​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Upcoming Public Programs

 

Return to Okeeheelee

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 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 nature center during operating hours.

Recently participated in a program at Okeeheelee Nature Center? Take our program survey​!​
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ANIMAL FEEDINGS
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 3:30 p.m. 
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)

ALLIGATOR FEEDINGS
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. 
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)

SEPTEMBER


​ONC VISITS THE LIBRARY: NOCTURNAL CRITTERS
Friday, September 15, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Ages 5+, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Ever wonder what animals are moving around while you are asleep? Join ONC staff and animal ambassadors at the Greenacres Library, to learn all about the critters that are active at nighttime, including an owl, snake and other nocturnal guests! **Visit or call the Greenacres Library at 561-641-9100 to pre-register.

TURTLES TALK
Saturday, September 16, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Families/all ages, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Join the South Florida Herpetological Society and some special reptilian guests to learn the differences between turtles and tortoises. Participants will learn about native and non-native turtle species from land to sea and have the unique opportunity to interact with some shelled friends. This program is going to be TURTLEY awesome! 
 
ADVANCED ARCHERY**
Saturday, September 23, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
**Prerequisite: Must have completed Archery for Beginners
This program is for those already familiar with the basics of archery. Develop your archery skills further, as USA Archery certified instructors teach advanced techniques and practice aim and precision. All equipment is provided. Space is limited.
 
CATERPILLAR CRAWL & CRAFT
Saturday, September 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Join ONC’s team of naturalists as we celebrate Parks for Pollinators month with a search for caterpillars in our pollinator garden and learn the foods they eat before they turn into butterflies. After this slow-paced “crawl” to find these baby butterflies, participants will create a sustainable caterpillar craft to take home!

OCTOBER*

*Starting October 1, 2023, all naturalist program fees will be $5.00

​​ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS

Saturday, October 7, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required*)
Join USA Archery certified instructors and learn the basics of archery, from safety to shooting, and develop a great new skill! All equipment is provided. Space is limited. 

TRAILS & TRIVIA
Saturday, October 7, 2:00-3:45 p.m.
Ages 15+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join longtime Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club members Mike La Tour and Allen Trefry for an afternoon of exploration and fun! At 2 p.m., take an introductory walk through Okeeheelee Nature Center’s winding nature trails with Mike, a longtime Florida tree and plant enthusiast. Then at 3 p.m., chill out as quiz master Allen, a local environmental expert, offers a series of intriguing questions about Florida history – with a special focus on the plants and animals of the Sunshine State.

BAT CHAT & CRAFT
Saturday, October 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join us to learn all about these misunderstood flying mammals and how you can help preserve bat populations in your own backyard. Participants will create their own sustainable bat craft to take home!

ALL ABOUT BATS
Saturday, October 14, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Are you interested in learning more about bats and their benefits? Then this fun, educational program should be on your radar! Join experts from the Florida Bat Conservancy who will be bringing live rehabilitated bat species found in Florida and share how you can help preserve bat populations in your own backyard and communities.

ADVANCED ARCHERY**
Saturday, October 21, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
**Prerequisite: Must have completed Archery for Beginners
This program is for those already familiar with the basics of archery. Develop your archery skills further, as USA Archery certified instructors teach advanced techniques and practice aim and precision. All equipment is provided. Space is limited.
 
CREEPY CRITTERS & CRAFT
Saturday, October 28, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Come dressed up and celebrate Halloween with us by meeting some of the iconic critters associated with this holiday! Families will be thrilled and chilled to learn the truth about these cool critters and everyone will get to make their own creepy craft to bring home with them!