Crystal River Preserve State Park

July 16th, 2008

The Crystal River Preserve State Park is a great place to enjoy nature at it’s best. The estuarine system gets water from 7 of the counties rivers and feeds an abundance of wildlife. Good news for us nature lovers and photographers!

To truly appreciate this park, you’re going to need a boat which unfortunately we do not have access to but the park does offer boat tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Unlike the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, we did see the tour boats here and this is probably where you go to take the tours offered by that park since it is pretty much right in the middle of this one.

The park has clean restrooms and has some beautiful gardens out front of the visitor center for you to admire and also has little plaques telling you what the plants are in the gardens. Pretty interesting learning what some of the plants and trees are really named and also learning a little bit about them at the same time. There is also a nice little waterfall in the garden that makes for a pleasant and peaceful experience. Along the boat docks are a few picnic tables for you to enjoy a nice lunch or something at but unfortunately they’re not in the shade or anything so it would probably be better to use these in the evenings when it’s not so hot out.

Aside from the area around the visitor center, there is also a kayak and canoe launch as well as the Crystal Cove day fishing area that has been dubbed “The Mullet Hole”. I assume the fishing here is pretty good but i cant say for sure. There were a couple people out there fishing though. I should also mention that this park is is a national gold metal winner. It is also America’s first two time winner of this award as well. Unfortunately we’re not quite sure what the parks are judged on so we really dont know why it’s a national gold metal winner or anything but it is worth mentioning. Perhaps one of you may be aware of judging criteria and will let us know.

For more photos from Crystal River Preserve State Park, please visit the Crystal River Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

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Events

Kid's Saltwater Fishing Workshop
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
When: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 30, 2010
Description: The Friends of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park are sponsoring a kid's fishing clinic. A Florida Park Ranger will illustrate some of the techniques anglers use to catch fish and the importance of conservation and safety. Participants will learn to identify saltwater fish species commonly caught in this area, and will learn how to use a fishing rod & reel. Each workshop will be hands-on with participants fishing along the bank of the Intracoastal Waterway while applying their newly learned skills. All fishing gear will be furnished for each participant to use during the workshop, including complete rod & reel, fishing tackle and bait. Upon completion of the workshop each participant will be awarded a certificate of completion and a souvenir fishing packet to take home. Also, participants will be furnished with snacks and beverages. If desired, you may bring a bag lunch. This workshop is open for ages 8-17 years and older. Advance registration is required by contacting Melissa Kafel at (386) 446-6783, Or E-Mail Melissa.
Fees: The fee is $20.00 per workshop, per participant, which includes the park entrance fee.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located two miles south of Marineland, off A1A.
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Art In The Park---hands On Fun For Everyone!
Hillsborough River State Park
When: The Last Friday of Each Month: July 30, August 27, September 24, October 29, November 26; 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Description: The event promises to be a safe and fun way for the entire family to enjoy time together making tangible memories of your time at Hillsborough River State Park in the form of pieces of art. Each date will feature a different theme for variety.
Fees: FREE
Contact: MJPrice@goinpostal.com or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details.
Directions: Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, Southbound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side. From I-75, Northbound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on CR 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.
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Turtle Talk: A Sea Turtle's Journey
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
When: 10:00 a.m
Description: Sea Turtle Season is Here! Join Park Ranger Tony and take a glimpse into the intricate world of remarkable sea turtles. Participants will learn about the sea turtles' life cycle as well as their habitat, behavior and the important role they play in "the Real Florida!" Here at the park, we have many nests and are very exicited to have you visit and learn how important sea turtles are to our coastal waters. Learn how your actions can help preserve these magestic turtles for generations to come!
Fees:
Contact: Contact park for more information
Directions: From I-95: Whether you are traveling north or south on I-95, take exit 284 (State Road 100). Turn east onto State Road 100 and travel approximately 3 miles till you reach A1A (and the ocean). At the light turn right (south) and travel approximately another 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be on the left.

From Daytona: Take A1A north to approximately 1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line (approximately 18 miles)The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Ormond Beach: Take West Granada (40) east, across the Halifax River, to A1A. Turn left (north) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles (1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line). The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Palm Coast: Take Palm Coast Parkway east across the Intercoastal Waterway (toll bridge) to A1A. Turn left (south) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles. The park is located on A1A. The Ranger Station will be on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.
Avoid the toll: Take Palm Coast parkway east to Colbert Lane. Turn right (south) on Colbert Lane and travel approximately 7 miles to SR 100. Turn left (east) on SR 100 and travel approximately 1.5 miles to A1A. Turn right on A1A and travel about 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.

From St. Augustine: Take A1A south for approximately 32 miles to SR 100. Continue straight through the light and travel approximately another 3 miles to the park. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive on your right and our day use beach facilities will be located on your left.
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Easy As One Collection Event
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
When: Friday, July 30, 2010, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Description: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Hernando County Sheriff s Office will hold a recycling and collection event in the parking lot at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on Friday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admittance to the park is not required for participation. Bring paper to shred and recycle (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. only), used cell phones (working and non-working), and stray chargers, plastic retail bags and expired medications for safe disposal. Participants who bring in 15 or more bags for recycling will receive a reusable shopping bag. Those who bring expired medications, used cell phones or paper will receive a day pass to a Florida State Park. While supplies last. Learn more about DEPs Easy as One campaign at: EasyasOneWordPress.com
Fees: Free for volunteers.
Contact: Call the park at (352) 592-5656
Directions: Weeki Wachee Springs is located at the intersection of State Road 50 and Hwy. 19.
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Wildlife Refuge Presents Owls And Critters
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
When: Saturday, Jul 31st from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection's Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be having a wildlife presentation; come and join the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge as they present their rehabilitated wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Learn about the fascinating critters that are right here in the park and in Okaloosa and Walton counties as they teach you what they eat, where they live and how they survive in the wild.
Fees: Program included in the park admission fee.
Contact: (850) 267-8330
Directions: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located in Santa Rosa Beach, 10 miles east of Destin, FL. Take I-10 to Exit 85 (Defuniak Springs) and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Travel 27 miles to U.S. Highway 98. Turn right and travel approximately five miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left and go a quarter mile to the entrance on the right.
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Beginning Bird Watching
Little Talbot Island State Park
When: Saturday, July 31st, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Description: Join a Park Ranger for a program that will introduce you to bird watching. Topics include the basic tools available to birdwatchers, and the basics of bird habitat, behavior, and identification. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free.
Fees: This program is free.
Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
Directions: Little Talbot Island State Park is located 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville, on State Road A1A.
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Beginning Bird Watching
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
When: Saturday, July 31st, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Description: Join a Park Ranger for a program that will introduce you to bird watching. Topics include the basic tools available to birdwatchers, and the basics of bird habitat, behavior, and identification. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free.
Fees: This program is free.
Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
Directions: Fort George Island Cultural State Park is located approximately 16 miles east of downtown Jacksonville on State Road A1A, or three miles south of Little Talbot Island State Park.
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Junior Ranger
Blue Spring State Park
When: Saturday , July 31, 2010, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Description: 'Birds'. Explore the wildlife of Blue Spring State Park with hands-on activities, wilderness explorations, crafts, games and more. Earn a Jr. Ranger patch featuring manatees by attending two events. This program is geared for children in grades K through 5. Pre-registraton required.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: Blue Spring is located west of Orange City. Take U.S. 17/92 to Orange City, go west two miles on French Avenue to the entrance.
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Dragonflies & Damselflies
Big Lagoon State Park
When: Saturday, Aug 7th at 10:00 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection's Big Lagoon State Park is hosting its 'Dragonflies and Damselflies' interpretive program. Dragonflies and damselflies are two of the most ecologically important and beneficial insects on the planet! Make a date with Big Lagoon State Park and explore the exciting and interesting world of these species. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities. Should you need assistance to enable your full participation, please contact the park office.
Fees: Program included in the park admission fee.
Contact: (850) 492-1595
Directions: Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, about 10 miles southwest of Pensacola. From I-10 take Exit 7 south on Pine Forest Road. Turn right on Blue Angel Parkway, right on Sorrento Road. Finally go left on Bauer Road.
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Member Awareness Day
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
When: Saturday, Aug 7th All Day
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection¿s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and The Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc. invite you to attend Member Awareness Day.
Fees: Entry fees will be waived for all Friends members on the first Saturday of each month.
Contact: (850) 487-4115
Directions: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located .5 miles north of I-10 on U.S. 319.
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Annual World War Ii Day
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
When: First Saturday in August - each year.
Description: World War II Day is held on the first Saturday in August each year. This event recognizes our veterans and thanks them for their service to our country. The program features numerous displays of vintage military vehicles, equipment, and weapons from all of the various countries involved in World War II and some of the more modern wars up through Viet Nam. There are re-enactors from Rosy the Riveter to the Royal Air Force. Also, the Bushnell USO Canteen will be open.
Fees: Please contact the park for more information.
Contact: Call the park at 352-793-4781
Directions: Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is located off I-75 and state Road 48, west of Highway 301.
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First Weekend Union Garrison
Fort Clinch State Park
When: First full weekend of each month.
Description: Living historians recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War Between the States. Activities may include artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Soldiers and civilians also take up duty in the laundry, infirmary, kitchen, barracks, quartermaster and carpenter shop. Candlelight viewings on Saturday evenings every First Weekend (except December).

Saturday and Sunday, August 7th and 8th, 2010.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fees: Park entrance fee plus $2.00 per person Fort admission.
Contact: For more information, call 904-277-7274.
Directions: Take I-95 to the Fernandina Beach/Callahan exit (Milepost Exit 373 - Old Exit 129), and stay to the right. You will then be traveling east on A1A. (This road becomes 8th Street within the town limits of Fernandina.) Stay on this road, (A1A), for 16 miles until you come to the intersection of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Turn right on Atlantic Avenue and go about two miles, Fort Clinch State Park will be on the left.
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First Saturday Coffeehouse
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
When: Saturday, August 7, 2010. Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Description: Songs, stories, music or poetry may be performed at this open stage night held in the park auditorium. Coffee and desserts available for sale.
Fees: This event is free.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-4331.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439 - Old Exit 84), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301 - Old Exit 43), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.
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Dolphins
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
When: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be presenting a program on Dolphins. Come and join us for a puppet and a slide show to learn about what they eat and which ones you might see while visiting Florida. Meet at the Day-Use parking area on Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.
Fees: Program included in the park admission fee.
Contact: (850) 267-8330
Directions: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located in Santa Rosa Beach, 10 miles east of Destin, FL. Take I-10 to Exit 85 (Defuniak Springs) and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Travel 27 miles to U.S. Highway 98. Turn right and travel approximately five miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left and go a quarter mile to the entrance on the right.
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Florida Sea Turtles
Little Talbot Island State Park
When: Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Description: Join a park ranger and learn about the life cycle of the sea turtle and the importance of these creatures. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission.
Fees: Free with regular park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
Directions: Little Talbot Island State Park is located 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville, on State Road A1A.
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Sirens Of The Deep Mermaid Camp For Adults
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
When: August 7th and 8th, 2010
Description: Come learn what it’s like to be a mermaid, learn basic ballet moves to perform underwater, receive a “Mermaid Makeover” and a self-portrait. Participants will also receive two day-entry tickets to allow a couple of your friends or family to come and watch you perform and enjoy the park. During the two day camps you will learn the history of the Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids, as the instructors are former mermaids of Weeki Wachee. You will also get the behind the scenes tour and meet some mermaids of today, all welcoming you to be apart of the Weeki Wachee Springs family of Mermaids. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $250.00 and you must be over 20 years old. Some health restrictions apply.
Fees: $250.00
Contact: For more information please call the park at (352) 592-5656 and ask for Mermaid Manager Marcy
Directions: Weeki Wachee Springs is located at the intersection of State Road 50 and Hwy. 19.
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National Lighthouse Day
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
When: August 7, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is hosting an event on Saturday, August 7 to celebrate National Lighthouse Day.
Fees: Free with park admission
Contact: (305) 361-8779
Directions: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on Key Biscayne. From Miami, take I-95 to the Rickenbacker Causeway, all the way to the end. The park is located at the southern end of Key Biscayne, off the Rickenbacker Causeway, south of downtown Miami.
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Propagation Program
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the public to attend a chat and learn session at the greenhouse. We will do some hands on work so bring your clippers if you have them and learn some inexpensive ways to enlarge your home garden.
Fees: Program included in the park admission fee.
Contact: (850) 487-4115
Directions: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located .5 miles north of I-10 on U.S. 319.
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Frogwatch Usa - Record The Ribbit!
Savannas Preserve State Park
When: August 7, 7:00 PM
Description: Join park staff & volunteers in a citizen science and research program. Learn about the local frog populations and take a night hike to hear the sounds of nature after dark! Free with a suggested donation to the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park, Inc.. Refreshments are provided, bug spray is recommended through the summer months. Meet at the Education Center at 7:00 p.m.
Fees: Suggested donation to Friends of Savannas Preserve.
Contact: (772) 398-2779
Directions: The Environmental Education Center is located approximately 2 miles east of U.S. 1 on Walton Road in Port St. Lucie. The address is: 2541 Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.
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Early Boat Tour
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
When: Saturday, Aug 7th at 8:00 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection's Wakulla Springs Lodge & State Park invites you to enjoy the early morning sights and sounds as you cruise the scenic Wakulla River. Breakfast is available in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge.
Fees: $10 Adults, $7 Child. Reservations suggested.
Contact: (850) 926-0700
Directions: Travel East on I-10 to Exit 196. Take State Road 263 (Capitol Circle) south 12 miles. Turn right (South) onto U.S. 319/State Road 61 (Crawfordville Highway) for two miles. Bear left onto State Road 61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for six miles. Turn left onto State Road 267 at flashing stop light. Turn right into Park entrance. From West I-10, use Exit 203. Take State Road 61 (Thomasville Road) south. Continue on State Road 61 through Tallahassee for 10 miles. Take U.S. 319/State Road 61 (Crawfordville Highway) south for two miles. Bear left onto State Road 61 (Wakulla Springs Road) for six miles. Turn left onto State Road 267 at flashing stop light. Turn right into the park.
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