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

Benefits of attending a program at Okeeheelee Nature Center
• 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.

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​!​
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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)
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MARCH

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, March 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.

ONC VISITS THE LIBRARY: OWLS AND OWL PELLETS
Tuesday, March 4, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Join ONC naturalists and their ambassador raptors at the Greenacres Branch Library! You will get to meet two different raptor species up-close and learn what they eat by dissecting a pellet. **Call the Greenacres Branch for details and RSVP at 561-641-9100 or visit www.pbclibrary.org to pre-register.

CANOEING 101
Wednesday, March 5, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Ages 10+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Join ACA certified instructors on a guided and relaxing paddle excursion on the calm waters of Okeeheelee South. Learn the basics of canoeing, from safety to paddle strokes, and develop a great new skill that connects you to nature. All equipment is provided. Participants must know how to swim and children must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up today, before it fills!

PALM BEACH PACK & PADDLE CLUB
Saturday, March 8, 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. 

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, March 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, and develop a great new skill to focus your mind on a single target. All equipment is provided. Space is limited, so register today!

GOPHER TORTOISE GALLOP 5K
Saturday, March 22, Gates open at 6:15 a.m. ; Race begins at 7:30 a.m. 
Families/all ages, (Pre-registration required**) 
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host their 2nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K and cordially invite you to join in the fun. All proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit the ambassador animals, exhibits and programs at ONC. **Learn more and register online at:  https://victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5k/

GOPHER TORTOISE SHELL-A-BRATION
Saturday, March 22, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations required)
Join us to celebrate the Gopher Tortoise! Meet Sparky, our ambassador tortoise, and enjoy free activities, thanks to support from the Gopher Tortoise Council and Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center.

SUPERSTARS OF THE NIGHT
Tuesday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Naturalists will lead the group on a relaxing night hike to search for the superstars of the night – nocturnal animals! Participants will explore the night sky with telescopes. Rain or shine, get excited to learn with our special guests from the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches on a crescent moon evening!​

ADVANCED ARCHERY***
Wednesday, March 26, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
***Prerequisite: Must have completed Archery for Beginners***
Enjoy this grounding activity to improve the mind-body connection, as you advance your archery skills. USA Archery certified instructors teach advanced techniques and practice aim and precision with fun games. All equipment is provided. Space is limited, so sign up before it fills up! 

APRIL

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Saturday, April 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.

ARCHERY FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, April 12, 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, April 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. 

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Saturday, April 19, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (No reservations needed)
One of the most important milestones in conservation history is Earth Day! Join Okeeheelee Nature Center for a fabulous and family friendly event that is FREE to the public. Activities will promote awareness of environmental protection and earth conservation, including live animal encounters, crafts, environmental exhibitors and vendors, guided nature tours, a rehabilitated animal release, face painting, raffles to benefit the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center, and much more. Mark your calendars now and be sure to come and explore all the nature center has to offer since its opening in 1992.

CITY NATURE CHALLENGE 2025: SOUTH FLORIDA #CNCSOFLO
Friday, April 25 – Monday, April 28
Palm Beach County joins the City Nature Challenge 2025! Help us show off South Florida's amazing biodiversity by photographing wildlife, plants and any other living organisms you can find! Join Okeeheelee at the Earth Day Celebration on April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to learn more about iNaturalist and how to participate in the City Nature Challenge 2025! For more details, please visit www.cncsoflo.com​. 

ONC VISITS THE LIBRARY: CREATURES WHO CAMOUFLAGE
Tuesday, April 29, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Families/all ages, FREE (Pre-registration required**)
Join staff and live animal ambassadors from Okeeheelee Nature Center to learn all about the unique ways animals are able to hide within their surroundings. **Call the Royal Palm Beach Library at 561-790-6030 or visit www.pbclibrary.org for more details.**