​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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​! [external link]​
​

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)

AUGUST

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, August 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.

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, August 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, you’ll develop a great new skill to focus your mind on a single target. All equipment is provided. 

PALM BEACH COUNTY WOODTURNERS
Saturday, August 22, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations 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!

FAMILY OWL PROWL
Tuesday, August 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m. 
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required) 
Curious about the wildlife that roams ONC’s pine flatwoods during and after sunset? Meet nocturnal animal ambassadors and venture along the trails with us as we look and listen for nighttime creatures. 

MARVELOUS MAMMALS
Saturday, August 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Ready for a fun adventure? Meet live animal ambassadors, discover what makes mammals amazing, and get creative with a hands-on mammal-themed craft!

SEPTEMBER

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, September 5, 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, you’ll develop a great new skill to focus your mind on a single target. All equipment is provided. 

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, September 5, 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 WELLINGTON LIBRARY: MYTH BUSTERS
Tuesday, September 8, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)
Join us as we dispel common myths and misconceptions about Florida wildlife and meet our live animal ambassadors. **Call the Wellington Library at 561-790-6070 or visit www.pbclibrary.org​ for more details.**.

CATERPILLAR CRAWL & CRAFT
Saturday, September 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join ONC’s team of naturalists as we search for caterpillars and butterflies. After this outdoor adventure, participants will create a craft to take home!

PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, September 12, 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. 

PALM BEACH COUNTY WOODTURNERS
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations 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!

SUPERSTARS OF THE NIGHT
Tuesday, September 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. 
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required) 
Join us for a relaxing night hike to search for the superstars of the night, nocturnal animals! Rain or shine, learn with our special guests from the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches!