​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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)

​JANUARY 2026

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS 
Saturday, January 3, 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.

ONC VISITS THE WELLINGTON LIBRARY: ANIMAL TRACKS
Tuesday, January 6, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Meet ONC animal ambassadors and become a wildlife detective by identifying critters through their unique footprints! **Call the Wellington Library at 561-790-6070 or visit www.pbclibrary.org​ to pre-register.**  
 
PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, January 10, 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. 

ANIMAL ART ADVENTURES
Saturday, January 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Join ONC’s team of naturalists for a meet and greet with ONC animal ambassadors while you create your own wildlife-inspired artwork. Perfect for young artists, curious adults and families looking to connect with nature in a new way.
 
FAMILY OWL PROWL
Tuesday, January 20, 5:30-7:00 p.m. 
 Families/all ages, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Curious about the wildlife that roams ONC’s pine flatwoods after sunset? Meet nocturnal animal ambassadors and venture along the trails with us as we look and listen for nighttime creatures. 

PALM BEACH COUNTY WOODTURNERS
Saturday, January 24, 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!

FEBRUARY 2026

RAPTOR DAY FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Saturday, February 7, 8:30-10:00 a.m.  
Rain Date: Saturday, February 21, 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 [external link]. This event is not wheelchair accessible.

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, February 7, 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.

PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, February 14, 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. 

ONC VISITS THE GREENACRES LIBRARY: CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS
Tuesday, February 17, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Learn all about the importance of alligators and crocodiles in the ecosystem and interact with a live baby alligator! **Call the Greenacres Branch for details and RSVP at 561-641-9100 or visit www.pbclibrary.org to pre-register.**

SUPERSTARS OF THE NIGHT
Tuesday, February 24, 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, February 28, 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 COUNTY WOODTURNERS
Saturday, February 28, 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!