Oakland Nature Preserve upcoming events

Yoga at the Lake (Sun, August 09, 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Immerse yourself in a restorative mindfulness experience. Join certified instructor Felecia Bryant for a meditative hike and /or yoga. Suitable for all-levels, these sessions are designed to help you slow down and reconnect to your true nature, surrounded by the beauty of the Oakland Nature Preserve.

Relax. Restore. Repeat.

Yoga is at 9am during the summer.

Please allow an extra few minutes to allow yourself time to walk the 2/3 of a mile to the lake for class. Be sure to bring a mat and water. Yoga begins at 10am at the lakefront pavilion.

Please register for the Hike at 9am separately if you wish to participate in the 2-hour mindfulness experience.

Waiver:
It is your responsibility to inform the instructor of any injuries or limitations before class begins so she can best support you and your practice. By signing up, you agree to the following.

You represent and warrant that You are in good physical health and do not suffer from any medical condition which would limit your participation in the classes offered with Taking Root Wellness and/or Felecia Bryant. You understand that it is your responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding your participation in any of the Taking Root Wellness classes, programs, or workshops. You understand the risks associated with the activities offered by Taking Root Wellness and you agree to follow all instructions so that You may safely participate in classes, workshops, or other activities.

You hereby WAIVE AND RELEASE Taking Root Wellness, its owners, officers, employees, and instructors from any claim, demand, cause of action of any kind resulting from or related to your participation in the programs offered. In taking part in yoga classes, workshops, or other activities with Taking Root Wellness, You understand and acknowledge that You are fully responsible for any and all risks, injuries, or damages, known or unknown, which might occur as a result of your participation in the classes, workshops, or other activities.

Please practice mindfully and enjoy the many benefits of practicing meditation and yoga with Taking Root Wellness.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Fri, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. This project is designed for everyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation! You do not need to be an entomologist to partake; we ask for only basic insect identification into these categories: bumble bees, carpenter bees, honey bees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, other insects.

Participants can visit the museum or office between 9am - 12pm to receive the counting sheet and a brief overview of how to count.
After the briefing, visit one of our trails and pick your favorite plant to count pollinators. Spend 15 minutes counting pollinators.
When you return to the education center, please return your counting sheet to any staff member or docent for us to record.
Participants are asked to stay on the trails at all time including while counting.
There is no age limit and registration is not required

What to Bring

Pen or pencil & clipboard or something to write on
Water bottle
Sun/insect protection

We hope to see you here!

Please email volunteer@oaklandnaturepreserve.org for more information.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Sat, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Participants can visit the museum or office between 9am - 3pm to receive the counting sheet and a brief overview of how to count.
After the briefing, visit one of our trails and pick your favorite plant to count pollinators. Spend 15 minutes counting pollinators.
When you return to the education center, please return your counting sheet to any staff member or docent for us to record.
Participants are asked to stay on the trails at all time including while counting.
There is no age limit and registration is not required

What to Bring

Pen or pencil & clipboard or something to write on
Water bottle
Sun/insect protection

We hope to see you here!

Please email volunteer@oaklandnaturepreserve.org for more information.

Yoga at the Lake (Sun, August 23, 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Relax. Restore. Repeat.

Yoga is at 9am during the summer.

Please allow an extra few minutes to allow yourself time to walk the 2/3 of a mile to the lake for class. Be sure to bring a mat and water. Yoga begins at 10am at the lakefront pavilion.

Please register for the Hike at 9am separately if you wish to participate in the 2-hour mindfulness experience.

Toddlers on the Trails- September (Fri, September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Registration opens August 1.

Introduce your child to the wonders of nature through play, songs, and activities.

Program designed for ages walking through 4 years old.

Parents must stay with their child for the entire program length.
Please dress for the weather with sun and bug protection. We also recommend close toed shoes, hat, and reusable water bottle. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Museum.

*Please note the number of children in comment's section when registering.

Homeschool Series age 6-8 September (Mon, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Habitats

age 6-8

From the uplands to the wetlands, Florida is home to many places that animals call home. Students will learn about and explore some of the habitats, and the wonderful animals that call them home.

This is a duplicate of the class on Sept 17. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 6-8 September (Thu, September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Habitats

age 6-8

From the uplands to the wetlands, Florida is home to many places that animals call home. Students will learn about and explore some of the habitats, and the wonderful animals that call them home.

This is a duplicate of the class on Sept 14. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 9-12 September (Mon, September 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Habitats

age 9-12

From the uplands to the wetlands, Florida is home to many places that animals call home. Students will learn about and explore some of the habitats, and the wonderful animals that call them home.

This is a duplicate of the class on Sept 24. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 9-12 September (Thu, September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Habitats

age 9-12

From the uplands to the wetlands, Florida is home to many places that animals call home. Students will learn about and explore some of the habitats, and the wonderful animals that call them home.

This is a duplicate of the class on Sept 21. Please only sign up for one each month!

Youth Art Tent Registration (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Calling all young artists!

Would you like to share your art with the ONP community? Please join us at Nature Fest and show your work in the Children's Art Tent. Art can be any medium such as water colors, crayon, pencil, multi media, anything that you enjoy working with! Here are the parameters:

artist must be 17 y/o or younger
art must be able to be shown on art tent cork wall or table top
art is to fit into this year's theme (however you imagine it)

This year's theme:

Floral Fantasies

Drop off your art at ONP the week of the event, more info will come before the event date.

NatureFest Sponsorships (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Thank you for supporting the mission of the Oakland Nature Preserve!

Lake Apopka Boat Tour 9:00am (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join your guide Jim Peterson of SJWMD and Rusty Anchor Boat Tours of Mount Dora for this interesting and beautiful look at iconic Lake Apopka. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes and space is limited. Children 3 and under are free but must be registered.

You will be meeting your captain at the Lake Pavilion at the end of the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk. Please give yourself plenty of time to walk the 2/3 mile from our parking lot to the dock.

Nature Fest (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join us for Nature Fest 2026! All Event information can be found on the Event Webpage.

Meditative Hike at Nature Fest (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:15:00 GMT

Immerse yourself in a restorative mindfulness experience. Join certified instructor Felecia Bryant for a meditative hike. Suitable for all-levels, these sessions are designed to help you slow down and reconnect to your true nature, surrounded by the beauty of the Oakland Nature Preserve.

Relax. Restore. Repeat.

Meditative Hike 9:15am

Half Mile Forest Bathing Excursion & Meditation Session. Bring water. 45-minute session. Hike begins at 9:15am from the porch of the Environmental Education Center.

Lake Apopka Boat Tour 10:00am (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

You will be meeting your captain at the Lake Pavilion at the end of the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk. Please give yourself plenty of time to walk the 2/3 mile from our parking lot to the dock.

Lake Apopka Boat Tour 11:00am (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

You will be meeting your captain at the Lake Pavilion at the end of the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk. Please give yourself plenty of time to walk the 2/3 mile from our parking lot to the dock.

Lake Apopka Boat Tour 12:00pm (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

You will be meeting your captain at the Lake Pavilion at the end of the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk. Please give yourself plenty of time to walk the 2/3 mile from our parking lot to the dock.

Lake Apopka Boat Tour 1:00pm (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

You will be meeting your captain at the Lake Pavilion at the end of the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk. Please give yourself plenty of time to walk the 2/3 mile from our parking lot to the dock.

This tour is after the conclusion of other event festivities.

Toddlers on the Trails- October (Fri, October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Registration will open on September 1.

Introduce your child to the wonders of nature through play, songs, and activities.

Program designed for ages walking through 4 years old.

Parents must stay with their child for the entire program length.
Please dress for the weather with sun and bug protection. We also recommend close toed shoes, hat, and reusable water bottle. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Museum.

*Please note the number of children in comment's section when registering.

Homeschool Series age 6-8 October (Mon, October 05, 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Adaptations

ages 6-8

Come learn how organisms adapt to their environments through physical, behavioral, and physiological changes to increase their chance of survival. Students will meet some of our animal ambassadors and learn about their unique adaptations.

This is a duplicate of the class on Oct. 8. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 6-8 October (Thu, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Adaptations

ages 6-8

This is a duplicate of the class on Oct. 5. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 9-12 October (Mon, October 19, 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Adaptations

ages 9-12

This is a duplicate of the class on Oct. 22. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 9-12 October (Thu, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Adaptations

ages 9-12

This is a duplicate of the class on Oct. 19. Please only sign up for one each month!

Jack-o-Lantern Carving (Thu, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join us to carve pumpkins for the Pumpkin Glow!

Registration Options: BYO Pumpkin or for a minimal fee we can provide the pumpkin. We will have a variety of carving implements available.

Get up close with our amazing nighttime ambassador, Dart the Eastern Tiger Salamander!

The carved pumpkins will stay overnight in the Museum and will be put out on the Glow Trail the next day!

Pumpkin Glow Sponsorship (Fri, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jack-o-lantern Registration (Fri, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Calling All Artists And Jack-O-Lantern Enthusiasts:

All Jack-O-Lanterns will be placed along the Preserve's Trails to create a glowing spectacle for all to enjoy.

Please provide a battery-powered light for your pumpkin. No open flames.

To increase our sustainability at this event, we are requesting pumpkins decorated with natural, compostable materials only. If you wish to use non-compostable materials, please plan on picking up your pumpkin on Sunday October 25th. These materials include plastic or metal pieces, glitter, paint, toys.

The Youth Painted Patch is excluded from this request.

Drop-off of pumpkins takes place prior to the event to allow our volunteers to place the pumpkins along the trail. You will receive a confirmation with drop-off information but will be from 8am-8pm on Oct 22 and from 8am-12pm on Oct 23.

Pumpkin Glow Friday 6:30-7:30PM (Fri, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Join us for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike. Bring your flash lights and lanterns 'cause its dark in them there woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! This is a family friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Our Sponsors will have trick-or-treat stations in the parking lot and we will have some not-so-spooky critters out.

Parking is along the driveway, in the lot outside of the gate, and in the parking lot of Family Christian School.

Please arrive during your timeslot.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to abide by ONP Regulations and stay on the Event Trail.

Pumpkin Glow Friday 7:30-8:30PM (Fri, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join us for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike. Bring your flash lights and lanterns 'cause its dark in them there woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! This is a family friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Our Sponsors will have trick-or-treat stations in the parking lot and we will have some not-so-spooky critters out.

Parking is along the driveway, in the lot outside of the gate, and in the parking lot of Family Christian School.

Please arrive during your timeslot.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to abide by ONP Regulations and stay on the Event Trail.

Pumpkin Glow Friday 8:30-9:30PM (Fri, October 23, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Join us for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike. Bring your flash lights and lanterns 'cause its dark in them there woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! This is a family friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Our Sponsors will have trick-or-treat stations in the parking lot and we will have some not-so-spooky critters out.

Parking is along the driveway, in the lot outside of the gate, and in the parking lot of Family Christian School.

Please arrive at the beginning of your timeslot.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to abide by ONP Regulations and stay on the Event Trail.

Pumpkin Glow Saturday 6:30-7:30PM (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Join us for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike. Bring your flash lights and lanterns 'cause its dark in them there woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! This is a family friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Our Sponsors will have trick-or-treat stations in the parking lot and we will have some not-so-spooky critters out.

Parking is along the driveway, in the lot outside of the gate, and in the parking lot of Family Christian School.

Please arrive during your timeslot.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to abide by ONP Regulations and stay on the Event Trail.

Pumpkin Glow Saturday 7:30-8:30PM (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join us for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike. Bring your flash lights and lanterns 'cause its dark in them there woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! This is a family friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Our Sponsors will have trick-or-treat stations in the parking lot and we will have some not-so-spooky critters out.

Parking is along the driveway, in the lot outside of the gate, and in the parking lot of Family Christian School.

Please arrive during your timeslot.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to abide by ONP Regulations and stay on the Event Trail.

Pumpkin Glow Saturday 8:30-9:30PM (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Join us for what could be West Orange county's only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike. Bring your flash lights and lanterns 'cause its dark in them there woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! This is a family friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Our Sponsors will have trick-or-treat stations in the parking lot and we will have some not-so-spooky critters out.

Parking is along the driveway, in the lot outside of the gate, and in the parking lot of Family Christian School.

Please arrive at the beginning of your timeslot.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to abide by ONP Regulations and stay on the Event Trail.

Homeschool Series age 6-8 November (Mon, November 02, 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Food Webs

age 6-8

From producers to consumers, everything is connected. Students will discover just how important all living things are and how all living things are connected to one another.

This is a duplicate of the class on Nov. 5. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 6-8 November (Thu, November 05, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Food Webs

age 6-8

From producers to consumers, everything is connected. Students will discover just how important all living things are and how all living things are connected to one another.

This is a duplicate of the class on Nov. 2. Please only sign up for one each month!

Toddlers on the Trails- November (Fri, November 06, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Registration will open on October 1.

Introduce your child to the wonders of nature through play, songs, and activities.

Program designed for ages walking through 4 years old.

Parents must stay with their child for the entire program length.
Please dress for the weather with sun and bug protection. We also recommend close toed shoes, hat, and reusable water bottle. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Museum.

*Please note the number of children in comment's section when registering.

Homeschool Series age 9-12 November (Mon, November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Food Webs

age 9-12

From producers to consumers, everything is connected. Students will discover just how important all living things are and how all living things are connected to one another.

This is a duplicate of the class on Nov. 19. Please only sign up for one each month!

Homeschool Series age 9-12 November (Thu, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Food Webs

age 9-12

From producers to consumers, everything is connected. Students will discover just how important all living things are and how all living things are connected to one another.

This is a duplicate of the class on Nov. 16. Please only sign up for one each month!

Story Time (Mon, November 30, 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Oakland Nature Preserve's Ginn Museum for Story Time from 10am to 1030am. The session will focus on a theme, and will allow children, with a parent or caregiver, to enjoy a wonderful story, activity or animal interaction, and time at the Preserve.

Story Time activities will be targeted for ages 2-4, but all are welcome to attend and enjoy.

Toddlers on the Trails- December (Fri, December 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Registration will open on November 1.

Introduce your child to the wonders of nature through play, songs, and activities.

Program designed for ages walking through 4 years old.

Parents must stay with their child for the entire program length.
Please dress for the weather with sun and bug protection. We also recommend close toed shoes, hat, and reusable water bottle. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Museum.

*Please note the number of children in comment's section when registering.