​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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, recreation, and educate on health and wellness in the community​.

Benefits of attending a program at Okeeheelee Nature Center
Environmental Awareness: Exposure to nature fosters a greater appreciation for the environment.
Mental Health: Nature-based activities have been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and boosting self-esteem. 
Creativity and Imagination: Being in nature stimulates creativity and imagination. 
Physical Health: Engaging in outdoor activities improves physical health. 
Skill Development: Participants learn new skills and improve existing ones, enhancing their overall competence and confidence.

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​!

MONTHLY

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)

​FEBRUARY

RAPTOR DAY FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Saturday, February 1, 8:30-10:00 a.m.  
Rain Date: Saturday, March 1, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Ages 12+, $45/participant (Reservations required)
Support the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center as they host their 10th Annual Fundraiser, “Raptor Day for Nature Photographers.” All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit the ambassador animals, exhibits and programs at ONC and are tax deductible. Tickets can be purchased on the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center’s website. This event is not wheelchair accessible.

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, February 1, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)
Join the Florida Trail Association’s Loxahatchee Chapter for their monthly meeting and program, featuring guest speakers from environmental organizations. Join at 3:00 p.m. to chat with members about the club and enjoy light refreshments.

ONC VISITS THE LIBRARY: WORLD WETLANDS DAY
Tuesday, February 4, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Join ONC Naturalists at the Wellington Library as we celebrate World Wetlands Day! Meet some native Florida animals who call the wetlands their home and learn more about this crucial ecosystem. **Call the Wellington Library at 561-790-6070 or visit www.pbclibrary.org​ for more details.**

PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, February 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)
Join Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club for their monthly meeting and program, featuring guest speakers from local organizations presenting on nature-related subjects and other environmental topics of interest. 

DEER-LY LOVED HEARTS & CRAFTS
Saturday, February 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Are you fawned of white-tailed deer? Join us for a heart-filled Valentine’s Day craft and an opportunity to meet and greet with the deer of Okeeheelee Nature Center.

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, February 22, 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 to focus your mind on a single target. All equipment is provided. Space is limited, so register today!

MARCH

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, March 1, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)
Join the Florida Trail Association’s Loxahatchee Chapter for their monthly meeting and program, featuring guest speakers from environmental organizations. Join at 3:00 p.m. to chat with members about the club and enjoy light refreshments.

ONC VISITS THE LIBRARY: OWLS AND OWL PELLETS
Tuesday, March 4, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Join ONC naturalists and their ambassador raptors at the Greenacres Branch Library! You will get to meet two different raptor species up-close and learn what they eat by dissecting a pellet. **Call the Greenacres Branch for details and RSVP at 561-641-9100 or visit www.pbclibrary.org to pre-register.

CANOEING 101
Wednesday, March 5, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Ages 10+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Join ACA certified instructors on a guided and relaxing paddle excursion on the calm waters of Okeeheelee South. Learn the basics of canoeing, from safety to paddle strokes, and develop a great new skill that connects you to nature. All equipment is provided. Participants must know how to swim and children must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up today, before it fills!

PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, March 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)
Join Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club for their monthly meeting and program, featuring guest speakers from local organizations presenting on nature-related subjects and other environmental topics of interest. 

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, March 15, 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 to focus your mind on a single target. All equipment is provided. Space is limited, so register today!

GOPHER TORTOISE GALLOP 5K & SHELL-A-BRATION
Saturday, March 22, Gates open at 6:15 a.m. ; Race begins at 7:30 a.m. 
Families/all ages, (Pre-registration required**) 
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host their 2nd annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K and cordially invite you to join in the fun. All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit the ambassador animals, exhibits and programs at ONC and are tax deductible. Afterwards, join us at ONC for additional activities and educational opportunities at our Shell-a-bration. Sign up early and save! **To learn more and register online, visit https://victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5k/

SUPERSTARS OF THE NIGHT
Tuesday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join ACA certified instructors on a guided and relaxing paddle excursion on the calm waters of Okeeheelee South. Learn the basics of canoeing, from safety to paddle strokes, and develop a great new skill that connects you to nature. All equipment is provided. Participants must know how to swim and children must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up today, before it fills!

ADVANCED ARCHERY***
Wednesday, March 26, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
***Prerequisite: Must have completed Archery for Beginners***
Enjoy this grounding activity to improve the mind-body connection, as you advance your archery skills. USA Archery certified instructors teach advanced techniques and practice aim and precision with fun games. All equipment is provided. Space is limited, so sign up before it fills up!