​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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​.

​​​​​Everyone Benefits from the Power of Parks
​• 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.

NOTICE: Effective October 1, 2025, all payments made with a credit or debit card (online or in-person) will incur a 3.0% service fee. This fee is assessed and collected by the credit card processor, not by Palm Beach County. No service fee will be assessed on payments made by check or cash. Service fees are non-refundable.​
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)

MARCH

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, March 7, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Reservations not 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.

FAMILY OWL PROWL
Tuesday, March 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join us for a relaxing night hike to search for the superstars of the night, nocturnal animals! Rain or shine, get excited to learn with our special guests from the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches!

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, March 14, 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! 

PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, March 14, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Reservations not 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. 
 
ONC VISITS THE ROYAL PALM LIBRARY: CRITTER CRIBS
Tuesday, March 17, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Meet live animal ambassadors as we explore the nests, burrows and hideouts Florida animals call home. From underground tunnels to forest-floor hideaways, discover how animals use clever homes to stay safe and survive in the wild. **Call the Royal Palm Beach Library at 561-790-6030 or visit www.pbclibrary.org for more details.**

DOWN AND DIRTY: THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY (part of the Florida Archaeology Month Lecture Series)
Thursday, March 19, 1:30 p.m.
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Learn firsthand from our county historic preservation officer and archaeologist all about Palm Beach County Archaeology! Presented by: Chris Davenport, PBC Historic Preservation Officer

GOPHER TORTOISE GALLOP 5K 
Saturday, March 21, Gates open at 6:15 a.m. Race begins at 7:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, (Pre-registration required**) Sign up early and save!
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host their 3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K and cordially invite you to join in the fun. All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit ONC ambassador animals, exhibits and programs. **Learn more and register online at https://victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5k/.​ [external link]

GOPHER TORTOISE SHELL-A-BRATION
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Join us to celebrate Gopher Tortoises! Meet our ambassador tortoise Sparky and enjoy free activities, thanks to support from the Gopher Tortoise Council and Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center.

THE CURATION CRISIS (part of the Florida Archaeology Month Lecture Series)
Friday, March 27, 1:30 p.m.
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
What is the curation crisis? What does this mean to archaeology, museums and collections? Come learn more about the current curation crisis! Presented by: Micaela Candia

PALM BEACH COUNTY WOODTURNERS
Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Join the PBC Woodturners for their monthly meeting to promote an interest in woodturning tools and techniques among its members and the community at large. All levels of skills are encouraged to join!