The Oak Hammock Natural History Society, or NHS, offers monthly nature-oriented programs and trips organized by a planning team of 12 Independent Living residents. Topics include individual species, ecosystems, invasive species, habitat restoration and many other aspects of the natural world. All Oak Hammock residents are welcome to participate.

Programs are typically held on the third Thursday of each month, with field trips following on the fourth Thursday.

Additional Information

Speakers for NHS programs often include current and retired faculty members from the University of Florida and Santa Fe College – all of whom bring extensive expertise in their fields.

Past programs have featured:

• The collections manager from the University of Florida’s Vertebrate Paleontology department, who shared insights about a five-million-year-old fossil site near Williston.
• The director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, with updates on current studies.
• A Santa Fe College biology professor presenting a freshwater turtle population density project.
• A retired UF biology professor discussed horseshoe crab research at Cedar Key.

In each case, participants enjoyed follow-up field trips to visit the research sites and see the work in progress.

Recently, Oak Hammock’s own certified beekeepers gave a presentation on the Oak Hammock hives, followed by a visit to the UF Bee Research Laboratory. In addition to these presentations and trips, NHS also hosts a nature film series during selected periods.

Get Involved

Members of the NHS planning team share a strong background and passion for education of nature and volunteer their time to organize these enriching events. New volunteers are always welcome to join the team.

You can find information about upcoming events in the Natural History Society display case in the Lower Commons, as well as photos from previous outings. Event details are also available in the monthly ICON calendar and on flyers posted in the elevators.