2019 Events
First Day Hike, January 1, 2019
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Celebrate the first day of 2019 with a hike along the East Coast Greenway and through the Savannas Preserve State Park. Bring your favorite hiking stick and a hiking tale to tell. We'll hike along hard, flat surfaces and soft, muddy areas. Water, bug spray, and closed toed shoes are always a good thing to take along. We'll walk for about a mile and a half. Space is limited. Call the Visitor's Center at 772-398-2779 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Education Center at 9 a.m. on January 1, 2019 to carpool a short distance to the trailhead. Free with $3 park admission. The program will last approximately 2 hours. We look forward to sharing this experience with you. The Education Center is located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St Lucie, FL 34952.
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Miss Lucie's Pioneer Day, January 5, 2019
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Take a step back in time during the 10th annual Pioneer Day Festival on Saturday, January 5, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park. Visitors will experience living history as they explore how people in Florida lived circa mid-19th century.
The Pioneer Day Festival showcases many time period exhibits and demonstrations, including cooking over hot coals, storytelling, and muzzle-loading. Demonstrators will show participants crafty ways to use corn husks, pine cones, and other natural resources. Guided hikes and kayak tours will be offered throughout the event. Weather permitting, Savannas Preserve State Park staff will perform a prescribed fire demonstration. The history of the Treasure Coast largely revolves around the pineapple farming industry. By 1895, the Jensen Beach area was known as “The Pineapple Capital of the World.” Captain Thomas E. Richards was credited with planting some of the first pineapple plantations in the area. Soon after establishing the plantation and his home on a high bank located along the west Indian River Shore, Captain Richards’ family, including his daughter Lucie, joined him here. Lucie began writing a series of letters to her old friend in New Jersey that detailed her daily life as a Florida pioneer. The letters have since been compiled into a volume called “The Memories of Eden.” Miss Lucie’s letters provide us with invaluable insight into what the life of a pioneer entailed. Join us on Pioneer Day as we explore the life of Miss Lucie. The Savannas Education Center is located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie. Admission to the event is $3/person; cash only. For more information about Pioneer Day, please call the Education Center at 772-398-2779. |
Florida Master Naturalist--St. Lucie Chapter Learning Series, January-April 2019
The Florida Master Naturalist--St. Lucie Chapter presents a free Learning Series every spring at Savannas Preserve State Park, 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie at 7:00 p.m.
The schedule for 2019 is:
Thursday, January 31, 2019: "What's 'Bugging' You in the Landscape?" by Kate Rotindo, UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Urban Horticulture Agent
Thursday, February 14, 2019: "Troubled Waters: History of the St. Lucie River" film by John Nelson, President, Martin County Audubon Society
Thursday, March 14, 2019: "Toxin Transfer from Harmful Algal Blooms to People: An Emerging Public Health Concern" by Beth Falls, Ph.D., Ocean Research and Conservation Association
Thursday, April 11, 2019: "How Can Florida Residents Promote Clean Energy and Sustainability in the Sunshine State?" by Doug Coward, Solar Energy Loan Fund
The series is free and open to all. We hope to see you there.
The schedule for 2019 is:
Thursday, January 31, 2019: "What's 'Bugging' You in the Landscape?" by Kate Rotindo, UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Urban Horticulture Agent
Thursday, February 14, 2019: "Troubled Waters: History of the St. Lucie River" film by John Nelson, President, Martin County Audubon Society
Thursday, March 14, 2019: "Toxin Transfer from Harmful Algal Blooms to People: An Emerging Public Health Concern" by Beth Falls, Ph.D., Ocean Research and Conservation Association
Thursday, April 11, 2019: "How Can Florida Residents Promote Clean Energy and Sustainability in the Sunshine State?" by Doug Coward, Solar Energy Loan Fund
The series is free and open to all. We hope to see you there.
Black History Day, February 24, 2019
Explore the Savannas While Discovering Local Black History; 9:00 am-2:30 pm. This event will include guided kayaking (45-minute tours for $5/person), guided hikes, and educational opportunities.
We will be showing the film, "Gullah Geechee Corridor and the East Coast Greenway," a short documentary that highlights the cycling community of Armstrong, Florida, while also showcasing St. Johns County’s rich West and Central African history. [The air conditioner in the Lecture Hall was not working so the film will be rescheduled for a later date.]
A presentation in the afternoon will focus on the Pineapple Plantations that formerly dominated St. Lucie and Martin counties, as well as the Tick Ridge Community where the first African-American settlers of the area lived.
Free with paid park admission ($3 per vehicle – must be paid in cash). Reservations required for kayaking - Call (772) 398-2779.
We will be showing the film, "Gullah Geechee Corridor and the East Coast Greenway," a short documentary that highlights the cycling community of Armstrong, Florida, while also showcasing St. Johns County’s rich West and Central African history. [The air conditioner in the Lecture Hall was not working so the film will be rescheduled for a later date.]
A presentation in the afternoon will focus on the Pineapple Plantations that formerly dominated St. Lucie and Martin counties, as well as the Tick Ridge Community where the first African-American settlers of the area lived.
Free with paid park admission ($3 per vehicle – must be paid in cash). Reservations required for kayaking - Call (772) 398-2779.
Florida State Parks on the Air, April 6, 2019
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On Saturday, April 6, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Savannas Preserve State Park will host several Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) as part of the Florida State Parks on the Air program. The event was started with the intent of promoting public awareness of Florida’s beautiful State Parks and diverse ecology. The event is also intended to educate the general public about ham radio.
Enjoy more than 17 miles of multi-use trails at the Savannas Preserve this Saturday and stop by the Pavilion to learn more about amateur radio operating. Currently, members of the Port St. Lucie Amateur Radio Association (www.pslara.org) will be activating Savannas Preserve State Park (SAV) using the callsign K4PSL. For additional information about the event, please visit https://flspota.org/. The ham radio operators will set up their equipment under the pavilion at the Education Center, weather permitting. The Education Center is located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St Lucie, FL 34952. Park admission is $3 cash per vehicle. The Education Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For information about the park, please call 772-398-2779. |
Gopher Tortoise Day, April 7, 2019
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Celebrate Gopher Tortoises at the Savannas Preserve State Park!
Enjoy the Savannas Preserve State Park during a Gopher Tortoise Event, on Sunday, April 7, 2019, including a presentation and several field activities from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The program will kick-off with a short presentation inside the Education Center and will end with a hike of up to one-mile through the pine flatwoods. Learn about the behavior and diet of Gopher Tortoises, as well as all the special features of the burrows they share with hundreds of other animal species. Youth participants will be sent on a hunt to search for signs that a gopher tortoise has recently been there. They will follow along a trail to locate scat, footprints, shell drags, and more. Arts/Crafts will be offered throughout the day inside the Education Center. All activities are FREE with paid park admission: $3 for a vehicle with 2-8 people. Cash only. Reservations required - please call the Education Center at 772-398-2779. |
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Training Opportunity:
Managing Visitor Use in Coastal and Marine Protected Areas,
May 8-9, 2019
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Register for the NOAA-led Managing Visitor Use in Coastal and Marine Protected Areas Training at Savannas Preserve State Park!
Providing a meaningful visitor experience can be at odds with a mandate to protect fragile coastal resources. This course helps participants understand, monitor, and manage visitor use to maintain healthy resource conditions and high-quality visitor experiences. This training introduces participants to a step-by-step decision-making process used to identify unacceptable visitor use impacts and explore a range of helpful strategies and tactics to address them. At this two-day training, you will learn how to:
Training details: Date: Wednesday, May 8 thru Thursday, May 9, 2019 (attendance at both days is required) Location: Savannas Preserve State Park Environmental Education Center, 2541 SE Walton Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Costs: Free To Register email: [email protected] (spaces are limited) |
Jay Watch training, June 8, 2019
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Become a Citizen Scientist on Saturday, June 8 during the Scrub Jay Watch Citizen Science Training Session starting at 8:00 a.m.
Learn how to identify Florida Scrub Jays by sight, sound and behavior, to assist in a statewide monitoring program! Participants will also learn about the Florida Scrub-Jay cooperative breeding behavior, population trends and stability, and standardized Jay Watch survey methods employed statewide. Participants should come prepared with long pants, closed-toed shoes, binoculars, water and snacks. Your skills will be put to the test during monitoring hikes scheduled for June 21, 22 and 23. The training session is FREE for participants, but you will be expected to participate in hikes listed above. Reservations required. Please email Jacqui Sulek at [email protected] and Doug Rogers at [email protected] . This training session will be held at the Savannas Preserve State Park at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St Lucie. |
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Summer Solstice Drum Circle, June 23, 2019
Celebrate the beginning of Summer with local drumming enthusiasts at the Summer Solstice Drum Circle hosted by the Savannas Preserve State Park! Please feel free to bring a drum if you have one, and join in the rhythm. Or you can just come and enjoy the ambiance in this beautiful and natural Preserve. Cost is $5/person. No reservations required. The Savannas Preserve State Park is located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St Lucie, FL 34952. The Drum Circle is from 7 pm to 9 pm on June 23, 2019. Please do not arrive to the Education Center prior to 6:30 p.m.
Homeschool Open House, June 29, 2019
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Treasure Coast Homeschool Open House
The Treasure Coast Homeschool Open House will be hosted at the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is an opportunity for current or prospective homeschool families to learn more about the many programs available to homeschooling families in St. Lucie, Indian River, and Martin counties. With over forty programs being represented during this event, families are sure to find many resources to enhance their 2019-2020 school year. Along with Savannas Preserve State Park, there are many programs available including the following:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/homeschoolingopportunities If you would like to have a reminder of the event, visit the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/867914380225330/ on Facebook and click on "going" or "interested." It is a free event so share this information with friends and family. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on all of the resources available during this once a year event. |
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Homeschool Hopper, September 6-October 25, 2019
Local scientists and environmental educators are collaborating to bring a unique learning experience to area homeschool students. Eight agencies and organizations will host a weekly immersion series known as the Homeschool Hopper. The sessions will take place on Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon. This session will focus on Florida Habitats. The series will begin on September 6th and will run through October 25th. The session at Savannas will be held September 27. A second session focused on Wildlife Studies has been scheduled for January 10th through February 28th. Keep an eye out for more information on this series in the future. Each week, students will visit a different venue, learning from a diverse group of scientists and educators. The course is appropriate for ages 10-14. Cost for each 8-part series is $45 per student. To register, please call the Savannas Education Center at 772-398-2779.
Fall Equinox Drum Circle, September 22, 2019
National Public Lands Day of Service, September 28, 2019
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Savannas Preserve State Park is hosting a habitat restoration project in honor of National Public Lands Day - the largest nationwide effort dedicated to giving back to our natural lands! We are calling all volunteers!!
AmeriCorps at Savannas Preserve State Park is inviting everyone to help with pulling invasive plants. Enjoy the great outdoors while helping us with our efforts! The service project will take place on Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Hawk’s Bluff Trail is located at 4698 NE Savannah Road, Jensen Beach. Please bring gloves, a water bottle and closed-toed shoes. Recommended items include sunscreen, hat, long pants and long sleeves. Join us! Registration is recommended by emailing Ashley at [email protected]. |
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Guided Nature Hike at Evans Creek, November 12, 2019
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Join Ranger Paul for a walk in the park at sunset, then enjoy the full moon rise over the pine flatwoods. You’ll get the chance to experience the park after the gates have closed, take in the afterglow of the sunset and watch the moon rise in the sky, all weather permitting, of course.
Bring your camera and tripod or cell phone for pictures, or just yourself for this special experience. Bring water, and bug spray and wear closed-toe shoes. Space is limited so call the Education Center at 772-398-2779 for reservations. Meet at the Evans Creek parking lot at 5 p.m. Evans Creek is located at 8979 S. Federal Highway, Port St Lucie, FL 34952. Guided hikes are free with paid park admission ($3 cash per vehicle – exact change required). |
Guided Park Excursions in the Pine Flatwoods, October 13, November 10, and December 8, 2019 (9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
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Traverse the park with a park naturalist as your guide. Hike up to one mile of trails while experiencing the beautiful sights and sounds of the flatwoods and freshwater marsh of the Savannas Preserve State Park.
Free with paid park admission ($3 per vehicle – must be paid in cash). Reservations required - Call (772) 398-2779. The group will meet at the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. |
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Guided Park Excursions at Hawk's Bluff, October 27, November 24, and December 22, 2019 (9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
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Traverse the park with a park naturalist as your guide! Hike approximately one mile of trails while experiencing the beautiful sights and sounds of the scrub habitat and freshwater marsh of the Hawk’s Bluff Trail at Savannas Preserve State Park.
Free with paid park admission ($3 for a vehicle with up to 8 people). Reservations required - Call (772) 398-2779. The group will meet at the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, and will caravan to the Hawk's Bluff Trail in Jensen Beach. |
Guided Nature Hike at Jensen Beach entrance, December 12, 2019
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Join Ranger Paul for a walk in the park at sunset, then enjoy the full moon rise over the pine flatwoods. You’ll get the chance to experience the park after the gates have closed, take in the afterglow of the sunset and watch the moon rise in the sky, all weather permitting, of course.
Bring your camera and tripod or cell phone for pictures, or just yourself for this special experience. Bring water, and bug spray and wear closed-toe shoes. Space is limited so call the Education Center at 772-398-2779 for reservations. Meet at the Jensen Beach Blvd. parking lot at 5 p.m. The Jensen Beach entrance is located in the 700 Block of NE Jensen Beach Blvd, just East of the Green River Parkway intersection. Guided hikes are free with paid park admission ($3 cash per vehicle – exact change required). |
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Pre-Holiday Plant and Gift Sale, December 21 and 22, 2019
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* PRE-HOLIDAY PLANT AND GIFT SALE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2019 Rain or Shine! Visit the Native Plant Sale area in front of the Education Center 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to purchase native plants for your yard and garden. Cash only please. We will have a special sale of selected items from the Gift Shop on Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m-4 p.m., and Sunday, December 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. |
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Guided Park Excursions at Hawk's Bluff, October 27, November 24, and December 22, 2019 (9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
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Traverse the park with a park naturalist as your guide! Hike approximately one mile of trails while experiencing the beautiful sights and sounds of the scrub habitat and freshwater marsh of the Hawk’s Bluff Trail at Savannas Preserve State Park.
Free with paid park admission ($3 for a vehicle with up to 8 people). Reservations required - Call (772) 398-2779. The group will meet at the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, and will caravan to the Hawk's Bluff Trail in Jensen Beach. |
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