June offers an abundance of outdoor excitement with events, tours and workshops at Okeeheelee Park.
Nature programs for families of all ages begin June 4 at 10 a.m. with a behind-the-scenes look at how the animals at the Okeeheelee Nature Center are cared for. The cost is $3.
Any snake enthusiasts won’t want to miss Sssnakes on Saturday, the hands-on event June 11 at 3 p.m. An expert from the South Florida Herpetological Society will present snakes from all over the world, and the cost is also $3.
Archery workshops will be taught in the month of June. The course for beginners is June 15 at 9:30 a.m. It is $10 to participate and the course is taught by USA Archery-certified instructors. Participants will learn archery basics, with all equipment provided. For people experienced in archery, the advanced course is June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Raptors from Okeeheelee will visit the Greenacres Branch of the Palm Beach County Library System on June 14 at 3:30 p.m. Naturalists will bring two raptor species for an encounter that is free for participants 5 and older.
All ages are welcome to join the Hoot ’n’ Hike on June 23 at 9:30 a.m. Take a guided tour with an Okeeheelee naturalist and visit the resident barred owl. Participants will learn about the nocturnal habits of raptors and which species call South Florida home. The cost is $3.
Registration for all programs must be made in advance at pbcparks.com. A participant form and COVID-19 waiver are also required. Any fees are payable at the time of registration.
The Okeeheelee Nature Center is open year-round with 2.5 miles of trails through 90 acres of wetlands. Walking trails are open sunrise to sunset for foot traffic only. The nature center is open 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and is closed on holidays. New picnic pavilions were installed this spring.
Okeeheelee Park offers winding trails, ponds and a dog park. Nonmotorized boats are welcome on the waterways. Paddlers have access to some of the more remote areas. The park has BMX and mountain bike tracks. Horse riders can enjoy training rings, an open riding space and a covered area at the equestrian center. Bicycles and boats can be rented.
The championship-level golf course includes a driving range, an area for putting practice and a clubhouse. With 27 holes, golfers can choose variations for an 18-hole round.
Okeeheelee also has areas for disc golf, baseball, softball, pickleball and tennis, as well as indoor and outdoor facilities for family and social events. The park is located at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., west of West Palm Beach.
