IRL Science Festival

05/25/2026

Drop In and Draw on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:30 pm and Thursdays from 5:00 -7:30pm!! 111 Orange Avenue on the Lower Level.

Reach out to [email protected] for more info.

To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, please visit www.artstlucie.org

05/25/2026

Join us on Wednesday, June 17 at 2pm for our webinar “The Florida Meadow — A Future of Ecological Enhancement” presented by UF/IFAS Research Associate Dr. Gage LaPierre. Register now at: https://www.flawildflowers.org/event/260617-webinar-the-florida-meadow/

Meadows are dynamic, human-created plant communities — graminoid- and forb-dominated landscapes that offer both ecological value and striking visual appeal. In this presentation, we’ll explore what makes meadows thrive in Florida’s unique environment, from the principles behind their design to the practicalities of installation and long-term management.

05/20/2026

🐢 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Update 🐢
The 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially off and with a strong start! 💪

Loggerheads and leatherbacks are both currently outpacing their recent record-breaking years. We can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds!

Here are preliminary statewide totals as of April 30th:
🟠 1,450 loggerhead nests (compared to 796 in 2025, 469 in 2024, 1,400 in 2023, and 271 in 2022)
🟢 3 Kemp’s ridley nests (compared to 1 in 2025, 4 in 2024, 6 in 2023, and 1 in 2022)
🔵 1,008 leatherback nests (compared to 965 in 2025, 831 in 2024, 624 in 2023, and 549 in 2022)
🟣 0 green turtle nests (compared to 0 in 2025, 0 in 2024, 1 in 2023, and 1 in 2022)

💫 Thanks to all the permit holders, volunteers and partners involved in this incredible community science effort, working together to document sea turtle nesting activity across the state!

Check back for monthly updates throughout the season! ✅

📸 Photos: FWC

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

Sun, smiles, and wild adventures await! ☀️🌿

Our summer camps spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a love for the natural world.

Give your young explorer the chance to connect with nature and make unforgettable memories with us this summer.

Spots fill quickly-don’t miss out!

Visit our website to register.

Nature Camp: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/summer-nature-camp-2026
Jr. Naturalist Camp: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/jr-naturalist-camp-2026

04/02/2026

SAVE THE DATE: ORCA’s 9th annual A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon (ADIL) will take place on October 22, 2026!

On this special day students, educators, environmental professionals, and community volunteers will come together to collect scientific data at various sites spanning the 156-mile Indian River Lagoon.

This real-world experience allows students to build scientific skills, strengthen their connection to the lagoon, and contribute valuable and reliable data that helps researchers better understand the lagoon’s health, environmental stressors, and long-term trends.

What’s new this year?
ADIL 2026 will feature enhanced scientific rigor, with a focused investigation into environmental toxicity and biodiversity throughout the Indian River Lagoon.

We’re looking forward to an impactful, science-driven ADIL 2026! If you are interested in getting involved, please email Courtney at [email protected]

Thank you to these wonderful supporters that make this project possible: Bernard A. Egan Foundation, Inc., Florida Power & Light Company, through its charitable arm the NextEra Energy Foundation, the Frank and Alice Arguimbau Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation for Brevard, Indian River Community Foundation, Quail Valley Charities, Inc., and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

🌍💚 Celebrate Earth Day with Us at Earth Fest 2026 on Saturday, April 11th! 🌱🐢

Join us at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast for a fun-filled Earth Day celebration the whole family will love! 🌎✨ From hands-on learning to up-close animal encounters, it’s the perfect way to explore, play, and discover how we can care for our planet together.

🌿 Event Highlights:
🌱 Interactive, hands-on activities for kids and adults
🦋 Explore museum exhibits alongside Earth Day fun
🐐 Petting zoo with BluWolf Ranch—learn how to protect our farm animals
🎟️ Included with general admission (FREE for members!)

🌎 Featuring Community Partners:
🌿 Hobe Sound Nature Center
🦉 Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
📚 Author Debbie Roberts
✍️ Student Author Emiliana Fuger
🌊 Manatee Lagoon
🌳 Environmental Studies CenteR
👮 Martin County Sheriff's Office
✨ And more to come!

💌 Know a business or organization that should be part of this special day? Contact Christina McIntosh at 772-225-7575 ext. 205 or [email protected]

🌍💙 Come celebrate the beauty of our planet with a day full of discovery, learning, and fun!

03/31/2026

🌍 Earth Month is almost here! Mark your calendars for the St. Lucie Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 18th from 10am-4pm at the Oxbow Eco-Center! 🌱

FREE admission, family-friendly activities, local environmental groups, beekeepers, gardeners, hands-on fun and so much more. Plus, St. Lucie County has guided nature programs all month long!

Who's ready to celebrate our beautiful outdoors? 🌳🐝