Park office during operating hours.

NATURALIST WALKS
Fridays, 8:00 a.m. 
All ages, FREE (Reservations required)
Join naturalists each week for a 1-hour guided walk exploring the trails of Riverbend Park. It’s a great way to become familiar with the plant and animal communities and trails of the park. Call 561-741-1359 to reserve a spot.

REPTILE ENCOUNTERS
Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. 
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Join naturalists each week for a short meet & greet with one of our resident reptile ambassadors.

BATTLEFIELD TOURS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. 
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Join a Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationist docent on a battlefield tour and learn of the Second Seminole War battles that occurred here.​

APRIL


SOUTH FLORIDA ANIMALS: MAMMALS 
Saturday, April 6, 9:30 a.m. 
Ages 5+, $5/participant (Reservations required) 
Join a naturalist to learn about our native South Florida Animals: Mammal edition! Participants will have an opportunity to see and touch furs and skulls from some common mammals we can find in the park before going on a walk to look for those animals.

FISHING FUN 
Wednesday, April 10, 9:30 a.m. 
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Learn basic fishing techniques and safety while fishing for the big one! Proper outdoor clothing, water, sunblock and sunglasses are recommended. Fishing gear is provided.
   
BIRDING BASICS 
Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m. 
Ages 5+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Come join us for a guided birding walk in the park as we learn about the amazing adaptations of birds and the many roles they play in the environment. Participants can borrow bird guidebooks and binoculars. 

HISTORY IN THE PARK 
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. 
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Join our non-profit group the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists for a presentation by a guest speaker. Docents will conduct a walking tour of the battlefield following the presentation. 

NIGHT HIKE 
Friday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. 
Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join a naturalist on a walk and observe the change from diurnal to nocturnal in the park. Good walking shoes, water, a flashlight, and bug spray are recommended. 

SAWMILL SATURDAY 
Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Stop by the sawmill on the park’s recreated farmstead and visit with the sawyers as they cut and plane logs into boards. Experience “turn of the century” cutting edge technology. 

FULL MOON BIKE RIDE 
Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. 
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Explore the park with a guided nighttime bike ride! After hours get the chance to look at nature from the point of view of its nocturnal residents. Appropriate safety gear and water is required. Bike lights highly recommended. Bring your own bike. 

ARCHERY 101 
Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m. 
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Join USA Archery certified staff to learn a new skill! This exciting program teaches archery safety and how to properly use the equipment before getting to practice on the range. Equipment is provided. Note: Bows may be difficult to pull for smaller children.

MAY


REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join a naturalist to learn about the differences between reptiles and amphibians and discuss their similarities and differences. Participants will have an opportunity to see and touch a live reptile as well as related biofacts. Then participants will go on a short walk to try and find wild amphibians and reptiles in the park.

ARCHERY 101
Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Join USA Archery certified staff to learn a new skill! This exciting program teaches archery safety and how to properly use the equipment before getting to practice on the range. Equipment is provided. Note: Bows may be difficult to pull for smaller children.

BIRDING BASICS: PURPLE MARTIN EDITION
Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Come join us for a guided birding walk in the park as we learn about the special migratory lifestyle of the Purple Martins! Participants will take part in a nest check to see how Riverbend staff monitor the Purple Martin nesting season.

HISTORY IN THE PARK
Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m.
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Join our non-profit group the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists for a presentation by a guest speaker. Docents will conduct a walking tour of the battlefield following the presentation.

NIGHT HIKE
Friday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.
Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join a naturalist on a walk and observe the change from diurnal to nocturnal in the park. Good walking shoes, water, a flashlight, and bug spray are recommended.

WETLAND DIPNETTING
Saturday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join a naturalist to learn about the different types of wetlands and how they are important to both animals and humans. Participants will also discover the underwater world by dipnetting for aquatic organisms to study and release. Please wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet/muddy.