2020 Events
First Day Hike, January 1, 2020
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Celebrate the first day of 2020 with a hike along the trails from the Jensen Beach Entrance of the Savannas Preserve State Park. Bring your favorite hiking stick and a hiking tale to tell. We'll hike approximately 1.5 miles along a muddy trail, with a few puddles here and there.
Please wear closed toed shoes that can get wet, drinking water, and bug spray. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call the Visitor's Center at 772-398-2779 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Jensen Beach Blvd Entrance (just East of Green River Parkway) at 8:45 a.m. on January 1, 2020. The program will last approximately 2 hours. We look forward to sharing this experience with you!! Free with $3 park admission. |
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Miss Lucie's Pioneer Day, January 4, 2020
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Take a step back in time during the 10th annual Pioneer Day Festival on Saturday, January 4, 2020, 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. |
Sunset Guided Kayak Tours, January 6-April 4, 2020
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Enjoy the serenity of the Savannas Basin Marsh at sunset during these limited-edition tours. Cost is $15 per person donation to the Friends of Savannas, plus the state park admission fee ($3 for a vehicle with up to 8 people). Fees must be paid in exact cash. All equipment is included with your donation. Participants should dress for the weather and bring drinking water and an I.D. Minimum age for participation is 6 years old. Participants ages 6-10 must be in a double kayak with an adult. Please see below for a complete list of dates and arrival times. Reservations required by calling the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center at 772-398-2779.
2020 Schedule: 1/6/2020, Monday 5 pm 1/7/2020, Tuesday 5 pm 2/5/2020, Wednesday 5:25 pm 2/6/2020, Thursday 5:25 pm 3/5/2020, Thursday 5:45 pm 3/6/2020, Friday 5:45 pm 4/3/2020, Friday 6:55 pm - Cancelled effective March 14, 2020 4/4/2020, Saturday 6:55 pm - Cancelled effective March 14, 2020 All proceeds benefit the Friends of Savannas and their mission to support the preservation, maintenance, and interpretation of Savannas Preserve State Park. |
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Winter Solstice Drum Circle, January 12, 2020
(rescheduled from December 22, 2019)
Song Circle and Folk Jam, January 12, 2020 - December 13, 2020
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Enjoy the wonder of old-fashioned porch music right here at Savannas Preserve State Park! Pull up a chair and listen, or bring an instrument and join in the jam. This program is free with paid park admission ($3 for a vehicle with up to 8 people; cash only). No reservations required. The Song Circles take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most song circles will take place outside. Feel free to bring your own chair.
The schedule for 2020 is Sundays: January 12, February 9, March 8, April 5 (cancelled), May 3 (cancelled), June 14, (cancelled) July 12, (cancelled) August 9, (cancelled) September 13, (cancelled) October 11, (cancelled) November 8 (cancelled), and December 13. (cancelled) |
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Guided Park Excursions in the Pine Flatwoods, Sundays, January 19, February 9, March 8, and April 12, 2020 (9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) - Cancelled effective March 14, 2020
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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. |
Sunset Moonrise Guided Hikes, February 9 and March 9, 2020
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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. Space is limited so call the Education Center at 772-398-2779 for reservations. Bring water and bug spray, and wear closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Evans Creek parking lot at 5:00 p.m. on February 9 and 6:30 p.m. on March 9 – located just south of the Crosstown Parkway and U.S. 1 intersection at 8979 S. Federal Highway, Port St Lucie. Free with paid park admission of $3 cash per vehicle.
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Treasure Coast Explorer Series, February 28-April 24, 2020 (Cancelled effective March 14, 2020)
(Cancelled effective March 14, 2020) Become a Citizen Scientist with the New Treasure Coast Explorer Series
Local scientists and environmental educators are partnering to offer a discovery learning opportunity for area adults, starting Feb. 28.
Nine science and environmental organizations will host a weekly immersion series known as The Treasure Coast Explorer Series: Becoming a Citizen Scientist. In this collaborative science series, adult participants will visit natural areas and preserves to learn about local environmental issues and citizen science projects that address them. It is designed to give an overview of local habitats, wildlife, environmental issues, and citizen science projects.
The series runs Feb. 28 through April 24, with sessions taking place each Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at various locations across the Treasure Coast.
The series is designed specifically for ages 17 and older. The cost for the nine-part series is $65 per participant. Pre-registration is required by calling Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.
The series dates/topics include:
· Feb. 28: Living Shorelines - Ocean Research & Conservation Association
· March 6: Invasive Reptiles on the Treasure Coast - The Oxbow Eco-Center
· March 13: Water Quality Monitoring - Florida Oceanographic Society (Cancelled effective March 12, 2020)
· March 20: Dragonflies & Biodiversity - The Environmental Learning Center (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· March 27: Microplastic Pollution Lab - Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 3: Cetacean Science - FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 10: Mangroves Matter - Marine Recourses Council (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 17: Sea Turtle Nesting - Stella Maris Environmental Research (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 24: Scrub Jay Watch - Savannas Preserve State Park (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
For more information and to register, call the Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.
Local scientists and environmental educators are partnering to offer a discovery learning opportunity for area adults, starting Feb. 28.
Nine science and environmental organizations will host a weekly immersion series known as The Treasure Coast Explorer Series: Becoming a Citizen Scientist. In this collaborative science series, adult participants will visit natural areas and preserves to learn about local environmental issues and citizen science projects that address them. It is designed to give an overview of local habitats, wildlife, environmental issues, and citizen science projects.
The series runs Feb. 28 through April 24, with sessions taking place each Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at various locations across the Treasure Coast.
The series is designed specifically for ages 17 and older. The cost for the nine-part series is $65 per participant. Pre-registration is required by calling Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.
The series dates/topics include:
· Feb. 28: Living Shorelines - Ocean Research & Conservation Association
· March 6: Invasive Reptiles on the Treasure Coast - The Oxbow Eco-Center
· March 13: Water Quality Monitoring - Florida Oceanographic Society (Cancelled effective March 12, 2020)
· March 20: Dragonflies & Biodiversity - The Environmental Learning Center (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· March 27: Microplastic Pollution Lab - Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 3: Cetacean Science - FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 10: Mangroves Matter - Marine Recourses Council (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 17: Sea Turtle Nesting - Stella Maris Environmental Research (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
· April 24: Scrub Jay Watch - Savannas Preserve State Park (Cancelled effective March 18, 2020)
For more information and to register, call the Savannas Preserve State Park at 772-398-2779.
Air Potato Roundup, Saturday, March 14, 2020 - Cancelled effective March 14, 2020
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On March 14th, 2020 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., we will be hosting a volunteer day at the Savannas Preserve Miller Property for an Air Potato Roundup. We will be scavenging for air potato bulbils which grow on invasive vines in order to discard them.
For more information or to volunteer, contact [email protected] or [email protected] |
Warriors in the Wild, March 22, 2020 - Cancelled effective March 14, 2020
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The Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park will host an event for local veterans and their families on Sunday, March 22, 2020, with activities starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. Warriors in the Wild is a special event designed to connect veterans with the serenity and wonder of Florida's natural systems. Please see below for a full list of scheduled events:
1. Kayak tours will be offered at 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. These tours will be free to veterans and one guest only and require pre-registration by calling 772-398-2779 (please bring a veteran I.D. card to present at the time of the tour). 2. A 1-mile guided hike is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is free for veterans and all family members. This activity requires pre-registration by calling 772-398-2779. 3. ¼ mile guided hikes are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 11: 30 am. These are free for veterans and all family members. This activity requires pre-registration by calling 772-398-2779. 4. Live animal shows will take place at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 am in the Lecture Hall. This is free and does not require registration. 5. At 11 a.m., Diane Goldberg will present “Butterfly, Moth and Bird Gardening using Native Plants” in the Lecture Hall. This is free and does not require registration. 6. A step-by-step patriotic painting class will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All painting supplies and canvas are included for the price of $29. Pre-registration and payment are required by visiting: https://floridaartescape.com/. 7. Local businesses will share their recreational and veteran-oriented services/events at informational booths from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 8. Food trucks, including Florida BBQ Company, will be selling some delicious food at the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 9. Cake will be served around 12 p.m. at the pavilion, after the Pledge of Allegiance and a quick “Thank you” from our staff and non-profit members. Veterans interested in participating in Warriors in the Wild should call the Savannas Education Center at 772-398-2779. Space is limited for several of the events and reservations are required. Reservists, National Guardsmen, and Active Duty Military Personnel are also invited to participate. Activities will take place at the main entrance of the Savannas Preserve State Park located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie. |
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Spring Equinox Drum Circle, Sunday, March 29, 2020 - Cancelled effective March 14, 2020
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Celebrate the first day of Spring with local drumming enthusiasts at the Spring Equinox 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, Children under 12 are free (CASH ONLY). Limited supply of musical instruments available for sale during the event – proceeds benefit the Friends of Savannas. 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 Sunday, March 29, 2020. Admission fees can be paid starting at 6:30 p.m. |
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Paint pARTy, Sunday, May 31, 2020 (CANCELLED)
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Paint pARTy FUNdraiser: “Pineapple PINE~eers”
Join us at the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center, 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, for a FUN afternoon of Painting on May 31, 2020 from 1 pm to 3 pm! Rita will take you step-by-step through this wonderful painting on a 16x20 canvas. *No Experience Necessary. Ages 10+ (under age of 18 must reserve with an adult). The class is $30 per person and includes all paint supplies and tools needed. Price also includes park admission and a portion of the proceeds benefits Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park. *ADVANCE reservation is REQUIRED ~ Reserve Early. Visit www.FloridaArtEscape.com to reserve your easel now! |
Summer Solstice Drum Circle, June 21, 2020 (CANCELLED)
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Celebrate the official start 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, Children under 12 are free (CASH ONLY). Limited supply of musical instruments available for sale during the event – proceeds benefit the Friends of Savannas. 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 Sunday, June 21, 2020. Admission fees can be paid starting at 6:30 p.m. |
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Spooky Stroll on Swampy Savannas Self-Guided Trail, October 30 and 31, 2020
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Take a Spooky Stroll on the Swampy Savannas Self-Guided Trail!
On October 30th and 31st, take a winding walk along the Swampy Savannas Self-Guided Trail and learn a few freaky facts along the way about Florida’s flora and fauna! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the quarter-mile long Glass Lizard Trail will be transformed into an eerie educational experience. Enter the trail to the right of the Education Center and follow the forbidden forest path, taking time to stop and read each interpretive sign along the way. The trail is ideal for younger ages but adults may learn a thing or two as well! The Glass Lizard Trail is unpaved and is expected to be muddy. We encourage closed toed shoes that can get wet! Please observe local social distancing guidelines, such as staying 6 ft. away from others. Avoid overcrowding the trail by leaving space between groups. Park Admission Fee is required. You can purchase a one day pass online by visiting www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/savannas-preserve-state-park or you can purchase your pass at the event with exact cash or via credit card using the posted QR Codes. The online purchased passes are only valid on the date purchased. Cost is $3/vehicle with up to 8 people or $2/person for anyone arriving to the park on foot or by bicycle. |
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Winter Solstice Drum Circle, December 20 and 21, 2020
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TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT FOR BOTH NIGHTS
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