February 19, 2025 • 31 mins
Talked with Teresa Zabik and Jeanette Mitchell from the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (ONC). The Friends of ONC is a non-profit that provides support to Okeeheelee Nature Center, it's staff, volunteers and animal ambassadors. They put on fundraisers to enhance exhibits, trails, facilities as well as educational programs that provide an enriching experience for nature center visitors. Teresa and Jeanette are volunteers who are working on the upcoming fundraiser, 2nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5k Run/Walk. It's happening on Saturday March 22 with a 7:30am start. The park will open at 6:15am that day and packet pick up with be at the Micanopy Pavillion. They've added a pre-walk warm up and they have lots of fun events, and animal encounters after the race. Listeners can sign up their teams at www.Victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5k/ For info about becoming a member of the Freinds of ONC, Volunteer, becoming a sponsor they can call 561-233-1400.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
iHeart Communities Presents Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective with Dad Nepp.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Good morning, welcome to Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective. I'm
your host, Dev Nep. Thanks for spending your weekend with me.
All kinds of great things going on, and if you
haven't been, definitely want to head on down Lakeworth Beach
Street Painting Festival going on this Weekend's always so cool
to see. I'm always amazing like especially how they like
draw like the three D images on the sidewalk. It's
(00:28):
just amazing to me. Definitely want to check that out.
And of course also Turtlefests happening this weekend at the
Loggerhead Marine Life Center. Head over there as well. Lots
of good things going there. If you want to find
out about all the different events that are happening, go
to Palm Beachculture dot com and sign up for their
newsletter and they're happy to sound all that information onto you.
And of course it's Black History Month, so you don't
(00:50):
want to check out the Palm Beach County Black Cultural
Heritage Trail. You can go to pomp Beach Culture dot
com and click on the link and it takes you
to all the different locations and tootle about town and
check them all out. You'll also head to the Spady
Cultural Museum in Delray Beach, do the tour there or
take the bus ride. It's so fun. They have lots
of really good information for everybody to check out. Speaking
(01:13):
of information, I want to remind everybody it is, of
course tax time. So the United Way has a program
called the Vida Tax Program and they work in conjunction
with the IRS. The IRS comes and trains all the
volunteers on the most latest information, updated laws, all that
good stuff. So if you make sixty seven thousand dollars
or less per year, then maybe I'll do your taxes
(01:34):
for free and they submit them for you. It's super
easy and convenient. I've actually done this. Simply call two
on one and they'll tell you what locations are available
in your area. Please note that they are first come,
first serve. There's no appointments, so then may be a
bit of a weight, but they will take care of it.
And they can tell you what paperwork need maring like
your W twos and all that good stuff, your license ID,
(01:55):
all that kind of stuff very important. Again, call two
on one and they can tell you where the location
is nearest you. I'll remind you. The Fence Center does
lots of cool things. So coming up February twenty eighth,
they're going to go country with some wine dancing classes.
So it's fun one. This is for twenty one and up.
It's some grown up fun things they're doing. They're doing
that on February twenty eighth, and then coming up on
(02:16):
March twenty eighth is going to be Latin Night, and
then on April twenty fifth it is the Great Gatsby theme,
So talk to our friends. Are at Pumpeach Drama Works.
They're played The Humans is happening now through March second something.
You go to Pompeachdramaworks dot org and all the different
shows that are happening are listened on there for you
and they're enjoying their twenty fifth season. So they got
(02:38):
a lot of good stuff happening. And if you miss
the Natural Areas Festival last weekend, that's okay. They sell
more events happening coming up on February twenty fourth. This
is Invasive Species one oh one for children and it
will have an ACL interpreter provided as well that event.
This one's gonna be happening at Winding Waters Natural Area
(02:59):
from ten am to thirty am on Monday, February twenty fourth.
Synthy go to PBCERM dot com and all the events
they have or listen on there. There's paddleboarding, there's the
different hikes, there's kayaking ones, there's ones where they do
like Astronomy Night where you go out into the natural area.
Our friends at the North Museum of Lostical things going
on now through March ninth. The exhibition Strike Fast Dance,
(03:24):
Lightly Artists, Unboxing is happening. They've got certain Silence going
on and that is through March twenty third. Sirolla in
the Sea now through April fourteenth. Surroundings which is like
video encounters of nature, and that what's going on through
June twenty ninth. And of course they have all their
(03:44):
wonderful art after dark programs there every Friday nights. You
can go check in. They'll have like music, there's all
they snacks and stuff in the cafe, programs, docent lead tours.
Sympthy go to Norton dot org and all the different
programs and exhibitions are listed on there for you of course,
Mounts Botanical's got all kinds of cool things going on
(04:06):
this weekend. They've got forest bathing which is nature therapy immersion,
and a tea ceremony, the heart opening ceremony with a
flower mantla. There's story time in the garden, there's tai
chi water color, all kinds of things, and of course
they're Ribbit. The exhibit Frog thing is going on right
now as well, and that's a fun one for both
the big kids and the little kids. At the Fence
(04:28):
Center is also hosting Black History Month Art Expo, so
that's going on all month, and simply reach out to
them seven seven to two four six two seventeen ninety
one to get the details of the times and everything's open.
Speaking of art, Armory Art Center has a cool exhibition
running now through March six, and it is the annual
(04:48):
student and faculty Art Exhibition. So they go and they
take the classes and then they put them on display
for everybody to come and enjoy. And speaking of classes,
Monday February twenty fourth through April seven, even is the
next set of classes. You're getting ready to start again,
so simply go to the website Armoryart dot org and
there's one for digital post processing for nature photographers. There's
(05:11):
ceramic classes. There's a cool jewelry making want to learn
how to make rings, so I did a little one
night class for that and that is super fun. It's
got a cool little ring out of it, and a
really good appreciation for the craft because it took us
three hours to make one ring, so it is not
as easy as it looks. They make it look so seamless,
(05:34):
so I'm very impressed with the artists. Also coming up
is the sixteenth annual Boating and Beach Bash for people
with disabilities and it's a fun, free event, one day event,
and it happens in Boker. Retone is coming back on
March fifteenth. Simply go to Boating Beachbash dot com. And
this is really cool. It is at Spanish River Park.
(05:57):
It's from ten am to three pm and they put
down like the MOBI, so a lot people volunteer their
time so you can actually get folks with wheelchairs on
the movie met down onto the beach. They have a
section where everybody can go on the boats and take
a boat ride, and they have a lot of people
volunteering their time to help out with that. Professionals. So
if you want to help out with that, reach out
to them. If you'd like to be a sponsor, also
reach out to them. They're always looking for help with
(06:18):
that outwever reminders well. Ballet Palm Beach is presenting The
Great Gatsby and that's going to be happening at the
Cravis Center on February twenty eighth through March second, So
you can go to Cravis dot org and buy your
tickets there, and while you're there, you can also get
tickets for lots of cool stuff coming up. We've got
The Book of Mormon March eleventh through the sixteenth as
(06:40):
part of their Cravis on Broadway series. Fifty four Below
the Rinker Mauricio Martinez is coming April fourth through the fifth.
Clue is coming. I'll definitely want to see this one.
This is part of their Cravis on Broadway series, and
of course it's based on the movie and the board game.
I will see how they get that onto the stage.
I like how they convert these things from a movie
to the play. That's very cool. Ain't too Proud. The
(07:02):
Life and Times of the Temptations is coming June twenty
third through the twenty ninth, so something in the summer
for the locals. They've all kinds of cool things happening
starting Monday and Monday and Tuesday is going to be
an evening with Isaac ms Rahie. So I always know
him as like a fashion designer, but he also is
a beautiful actor and musician as well and performer, so
(07:22):
he can come and sing the songs and have a
little one man show chat. Definitely a fun night. A
part of their lunch and learn series, Trailblazing Women of Country,
a tribute to Patsy, Loretta and Dolly, is happening on
February twenty fifth. The Beach Boys March six with two shows,
and that's featuring Mike Love as the lead singer. Peter Bentz,
(07:44):
who's a world renowned Hungarian pianist, is coming March seventeenth.
He is the Guinness World record holder for the most
piano key hits in one minute. So DEVI decided to
see that. I said, they have all kinds of cool
things coming, and of course they've got Blippy and Friends coming.
Blippy makes a band for the little wee ones, so
if you haven't seen it, go to YouTube and check
it out. And of course, you spoke with Julie Gilbert
(08:06):
last week about her writing academy. So they have lots
of programs safe for grown ups, for kids, educational things
where the kids come from the school. They've all had
all the fifth graders for this school season come in
and see a show. Lots of really awesome things are doing.
If you want to learn how to be an usher
there or volunteer some other capacity, simply go to Cravis
dot org. All the details are listed right there for you.
(08:28):
And if one heads outside, our friends at Saint Lucie
County Hikes have got you covered. So starting March first,
from eight to ten am, it is the Water Water
Everywhere Walk at the Donald B. Moore Preserve and it's
all about this walks all about all Florida's aquatic systems
in the environment, so check that out. March eighth, from
nine to one forty five, it's the History of George
(08:49):
the Strange Paddle at the Richard E. Beckerd Preserve and
it's a family friendly paddle. So if you go to
the website SLC hikes dot org, they've all the different
hikes and paddles and everything listed there and they kind
of tell you like what age group is of good
for and that kind of stuff. Saturday, March twenty second
is the Mental Health America's Mind and Body Connection five
k and walk to help raise funds for their supportive communities.
(09:13):
And then fen Center has another program going on. They're
doing a lot this week for an education series for
older adults. So Tuesday, February twenty fifth at eleven am,
this is part of their Eat Smart, Lived Strong nutrition
education program and this week at eleven am they're featuring
on the challenges and solutions as far as achieving your
physical activity goal eating those fruits and vegs, learn some
(09:35):
different people's solutions and tips to help you with that.
And Daggerweing Nature Center always has cool things going on.
They have their animal feedings and talks on Thursdays and
Fridays at two forty five. There's a Saturday at one
pm and these are free, good for all ages and
it's free, don't need a reservation for that. They do
offer introd archery classes, there's bird talks, all kinds of
(09:56):
cool things, and then Okayhealey Nature Center has all a
lot of fun things small. They also do ar true classes.
To make sure you sign up early. For those because
they fill up very quickly. And speaking of Okay Healing
Nature Center, I want to welcome my guests for today.
I've got Teresa Zabek and Jeanette Mitchell from Okahelly Nature Center,
the Friends of Oka Hilling Nach Center. Correct, correct, So Teresa,
(10:17):
tell me a little about what is it. What are
the Friends of Oka Healing Nature Center.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Basically, it's a group of folks that come along and
support the activities at Okahaly Nature Center. And what we
do is have special events and other activities like Earth Day,
the Gopher Tortoise Gallop five k and it allows us
to do special enrichment features for the animals at the
nature Center, things like the enhancement of our red shouldered
(10:46):
hawk enclosure and even providing a portable enclosure for Sparky
when he's at the events.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Jeanette who is Sparky.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Sparky is our ambassador for the Okahelly Nature Center. He
is our resident gopher tortoise.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
And how big it spark you would you guess?
Speaker 4 (11:06):
I don't know, about twelve inches maybe eighteen inches long,
a good size. It's a good size tortoise.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
So and of course gopher tortoises are Are they the
state tortoise?
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yes, they are definitely a few things about gopher tortoises
that we want to let people know, and that's another
reason we're doing this event is that gopher tortoises are
federally protected. That means if you come across one, you
don't want to touch it. You don't want to harass
the tortoise or destroy their eggs or their burrows. Burrows
(11:37):
are very important to the entire environment because they help
over three hundred and fifty species with their habitat and
living together, so.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Other animals live in the borough with them. Correct. Oh, cool,
I didn't realize that. Yes, they got neighbors.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Yes, for sure, three hundred and fifty species depend.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
On many neighbors. Yeah, three hundred and.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Fifty depend on the gopher tortoise borrow, so super important
to the whole ecosystem.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
Yes, that was the other thing I found interesting was
when they have prescribed burns or there is a fire
in the forest, many of the species, that's where they
take shelter is in the tortoises burrows.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Oh okay, I've read that on one of those little fracks.
Go go back to that in a second. Okay, I
did not realize that. Very cool. So officusly, you guys
do fundraisers to help fund all these different events and programs,
So you have a cool one coming up in your
annual fundraising event, the Gopher Tortoise Gallop five k. So
what days that happening?
Speaker 3 (12:38):
The event will take place on Saturday, March twenty second
at Okay Hilly Park. It'll start at the mccinopie Pavilion
and the race begins sharply at seven point thirty a m.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Oh bright and early, yes, ma'am. So for folks you
want to sign up for that, where do they sign up?
Speaker 3 (12:56):
The easiest way is to go online and Google go
Tortoise Gallop five k, or you can go to Victory
Sports Management MGT dot com slash go for Tortoise Gallop
five k. This year, we're actually doing a special feature
regarding sign up, so soon as you sign up, the
(13:18):
less the costs of the event. We've also added a
feature where if you have a group of four or
more participants, you receive a ten percent discount and basically
your registration will include your entry. You'll get a bib
for the race, a beautiful finisher metal and a swag
(13:41):
bag of items that our sponsors are donating and a
wonderful T shirt to take home or wear at the race.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Oh, I like it very cool. So now, mister Ginnett,
have you done the race before?
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Yes, I did, and I completed it. Last year was
the first year, and it's an enjoyable race. The park
is beautiful, so for anybody who hasn't been there, you know,
to see the whole park in this year they're rerouting it.
It's so that it will pass right by the nature
center because the nature Center is tucked in the back
a little bit at Okahelly Park, so not everybody that
comes in the park maybe plays ball or golfs is
(14:17):
aware that it's even there. There are signs up through
the park indicating where it is, but so it'll be
nice to be able to go pass there.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
And actually, good point, Jeannette. The Oka Hilly Nature Center
is at the far north end of the park, and
of course Oka Hilly Park is on Forest Hill Boulevard.
I always call it the best caps secret in Palm
Beach County and usually the children from schools know about
it the most because we do a lot of educational programs,
(14:47):
but the center is really geared towards every group, every age,
a lot of hands on activities. You get to see snakes,
you get to see our screech owl name Houdini. We
have a diamondbacked terrapin named Luigi. And we also have
(15:08):
an amazing discovery zone for kids. People go in there
and spend two three hours with their kids, so it's amazing.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
That's fantastic. And what is the cost to come use
the Okay healinature centers that there's a charge with the
kids coming to do these things.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
The cost to come in just to the center is
absolutely free. There may be a small cost when you
get into the programs that are special programs, but it's
a very very nominal fee, and there's programs for all ages,
different times a day. But just to come to the
center itself is absolutely free and I'd highly recommend it.
We also have a new ambassador named Paisley. She is
(15:48):
an opossum and she's adorable.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Oh that's awesome. Do you have Sparky the gopher, tortoise,
the screech owl, Yes, Luigi and Luigi that's a turtle right, Yes,
it's a kind of.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
The variety of a turtle.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
I actually came several years ago, but it was for
like a raptor talk. They invited the meeting out. You
get all these amazing birds and I was like this, wow,
and when they open up their wings they've got like
a five six foot wing span. Was like, that's a
big bird. Yes.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Yes, we actually just had Raptor Day and it was
for the photographers and it was a wonderful event. We
hosted every year and it's another fundraiser for the Nature Center.
We will have this five K in conjunction with our
celibration which is focusing on gopher tortoises, and you can
(16:40):
go to the Nature Center itself. For race participants, you
get entry early at nine am. For the general public
it's ten am, and there will be a strong focus
on gopher tortoises, whether it's getting coloring books for the kids,
or doing crafts related or just learning more about the
(17:00):
entire ecosystem regarding gopher tortoises.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Oh, very cool. Well, so let's go back to the
race a little bit. So people can sign up for
the Gopher Tortoise Gallop five K, and I know you
have a pre race packet pick up Friday, March twenty first,
from forty six thirty. That's gonna be Buffalo Wild Wings
on State Road seven. Correct. All right, So then the
day of Saturday, March twenty second, I show up at
Okay Hilly Park, I go to the Mickanoa pavilion and
(17:26):
there'll be somebody there to like sign me in and
all that kind of stuff.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
Correct, you will have the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (17:32):
To you just pick up your race, your bib. You
would get your swag bag if you didn't have the
opportunity to pick it up beforehand. On Friday at Buffalo
Wild Wings, there'll be people there in the morning for
you to they'll hand you your number, you swag bag,
and for people who can't do that on Friday, but
it'll be there'll be people there. Yes, sawn, you in,
(17:53):
have some water, get ready for the race.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
Oh cool, because because most people never quite get there
before they close because I get out of work too late,
you know, so that they can I could do it
and still get there in the morning, get everything, be
ready to go, no problem.
Speaker 3 (18:04):
Correct.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
And then oh look at this. I like this, there's
a five k fitness warm up seven ten Because I
would definitely need a warm up before.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
Yes, that's a new feature for this year, and we'll
have BNA Wellness hosting that fitness well warm up for
the group, and then we'll start the race at seven
point thirty sharp, so you really want to try to
get in there as early as possible. The gates will
open at six fifteen and from that point on you race.
(18:33):
We have a blast. It's amazing. People run, people walk,
people talk with each other and hang out and we
have cow bells going and a water station. Halfway through.
As Jeanette mentioned earlier, we'll be going by the Okay
Healing Nature Center. There also will be Oakley, our mascot,
will be present for people to interact with. And when
(18:57):
you're done with the race, you get a beautiful medal.
And then we we have like a post event get
together where people can go around and interact with snakes
and other tortoises and especially see Sparky. It's one of
the few times that it's legally permissible to pet a
gopher tortoise and last year it was amazing. We had
(19:17):
him walking around the venue and you know how excited
I am about this. This is one of the most
unique aspects of our event, our five k it sets
itself apart when we have live animals on site for
people to interact with.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
Oh absolutely, and do it in a safe way for
them and for the animal, which I like that. So
then of course, after that all finishes and nickel on
to the go for tortoise stage celebration in the Okylian
Nature Center. Eight. Yes, ma'am, very cool. I like it.
And so we mentioned before there's gonna be like a
water station and things like that, so I'm sure there's
volunteers manning these stations. Do you guys still need more
(19:52):
volunteers for the event?
Speaker 4 (19:54):
You can never have enough volunteers, so yes, of course
anybody who wants a volunteer can contact the Nature Center.
Speaker 2 (20:02):
And so miss Janette, you actually are one of the
volunteers right, yes.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Well, together, we're working together to get the race off
the ground a little more organized this year than we
had been in the first first year, it was just
to see how things would go. So this year we're
putting more effort and trying to recruit and get more
runners out there, so hopefully we'll get more people to
(20:26):
sign up and come on out.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
And this is the time to vance, so you can.
If you're running, you want to figure out how good
you're getting, Come do that. You can get your little
chip and figure out MND be like, hurry up, hurry up.
So I'm the last one in the line walking, It's
all good.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
Nobody is slower than the gopher tortoise though he only
runs ato point three miles an hour, which would take
him ten out over ten hours to finish this five k.
So don't be intimidated if would take Sparky ten hours
to do it.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
I think Sparking and I are about the same level,
much shorter. But it's a fun thing. I like a
great idea, And like you said, you've learned as you go.
Because like the radio station, we put on events, every
single one we've been doing for a long time. We
learn something new every time that makes it a little
bit better or more engaging for the crowd the community.
(21:16):
So I think it's great that you guys every year
you're adding something different to the mix.
Speaker 3 (21:20):
In addition to the event going on, we always invite
you to come up to the Nature Center. There's a
great path that we have. It's two point five miles
of trails and we go through about ninety acres of
pine flat woods. The great part of that too is
you'll have a good chance of actually seeing a gopher
(21:41):
tortoise in their wild habitat. So I think that's another
really special component of the Okahelly Nature Center.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Yeah, and you might see some raptors right red shoulder hawks.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Nope, if we have able out, he would be some
a raptor that you could see. Our prime exhibit exhibitors
are Paisley they all a possum and uh, who do
you need? The screech owl? And Luigi the terrapin.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
Very cool and it's all great that you want me
them all. They're all lovely, yes.
Speaker 4 (22:15):
And the and we just recently had two new baby
alligators all so Doroth Gator.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
And Looke skywalker.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
Those are great. They had a naming contest for them
and that was the Winter That is a winner. I
like it. I that was gonna be cheese and crackers
one or PV and J.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
And they also have feedings animal feedings there if you
know children are interested in watching that, they feed the
snakes and who do you.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Need the owl? Owl?
Speaker 4 (22:46):
So that's something they do that every day and can
come along.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
That's so cool. Now can can teenagers volunteer, definitely, I
know they need those community service hours.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Yes, ma'am. We have a great program called the Okie Teens,
and for the four years I've been there as a volunteer,
I think this is the most amazing group of youngsters
young adults. They assist with feeding the animals, cleaning their habitats,
their muse which is a cage. They just do all
(23:19):
sorts of amazing aspects of the nature center. They usually
end up doing a presentation on a particular topic. So
ok Teens, I'd highly recommend it as a great volunteer
opportunity and they learn a lot of skills while they're there.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Oh yeah, and I'm sure they're great with all the
social media aspects too.
Speaker 3 (23:37):
Definitely.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
I know they helped me with my shelfie when I
came last time. There you go since I can't take
a selfie. But they're very fun. It's a great thing.
It's such cool programs that you guys do there. I think
it's really awesome. Another thing is, I know you guys
have sponsors, and you're always looking for sponsors. If a
business or corporation wants to become a sponsor, how do
think about that process to help you guys sponsor your
(23:59):
five K.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
That's a great question, deb thank you. The easiest way
to start that process would be to contact the Nature
Center and speak with Emily Travis. The number there is
five six one two three three one four zero seven.
And we definitely have opportunities this year for the five K.
(24:21):
We have a few sponsors that are doing kind donations.
Whole Foods is one location. We're also having Florida Panthers.
They'll be doing giveaways at that location, and we also
have an amazing opportunity for you to have a snack
with ideal nutrition. They're going to have muffins for after
(24:42):
the race.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
I've had those muffins. They're delicious. Yes, I've also gotten
like the snacks from Whole food It's also delicious, and
everybody loves them. When the Florida Panthers come out and
like do one of their things, it's so funnily. They
always send out fun people to talk with the community
and everything. I love it. They'll come here to the
radio station every now and then nice and then all
the DJs are like, oh, they're here, so that's cool.
(25:03):
So obviously it's a great thing. I think for businesses
to help support these events and then that continue to
help support the programs at the Okay Hilling Nature Center, which,
of course your goal is to help improve things there,
right every five things. So I think it's exciting that
Sparky's going to get his own little travel vehicle. That's
gonna be cool.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Yes, it's gonna be amazing.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
I've seen the cats riding on the room bus something
like that. Maybe, Okay, wouldn't that be awesome? Yeah, it
would be writing around the little nature center. I can
see it now. Miss Emily's gonna be like, no, no, no,
too much Russell bumping into things. You're laughing because you
can see it too.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
I can see it.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
So again, for folks who want to sign up for
the five K, how do they go about that?
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Again? Go and Google, go for Tortoise Gallop five K
and it should come up under Victory Sports Management. It'll
you'll be taken to a registration page. There's a large
button right there on the top that says registry and
there's a lot of details regarding the activities that are
going on, the schedule of events, the fee rates, and
(26:10):
a little bit more about the nature Center and friends
of Oka Helly Nature Center, so.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
They can go to the website when they're there and
they find out more about the Oka Helly Nature Center. Correct,
When I come that day for the five K and
then for the celebration, can I find out more about
becoming a friend of the nature Center or becoming a sponsor.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Definitely the day of the event, we will have a
table for friends of Oka Helly Nature Center and you
can definitely sign up and become a member there. It's
really an amazing opportunity. You can also do sponsorships for
different animals at the Nature Center. It's a quick twenty
five dollars and you money goes to enrich that particular animal.
(26:51):
We will also have several other nonprofit groups at the
event that day, everything from wood turners to the Herptological
Society which is bringing out snakes and tortals, tortoises and
it should be a wonderful event.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
So obviously lot I think it's gonna be happening at
the five K and stuff, and wanted to let the
listeners know again that you guys are both volunteers, so
you actually donate your time to create this and do
this and it's fun, right.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
It's wonderful. It's amazing between working with the animals, the
staff at Oka Healing Nature Center, and just interacting with
all the visitors to the center. I've enjoyed it so
much with the variety of age groups, and yeah, this
event is near and dear to my heart. It's a
special event to fundraise. It's also a five k which
(27:39):
I started running a little while back, and I used
to do special events for a living, so it kind
of put all three things together.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
Well, I'm a retirey, so I'm enjoying meeting a lot
of new people through this and they are really special
people at Oka Healing Nature Center, the employees as well
as the volunteers. They just amazed me, the young adults
who are how knowledgeable they are about everything. I went
on one of their programs and it was a pollinator
(28:07):
walk and this young man was telling me the difference
between two bees. How do you know the different This
is so.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
Knowledgeable that it just amazes me.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
And it's a great opportunity for them, for the you know,
the kids, the young adults of teens, and for grown
ups to learn all these you know, this information.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
That they have. So yeah, it definitely gives me help
for the future. When these kids know how to do
all this and you can figure it out. I'm like,
that's fantastic. And one of my friends is retired and
he loves theater, so he'll volunteer there sponsor different plays
and things in Chicago. But his big thing is like
when he comes here, he likes to volunteer for these
kind of events because it keeps him active and engaged
in meeting new people. And then his knowledge he shares
(28:50):
with the other people. So like you could share your
knowledge with the kids and they share with you, which
I think is a great synergy. So for folks who
want to sign up to be come a member of
the Okay Friends of Okay Healy Nature Center, you said
they can do that the day of the race, right, yes, ma'am.
Very cool. And the race again is March twenty second,
(29:10):
right in early seven thirty, right, yes. The race starts
sharp at seven thirty. The gates open at six point fifteen,
and it's a wonderful opportunity to come out, have fun,
bring your family, bring your friends. Just wanted to remind
everybody again, since we're focused on gopher tortoises that our
gopher tortoises are federally protected.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
And you do want to talk. You don't want to
touch them or do anything with their burrows. The only
exception to that would be if you see that they're
in danger. And the one thing we always emphasize with
any turtle is if you're going to move them off
of a road, please move them in the same direction
that they were moving. And especially with gopher tortoises, they
(29:51):
are land turtles, so you do not want to put
them in water. So those are really important facts about
the gopher tortoise. We all like to remind people that
Okay Healing Nature Center is not a rehab facility, So
if you have an injured animal, please contact Bush Wildlife
and they will be able to assist you with that animal.
Speaker 2 (30:12):
Oh, very true, very true. And before we go again,
what was the phone number for Oka Healing Nature Center.
If somebody wants to become a volunteer sponsor.
Speaker 3 (30:19):
The number is five six one two three three one
four zero seven and they can call and speak with
Emily Travis.
Speaker 2 (30:27):
Very cool. Well, ladies, thank you so much for coming
in and sharing all this information with us, for doing
such a cool thing in the community. It's definitely needed
and very much appreciated.
Speaker 3 (30:36):
Thank you, Deb, I appreciate you having us here. It's
been a wonderful experience.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
Very well, that's what we're here for. If you need
more information, reach out to me Palm Beach Perspective at
iHeartMedia dot com and I'm happy to forward on the
details to you and don't forget you can always download
the shows a podcast on our iHeartRadio app. Hope everybody
has a wonderful weekend. I'm dev net and this has
been my perspective. Remember life is good, so be your
(31:01):
healthiest view and let's get out there and live it.
Until next week, enjoy.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
iHeart Communities, the community engagement arm of the station, champions
critical issues and causes in the area of health and wellness,
social impact, education, literacy, and music and art. Join us
next week from Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective
iHeart Communities Presents Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective with Dad Nepp.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Good morning, welcome to Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective. I'm
your host, Dev Nep. Thanks for spending your weekend with me.
All kinds of great things going on, and if you
haven't been, definitely want to head on down Lakeworth Beach
Street Painting Festival going on this Weekend's always so cool
to see. I'm always amazing like especially how they like
draw like the three D images on the sidewalk. It's
(00:28):
just amazing to me. Definitely want to check that out.
And of course also Turtlefests happening this weekend at the
Loggerhead Marine Life Center. Head over there as well. Lots
of good things going there. If you want to find
out about all the different events that are happening, go
to Palm Beachculture dot com and sign up for their
newsletter and they're happy to sound all that information onto you.
And of course it's Black History Month, so you don't
(00:50):
want to check out the Palm Beach County Black Cultural
Heritage Trail. You can go to pomp Beach Culture dot
com and click on the link and it takes you
to all the different locations and tootle about town and
check them all out. You'll also head to the Spady
Cultural Museum in Delray Beach, do the tour there or
take the bus ride. It's so fun. They have lots
of really good information for everybody to check out. Speaking
(01:13):
of information, I want to remind everybody it is, of
course tax time. So the United Way has a program
called the Vida Tax Program and they work in conjunction
with the IRS. The IRS comes and trains all the
volunteers on the most latest information, updated laws, all that
good stuff. So if you make sixty seven thousand dollars
or less per year, then maybe I'll do your taxes
(01:34):
for free and they submit them for you. It's super
easy and convenient. I've actually done this. Simply call two
on one and they'll tell you what locations are available
in your area. Please note that they are first come,
first serve. There's no appointments, so then may be a
bit of a weight, but they will take care of it.
And they can tell you what paperwork need maring like
your W twos and all that good stuff, your license ID,
(01:55):
all that kind of stuff very important. Again, call two
on one and they can tell you where the location
is nearest you. I'll remind you. The Fence Center does
lots of cool things. So coming up February twenty eighth,
they're going to go country with some wine dancing classes.
So it's fun one. This is for twenty one and up.
It's some grown up fun things they're doing. They're doing
that on February twenty eighth, and then coming up on
(02:16):
March twenty eighth is going to be Latin Night, and
then on April twenty fifth it is the Great Gatsby theme,
So talk to our friends. Are at Pumpeach Drama Works.
They're played The Humans is happening now through March second something.
You go to Pompeachdramaworks dot org and all the different
shows that are happening are listened on there for you
and they're enjoying their twenty fifth season. So they got
(02:38):
a lot of good stuff happening. And if you miss
the Natural Areas Festival last weekend, that's okay. They sell
more events happening coming up on February twenty fourth. This
is Invasive Species one oh one for children and it
will have an ACL interpreter provided as well that event.
This one's gonna be happening at Winding Waters Natural Area
(02:59):
from ten am to thirty am on Monday, February twenty fourth.
Synthy go to PBCERM dot com and all the events
they have or listen on there. There's paddleboarding, there's the
different hikes, there's kayaking ones, there's ones where they do
like Astronomy Night where you go out into the natural area.
Our friends at the North Museum of Lostical things going
on now through March ninth. The exhibition Strike Fast Dance,
(03:24):
Lightly Artists, Unboxing is happening. They've got certain Silence going
on and that is through March twenty third. Sirolla in
the Sea now through April fourteenth. Surroundings which is like
video encounters of nature, and that what's going on through
June twenty ninth. And of course they have all their
(03:44):
wonderful art after dark programs there every Friday nights. You
can go check in. They'll have like music, there's all
they snacks and stuff in the cafe, programs, docent lead tours.
Sympthy go to Norton dot org and all the different
programs and exhibitions are listed on there for you of course,
Mounts Botanical's got all kinds of cool things going on
(04:06):
this weekend. They've got forest bathing which is nature therapy immersion,
and a tea ceremony, the heart opening ceremony with a
flower mantla. There's story time in the garden, there's tai
chi water color, all kinds of things, and of course
they're Ribbit. The exhibit Frog thing is going on right
now as well, and that's a fun one for both
the big kids and the little kids. At the Fence
(04:28):
Center is also hosting Black History Month Art Expo, so
that's going on all month, and simply reach out to
them seven seven to two four six two seventeen ninety
one to get the details of the times and everything's open.
Speaking of art, Armory Art Center has a cool exhibition
running now through March six, and it is the annual
(04:48):
student and faculty Art Exhibition. So they go and they
take the classes and then they put them on display
for everybody to come and enjoy. And speaking of classes,
Monday February twenty fourth through April seven, even is the
next set of classes. You're getting ready to start again,
so simply go to the website Armoryart dot org and
there's one for digital post processing for nature photographers. There's
(05:11):
ceramic classes. There's a cool jewelry making want to learn
how to make rings, so I did a little one
night class for that and that is super fun. It's
got a cool little ring out of it, and a
really good appreciation for the craft because it took us
three hours to make one ring, so it is not
as easy as it looks. They make it look so seamless,
(05:34):
so I'm very impressed with the artists. Also coming up
is the sixteenth annual Boating and Beach Bash for people
with disabilities and it's a fun, free event, one day event,
and it happens in Boker. Retone is coming back on
March fifteenth. Simply go to Boating Beachbash dot com. And
this is really cool. It is at Spanish River Park.
(05:57):
It's from ten am to three pm and they put
down like the MOBI, so a lot people volunteer their
time so you can actually get folks with wheelchairs on
the movie met down onto the beach. They have a
section where everybody can go on the boats and take
a boat ride, and they have a lot of people
volunteering their time to help out with that. Professionals. So
if you want to help out with that, reach out
to them. If you'd like to be a sponsor, also
reach out to them. They're always looking for help with
(06:18):
that outwever reminders well. Ballet Palm Beach is presenting The
Great Gatsby and that's going to be happening at the
Cravis Center on February twenty eighth through March second, So
you can go to Cravis dot org and buy your
tickets there, and while you're there, you can also get
tickets for lots of cool stuff coming up. We've got
The Book of Mormon March eleventh through the sixteenth as
(06:40):
part of their Cravis on Broadway series. Fifty four Below
the Rinker Mauricio Martinez is coming April fourth through the fifth.
Clue is coming. I'll definitely want to see this one.
This is part of their Cravis on Broadway series, and
of course it's based on the movie and the board game.
I will see how they get that onto the stage.
I like how they convert these things from a movie
to the play. That's very cool. Ain't too Proud. The
(07:02):
Life and Times of the Temptations is coming June twenty
third through the twenty ninth, so something in the summer
for the locals. They've all kinds of cool things happening
starting Monday and Monday and Tuesday is going to be
an evening with Isaac ms Rahie. So I always know
him as like a fashion designer, but he also is
a beautiful actor and musician as well and performer, so
(07:22):
he can come and sing the songs and have a
little one man show chat. Definitely a fun night. A
part of their lunch and learn series, Trailblazing Women of Country,
a tribute to Patsy, Loretta and Dolly, is happening on
February twenty fifth. The Beach Boys March six with two shows,
and that's featuring Mike Love as the lead singer. Peter Bentz,
(07:44):
who's a world renowned Hungarian pianist, is coming March seventeenth.
He is the Guinness World record holder for the most
piano key hits in one minute. So DEVI decided to
see that. I said, they have all kinds of cool
things coming, and of course they've got Blippy and Friends coming.
Blippy makes a band for the little wee ones, so
if you haven't seen it, go to YouTube and check
it out. And of course, you spoke with Julie Gilbert
(08:06):
last week about her writing academy. So they have lots
of programs safe for grown ups, for kids, educational things
where the kids come from the school. They've all had
all the fifth graders for this school season come in
and see a show. Lots of really awesome things are doing.
If you want to learn how to be an usher
there or volunteer some other capacity, simply go to Cravis
dot org. All the details are listed right there for you.
(08:28):
And if one heads outside, our friends at Saint Lucie
County Hikes have got you covered. So starting March first,
from eight to ten am, it is the Water Water
Everywhere Walk at the Donald B. Moore Preserve and it's
all about this walks all about all Florida's aquatic systems
in the environment, so check that out. March eighth, from
nine to one forty five, it's the History of George
(08:49):
the Strange Paddle at the Richard E. Beckerd Preserve and
it's a family friendly paddle. So if you go to
the website SLC hikes dot org, they've all the different
hikes and paddles and everything listed there and they kind
of tell you like what age group is of good
for and that kind of stuff. Saturday, March twenty second
is the Mental Health America's Mind and Body Connection five
k and walk to help raise funds for their supportive communities.
(09:13):
And then fen Center has another program going on. They're
doing a lot this week for an education series for
older adults. So Tuesday, February twenty fifth at eleven am,
this is part of their Eat Smart, Lived Strong nutrition
education program and this week at eleven am they're featuring
on the challenges and solutions as far as achieving your
physical activity goal eating those fruits and vegs, learn some
(09:35):
different people's solutions and tips to help you with that.
And Daggerweing Nature Center always has cool things going on.
They have their animal feedings and talks on Thursdays and
Fridays at two forty five. There's a Saturday at one
pm and these are free, good for all ages and
it's free, don't need a reservation for that. They do
offer introd archery classes, there's bird talks, all kinds of
(09:56):
cool things, and then Okayhealey Nature Center has all a
lot of fun things small. They also do ar true classes.
To make sure you sign up early. For those because
they fill up very quickly. And speaking of Okay Healing
Nature Center, I want to welcome my guests for today.
I've got Teresa Zabek and Jeanette Mitchell from Okahelly Nature Center,
the Friends of Oka Hilling Nach Center. Correct, correct, So Teresa,
(10:17):
tell me a little about what is it. What are
the Friends of Oka Healing Nature Center.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Basically, it's a group of folks that come along and
support the activities at Okahaly Nature Center. And what we
do is have special events and other activities like Earth Day,
the Gopher Tortoise Gallop five k and it allows us
to do special enrichment features for the animals at the
nature Center, things like the enhancement of our red shouldered
(10:46):
hawk enclosure and even providing a portable enclosure for Sparky
when he's at the events.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Jeanette who is Sparky.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Sparky is our ambassador for the Okahelly Nature Center. He
is our resident gopher tortoise.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
And how big it spark you would you guess?
Speaker 4 (11:06):
I don't know, about twelve inches maybe eighteen inches long,
a good size. It's a good size tortoise.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
So and of course gopher tortoises are Are they the
state tortoise?
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yes, they are definitely a few things about gopher tortoises
that we want to let people know, and that's another
reason we're doing this event is that gopher tortoises are
federally protected. That means if you come across one, you
don't want to touch it. You don't want to harass
the tortoise or destroy their eggs or their burrows. Burrows
(11:37):
are very important to the entire environment because they help
over three hundred and fifty species with their habitat and
living together, so.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Other animals live in the borough with them. Correct. Oh, cool,
I didn't realize that. Yes, they got neighbors.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Yes, for sure, three hundred and fifty species depend.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
On many neighbors. Yeah, three hundred and.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Fifty depend on the gopher tortoise borrow, so super important
to the whole ecosystem.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
Yes, that was the other thing I found interesting was
when they have prescribed burns or there is a fire
in the forest, many of the species, that's where they
take shelter is in the tortoises burrows.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Oh okay, I've read that on one of those little fracks.
Go go back to that in a second. Okay, I
did not realize that. Very cool. So officusly, you guys
do fundraisers to help fund all these different events and programs,
So you have a cool one coming up in your
annual fundraising event, the Gopher Tortoise Gallop five k. So
what days that happening?
Speaker 3 (12:38):
The event will take place on Saturday, March twenty second
at Okay Hilly Park. It'll start at the mccinopie Pavilion
and the race begins sharply at seven point thirty a m.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Oh bright and early, yes, ma'am. So for folks you
want to sign up for that, where do they sign up?
Speaker 3 (12:56):
The easiest way is to go online and Google go
Tortoise Gallop five k, or you can go to Victory
Sports Management MGT dot com slash go for Tortoise Gallop
five k. This year, we're actually doing a special feature
regarding sign up, so soon as you sign up, the
(13:18):
less the costs of the event. We've also added a
feature where if you have a group of four or
more participants, you receive a ten percent discount and basically
your registration will include your entry. You'll get a bib
for the race, a beautiful finisher metal and a swag
(13:41):
bag of items that our sponsors are donating and a
wonderful T shirt to take home or wear at the race.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Oh, I like it very cool. So now, mister Ginnett,
have you done the race before?
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Yes, I did, and I completed it. Last year was
the first year, and it's an enjoyable race. The park
is beautiful, so for anybody who hasn't been there, you know,
to see the whole park in this year they're rerouting it.
It's so that it will pass right by the nature
center because the nature Center is tucked in the back
a little bit at Okahelly Park, so not everybody that
comes in the park maybe plays ball or golfs is
(14:17):
aware that it's even there. There are signs up through
the park indicating where it is, but so it'll be
nice to be able to go pass there.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
And actually, good point, Jeannette. The Oka Hilly Nature Center
is at the far north end of the park, and
of course Oka Hilly Park is on Forest Hill Boulevard.
I always call it the best caps secret in Palm
Beach County and usually the children from schools know about
it the most because we do a lot of educational programs,
(14:47):
but the center is really geared towards every group, every age,
a lot of hands on activities. You get to see snakes,
you get to see our screech owl name Houdini. We
have a diamondbacked terrapin named Luigi. And we also have
(15:08):
an amazing discovery zone for kids. People go in there
and spend two three hours with their kids, so it's amazing.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
That's fantastic. And what is the cost to come use
the Okay healinature centers that there's a charge with the
kids coming to do these things.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
The cost to come in just to the center is
absolutely free. There may be a small cost when you
get into the programs that are special programs, but it's
a very very nominal fee, and there's programs for all ages,
different times a day. But just to come to the
center itself is absolutely free and I'd highly recommend it.
We also have a new ambassador named Paisley. She is
(15:48):
an opossum and she's adorable.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Oh that's awesome. Do you have Sparky the gopher, tortoise,
the screech owl, Yes, Luigi and Luigi that's a turtle right, Yes,
it's a kind of.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
The variety of a turtle.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
I actually came several years ago, but it was for
like a raptor talk. They invited the meeting out. You
get all these amazing birds and I was like this, wow,
and when they open up their wings they've got like
a five six foot wing span. Was like, that's a
big bird. Yes.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Yes, we actually just had Raptor Day and it was
for the photographers and it was a wonderful event. We
hosted every year and it's another fundraiser for the Nature Center.
We will have this five K in conjunction with our
celibration which is focusing on gopher tortoises, and you can
(16:40):
go to the Nature Center itself. For race participants, you
get entry early at nine am. For the general public
it's ten am, and there will be a strong focus
on gopher tortoises, whether it's getting coloring books for the kids,
or doing crafts related or just learning more about the
(17:00):
entire ecosystem regarding gopher tortoises.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Oh, very cool. Well, so let's go back to the
race a little bit. So people can sign up for
the Gopher Tortoise Gallop five K, and I know you
have a pre race packet pick up Friday, March twenty first,
from forty six thirty. That's gonna be Buffalo Wild Wings
on State Road seven. Correct. All right, So then the
day of Saturday, March twenty second, I show up at
Okay Hilly Park, I go to the Mickanoa pavilion and
(17:26):
there'll be somebody there to like sign me in and
all that kind of stuff.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
Correct, you will have the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (17:32):
To you just pick up your race, your bib. You
would get your swag bag if you didn't have the
opportunity to pick it up beforehand. On Friday at Buffalo
Wild Wings, there'll be people there in the morning for
you to they'll hand you your number, you swag bag,
and for people who can't do that on Friday, but
it'll be there'll be people there. Yes, sawn, you in,
(17:53):
have some water, get ready for the race.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
Oh cool, because because most people never quite get there
before they close because I get out of work too late,
you know, so that they can I could do it
and still get there in the morning, get everything, be
ready to go, no problem.
Speaker 3 (18:04):
Correct.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
And then oh look at this. I like this, there's
a five k fitness warm up seven ten Because I
would definitely need a warm up before.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
Yes, that's a new feature for this year, and we'll
have BNA Wellness hosting that fitness well warm up for
the group, and then we'll start the race at seven
point thirty sharp, so you really want to try to
get in there as early as possible. The gates will
open at six fifteen and from that point on you race.
(18:33):
We have a blast. It's amazing. People run, people walk,
people talk with each other and hang out and we
have cow bells going and a water station. Halfway through.
As Jeanette mentioned earlier, we'll be going by the Okay
Healing Nature Center. There also will be Oakley, our mascot,
will be present for people to interact with. And when
(18:57):
you're done with the race, you get a beautiful medal.
And then we we have like a post event get
together where people can go around and interact with snakes
and other tortoises and especially see Sparky. It's one of
the few times that it's legally permissible to pet a
gopher tortoise and last year it was amazing. We had
(19:17):
him walking around the venue and you know how excited
I am about this. This is one of the most
unique aspects of our event, our five k it sets
itself apart when we have live animals on site for
people to interact with.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
Oh absolutely, and do it in a safe way for
them and for the animal, which I like that. So
then of course, after that all finishes and nickel on
to the go for tortoise stage celebration in the Okylian
Nature Center. Eight. Yes, ma'am, very cool. I like it.
And so we mentioned before there's gonna be like a
water station and things like that, so I'm sure there's
volunteers manning these stations. Do you guys still need more
(19:52):
volunteers for the event?
Speaker 4 (19:54):
You can never have enough volunteers, so yes, of course
anybody who wants a volunteer can contact the Nature Center.
Speaker 2 (20:02):
And so miss Janette, you actually are one of the
volunteers right, yes.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Well, together, we're working together to get the race off
the ground a little more organized this year than we
had been in the first first year, it was just
to see how things would go. So this year we're
putting more effort and trying to recruit and get more
runners out there, so hopefully we'll get more people to
(20:26):
sign up and come on out.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
And this is the time to vance, so you can.
If you're running, you want to figure out how good
you're getting, Come do that. You can get your little
chip and figure out MND be like, hurry up, hurry up.
So I'm the last one in the line walking, It's
all good.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
Nobody is slower than the gopher tortoise though he only
runs ato point three miles an hour, which would take
him ten out over ten hours to finish this five k.
So don't be intimidated if would take Sparky ten hours
to do it.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
I think Sparking and I are about the same level,
much shorter. But it's a fun thing. I like a
great idea, And like you said, you've learned as you go.
Because like the radio station, we put on events, every
single one we've been doing for a long time. We
learn something new every time that makes it a little
bit better or more engaging for the crowd the community.
(21:16):
So I think it's great that you guys every year
you're adding something different to the mix.
Speaker 3 (21:20):
In addition to the event going on, we always invite
you to come up to the Nature Center. There's a
great path that we have. It's two point five miles
of trails and we go through about ninety acres of
pine flat woods. The great part of that too is
you'll have a good chance of actually seeing a gopher
(21:41):
tortoise in their wild habitat. So I think that's another
really special component of the Okahelly Nature Center.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Yeah, and you might see some raptors right red shoulder hawks.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Nope, if we have able out, he would be some
a raptor that you could see. Our prime exhibit exhibitors
are Paisley they all a possum and uh, who do
you need? The screech owl? And Luigi the terrapin.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
Very cool and it's all great that you want me
them all. They're all lovely, yes.
Speaker 4 (22:15):
And the and we just recently had two new baby
alligators all so Doroth Gator.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
And Looke skywalker.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
Those are great. They had a naming contest for them
and that was the Winter That is a winner. I
like it. I that was gonna be cheese and crackers
one or PV and J.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
And they also have feedings animal feedings there if you
know children are interested in watching that, they feed the
snakes and who do you.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Need the owl? Owl?
Speaker 4 (22:46):
So that's something they do that every day and can
come along.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
That's so cool. Now can can teenagers volunteer, definitely, I
know they need those community service hours.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Yes, ma'am. We have a great program called the Okie Teens,
and for the four years I've been there as a volunteer,
I think this is the most amazing group of youngsters
young adults. They assist with feeding the animals, cleaning their habitats,
their muse which is a cage. They just do all
(23:19):
sorts of amazing aspects of the nature center. They usually
end up doing a presentation on a particular topic. So
ok Teens, I'd highly recommend it as a great volunteer
opportunity and they learn a lot of skills while they're there.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Oh yeah, and I'm sure they're great with all the
social media aspects too.
Speaker 3 (23:37):
Definitely.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
I know they helped me with my shelfie when I
came last time. There you go since I can't take
a selfie. But they're very fun. It's a great thing.
It's such cool programs that you guys do there. I think
it's really awesome. Another thing is, I know you guys
have sponsors, and you're always looking for sponsors. If a
business or corporation wants to become a sponsor, how do
think about that process to help you guys sponsor your
(23:59):
five K.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
That's a great question, deb thank you. The easiest way
to start that process would be to contact the Nature
Center and speak with Emily Travis. The number there is
five six one two three three one four zero seven.
And we definitely have opportunities this year for the five K.
(24:21):
We have a few sponsors that are doing kind donations.
Whole Foods is one location. We're also having Florida Panthers.
They'll be doing giveaways at that location, and we also
have an amazing opportunity for you to have a snack
with ideal nutrition. They're going to have muffins for after
(24:42):
the race.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
I've had those muffins. They're delicious. Yes, I've also gotten
like the snacks from Whole food It's also delicious, and
everybody loves them. When the Florida Panthers come out and
like do one of their things, it's so funnily. They
always send out fun people to talk with the community
and everything. I love it. They'll come here to the
radio station every now and then nice and then all
the DJs are like, oh, they're here, so that's cool.
(25:03):
So obviously it's a great thing. I think for businesses
to help support these events and then that continue to
help support the programs at the Okay Hilling Nature Center, which,
of course your goal is to help improve things there,
right every five things. So I think it's exciting that
Sparky's going to get his own little travel vehicle. That's
gonna be cool.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Yes, it's gonna be amazing.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
I've seen the cats riding on the room bus something
like that. Maybe, Okay, wouldn't that be awesome? Yeah, it
would be writing around the little nature center. I can
see it now. Miss Emily's gonna be like, no, no, no,
too much Russell bumping into things. You're laughing because you
can see it too.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
I can see it.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
So again, for folks who want to sign up for
the five K, how do they go about that?
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Again? Go and Google, go for Tortoise Gallop five K
and it should come up under Victory Sports Management. It'll
you'll be taken to a registration page. There's a large
button right there on the top that says registry and
there's a lot of details regarding the activities that are
going on, the schedule of events, the fee rates, and
(26:10):
a little bit more about the nature Center and friends
of Oka Helly Nature Center, so.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
They can go to the website when they're there and
they find out more about the Oka Helly Nature Center. Correct,
When I come that day for the five K and
then for the celebration, can I find out more about
becoming a friend of the nature Center or becoming a sponsor.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Definitely the day of the event, we will have a
table for friends of Oka Helly Nature Center and you
can definitely sign up and become a member there. It's
really an amazing opportunity. You can also do sponsorships for
different animals at the Nature Center. It's a quick twenty
five dollars and you money goes to enrich that particular animal.
(26:51):
We will also have several other nonprofit groups at the
event that day, everything from wood turners to the Herptological
Society which is bringing out snakes and tortals, tortoises and
it should be a wonderful event.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
So obviously lot I think it's gonna be happening at
the five K and stuff, and wanted to let the
listeners know again that you guys are both volunteers, so
you actually donate your time to create this and do
this and it's fun, right.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
It's wonderful. It's amazing between working with the animals, the
staff at Oka Healing Nature Center, and just interacting with
all the visitors to the center. I've enjoyed it so
much with the variety of age groups, and yeah, this
event is near and dear to my heart. It's a
special event to fundraise. It's also a five k which
(27:39):
I started running a little while back, and I used
to do special events for a living, so it kind
of put all three things together.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
Well, I'm a retirey, so I'm enjoying meeting a lot
of new people through this and they are really special
people at Oka Healing Nature Center, the employees as well
as the volunteers. They just amazed me, the young adults
who are how knowledgeable they are about everything. I went
on one of their programs and it was a pollinator
(28:07):
walk and this young man was telling me the difference
between two bees. How do you know the different This
is so.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
Knowledgeable that it just amazes me.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
And it's a great opportunity for them, for the you know,
the kids, the young adults of teens, and for grown
ups to learn all these you know, this information.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
That they have. So yeah, it definitely gives me help
for the future. When these kids know how to do
all this and you can figure it out. I'm like,
that's fantastic. And one of my friends is retired and
he loves theater, so he'll volunteer there sponsor different plays
and things in Chicago. But his big thing is like
when he comes here, he likes to volunteer for these
kind of events because it keeps him active and engaged
in meeting new people. And then his knowledge he shares
(28:50):
with the other people. So like you could share your
knowledge with the kids and they share with you, which
I think is a great synergy. So for folks who
want to sign up to be come a member of
the Okay Friends of Okay Healy Nature Center, you said
they can do that the day of the race, right, yes, ma'am.
Very cool. And the race again is March twenty second,
(29:10):
right in early seven thirty, right, yes. The race starts
sharp at seven thirty. The gates open at six point fifteen,
and it's a wonderful opportunity to come out, have fun,
bring your family, bring your friends. Just wanted to remind
everybody again, since we're focused on gopher tortoises that our
gopher tortoises are federally protected.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
And you do want to talk. You don't want to
touch them or do anything with their burrows. The only
exception to that would be if you see that they're
in danger. And the one thing we always emphasize with
any turtle is if you're going to move them off
of a road, please move them in the same direction
that they were moving. And especially with gopher tortoises, they
(29:51):
are land turtles, so you do not want to put
them in water. So those are really important facts about
the gopher tortoise. We all like to remind people that
Okay Healing Nature Center is not a rehab facility, So
if you have an injured animal, please contact Bush Wildlife
and they will be able to assist you with that animal.
Speaker 2 (30:12):
Oh, very true, very true. And before we go again,
what was the phone number for Oka Healing Nature Center.
If somebody wants to become a volunteer sponsor.
Speaker 3 (30:19):
The number is five six one two three three one
four zero seven and they can call and speak with
Emily Travis.
Speaker 2 (30:27):
Very cool. Well, ladies, thank you so much for coming
in and sharing all this information with us, for doing
such a cool thing in the community. It's definitely needed
and very much appreciated.
Speaker 3 (30:36):
Thank you, Deb, I appreciate you having us here. It's
been a wonderful experience.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
Very well, that's what we're here for. If you need
more information, reach out to me Palm Beach Perspective at
iHeartMedia dot com and I'm happy to forward on the
details to you and don't forget you can always download
the shows a podcast on our iHeartRadio app. Hope everybody
has a wonderful weekend. I'm dev net and this has
been my perspective. Remember life is good, so be your
(31:01):
healthiest view and let's get out there and live it.
Until next week, enjoy.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
iHeart Communities, the community engagement arm of the station, champions
critical issues and causes in the area of health and wellness,
social impact, education, literacy, and music and art. Join us
next week from Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective
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