INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The following are fall events offered by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU.
Monday, Oct. 3: Forever Florida Horseback Riding, 10:30 a.m. Noon
Experience the natural splendor of this 4,700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area the way the founding settlers did…on horseback. An hour and a half guided safari appropriate for both novices and experienced riders 12 years and up.
Reservations required. Cost $60
Wednesday, Oct. 5: Cruise & Picnic on an Indian River Lagoon Spoil Island
The Friends Program recently adopted a spoil island as a community project. We will take a morning boat cruise departing from the Johnson Ed Center at 10 a.m., returning 1 p.m., with a lunch stop at the island. Bring your water gear.
Cost $25
Wednesday, Oct. 12: Ocean Science Lecture Series: “Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime,” 7 p.m.
The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures…and Why They Matter, with speaker Ellen Prager, Ph.D., Earth2Ocean, Inc.
Dr. Prager will present fun stories and images from her new book highlighting the strange cast of characters that inhabit the oceans’ depths and how they are connected to society. She will provide an entertaining ocean tell-all and a realistic look at why we should all care about the loss of species in the sea.
An opportunity to meet the speaker, appetizer buffet and cash bar follow the presentation. The lectures are open to the public, free of charge and reservations are not required.
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Sunset Boat Cruise to Bird Island in Stuart
Bird Island is one of the top 10 bird rookeries in FL. There are 14 bird species roosting and nesting on the island, including threatened and endangered species. Boat departs the Stuart city dock at 5 p.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m.
Cost $25
Thursday, Oct. 27: Afternoon Tea and Chocolate Tasting at a Historic Vero Beach Home, 3 to 5 p.m.
Hosted by Tea and Chi and Faith, Hope and Chocolate at the beautifully restored 1940’s Richardson Estate.
Reservations required. $25 members; $30 non-members
Thursday, Nov. 3: Cruise & Picnic on an Indian River Lagoon Spoil Island
The Friends Program recently adopted a spoil island as a community project. We will take a morning boat cruise departing from the Johnson Ed Center at 10 a.m., returning at 1 p.m., with a lunch stop at the island. Bring your water gear.
Cost $25
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Maritime and Classic Boat Museum Tour, 3 to 5 p.m. with dinner at Frances Langford’s Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House in Jensen Beach.
Guided Tour of the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum and Indian Riverside Park by Executive Director Jody Clifford. Dinner on your own.
Reservations required. Cost $20 members; $25 non-member
Wednesday, Nov. 30: Camp Holly Airboat Ride Eco-tour, 11 a.m. to Noon
Explore the amazing wildlife of the St. Johns River. Optional lunch.
Cost $25 members; $30 non-member (does not include meal). Reservations required.
For more information call (772) 242-2506 or visit www.hboi.fau.edu.