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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  • ADVENTURE SERIES GUIDED CANOE AND HIKING TRIPS

    Collier-Seminole State Park

    When: December 2008 through March 2009

    Description: Daytime Canoe Trips: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Meet 9:30 AM, approximately 3 hours. (January and February offered Fridays also) Description: Join a park naturalist down the Blackwater River. Discover the story of the River and the plants and animals that make it special. Fees: $25 per person. Canoe, paddles, and life jackets provided (or bring your own). Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Moonlight Canoe Trips: December 11 & 13, January 10 & 11, February 8 & 9, March 11 &12 Description: Enjoy an evening paddle by moonlight. Join a park naturalist as you discover the nighttime wonders along the Blackwater River. Meet 7:30 PM, approximately two and a half hours. Fees: $30 per person. Canoe, paddles, and life jackets provided (or bring your own). Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Night Hikes: December 27 & 28, January 25 & 26, February 25 & 26, March 26 & 27 Description: Unravel mysteries and sharpen your senses as you hike with a park naturalist. Look for things that glow in the dark, shooting stars, and other night wonders with no city lights to interfere. Meet 7:30 PM, approximately 2 hours. Fees: $10 per person. Bring a flashlight. Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Special Group Trips/Hikes can be arranged by request: December 2008-March 2009 Call the ranger station at (239) 394-3397 for more information. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park.

    Fees: .

    Contact: Call the ranger station at (239) 394-3397

    Directions: Going south from Tampa on I-75, take Exit 101 (SR 951 & SR 84) and turn right. Follow 951 to US 41. Turn left on US 41 and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be 8 miles on the right just past CR 92. Going west from Fort Lauderdale, take Exit 80 (SR 29), go south to 41 and turn right. Follow 41 for about 15 miles, and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be on your left. View Google Map ADVENTURE SERIES GUIDED CANOE AND HIKING TRIPS Collier-Seminole State Park Date: December 2008 through March 2009 Description: Daytime Canoe Trips: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Meet 9:30 AM, approximately 3 hours. (January and February offered Fridays also) Description: Join a park naturalist down the Blackwater River. Discover the story of the River and the plants and animals that make it special. Fees: $25 per person. Canoe, paddles, and life jackets provided (or bring your own). Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Moonlight Canoe Trips: December 11 & 13, January 10 & 11, February 8 & 9, March 11 &12 Description: Enjoy an evening paddle by moonlight. Join a park naturalist as you discover the nighttime wonders along the Blackwater River. Meet 7:30 PM, approximately two and a half hours. Fees: $30 per person. Canoe, paddles, and life jackets provided (or bring your own). Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Night Hikes: December 27 & 28, January 25 & 26, February 25 & 26, March 26 & 27 Description: Unravel mysteries and sharpen your senses as you hike with a park naturalist. Look for things that glow in the dark, shooting stars, and other night wonders with no city lights to interfere. Meet 7:30 PM, approximately 2 hours. Fees: $10 per person. Bring a flashlight. Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Special Group Trips/Hikes can be arranged by request: December 2008-March 2009 Call the ranger station at (239) 394-3397 for more information. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Fees: . Contact: Call the ranger station at (239) 394-3397 Directions: Going south from Tampa on I-75, take Exit 101 (SR 951 & SR 84) and turn right. Follow 951 to US 41. Turn left on US 41 and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be 8 miles on the right just past CR 92. Going west from Fort Lauderdale, take Exit 80 (SR 29), go south to 41 and turn right. Follow 41 for about 15 miles, and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be on your left. View Google Map ADVENTURE SERIES GUIDED CANOE AND HIKING TRIPS Collier-Seminole State Park Date: December 2008 through March 2009 Description: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Meet 9:30 AM, approximately 3 hours. (January and February offered Fridays also) Description: Join a park naturalist down the Blackwater River. Discover the story of the River and the plants and animals that make it special. Fees: $25 per person. Canoe, paddles, and life jackets provided (or bring your own). Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Moonlight Canoe Trips: December 11 & 13, January 10 & 11, February 8 & 9, March 11 &12 Description: Enjoy an evening paddle by moonlight. Join a park naturalist as you discover the nighttime wonders along the Blackwater River. Meet 7:30 PM, approximately two and a half hours. Fees: $30 per person. Canoe, paddles, and life jackets provided (or bring your own). Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Night Hikes: December 27 & 28, January 25 & 26, February 25 & 26, March 26 & 27 Description: Unravel mysteries and sharpen your senses as you hike with a park naturalist. Look for things that glow in the dark, shooting stars, and other night wonders with no city lights to interfere. Meet 7:30 PM, approximately 2 hours. Fees: $10 per person. Bring a flashlight. Space is limited, so please call in advance and reserve your spot. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Special Group Trips/Hikes can be arranged by request: December 2008-March 2009 Call the ranger station at (239) 394-3397 for more information. Hosted by: Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. All proceeds benefit the park. Fees: . Contact: Call the ranger station at (239) 394-3397 Directions: Going south from Tampa on I-75, take Exit 101 (SR 951 & SR 84) and turn right. Follow 951 to US 41. Turn left on US 41 and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be 8 miles on the right just past CR 92. Going west from Fort Lauderdale, take Exit 80 (SR 29), go south to 41 and turn right. Follow 41 for about 15 miles, and the Collier-Seminole State Park will be on your left. View Google Map 4TH ANNUAL OLD TIME MUSIC WEEKEND Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Date: December 5th – 7th, 2008. Friday, December 5th registration begins at 11:00 a.m. Description: Come enjoy a weekend of music and fun at the Suwannee Old Time Music Weekend on December 5-7, 2008 on the beautiful oak-covered grounds of the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in historic White Springs, Florida. This three-day event offers participants instruction for guitar, vocal, fiddle and banjo in beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Expect to see new faces as well as familiar friends from Florida and beyond. This year’s special guests –The Haywire Gang: Mac Benford, Paula Bradley & John Hoffmann – will arrive at the banks of the Suwannee from all the way up in Ithaca, N.Y. These three gentle souls have been living and breathing old time music for a LONG time! They started playing together at festivals like Mt. Airy & Clifftop, placed in a few contests along the way, had more fun than they could shake a stick at and twice as many laughs! Joining them will be Florida favorites Chuck Levy, Chuck Anton, Fay Baird & Lloyd Baldwin, all teaching beginner and intermediate level classes. Friday evening is the Florida Masters Concert featuring Tom Paley, an original New Lost City Rambler and George Gibson, a Florida resident who grew up steeped in the banjo tradition of Knott County, KY. Saturday evening is the Instructor’s Showcase Concert. Download the registration form. Fees: An entire weekend of pickin’ and fun only costs $215.00, which includes concerts, workshops classes, jam sessions and meals. A spouse program is also being offered, which includes two concerts, jams and meals for $75.00. Friday and Saturday concerts are open to the public for $10.00 each. Contact: For more information, call 386-397-4478. 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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  • PIRATES IN PARADISE

    Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

    When: December 5-7, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Description: This event features re-enactors portraying the pirate's life in the early 1700s. English Red Coats and the pirates have mock battles from land and sea; the pirates fight each other with swords; there is a reenactment of the trial of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, renowned female pirates of the day. Vendors sell pirate wares; there are pirate games and activities for the kids, cannon fire and much more! For more information, please go to www.piratesinparadise.com. Regular park entry fees apply.

    Fees: $4.00 - 12 and under; $6.00 - Adults

    Contact: (305) 292-6713

    Directions: Fort Zachary Taylor is located at the end of Southard Street on Truman Annex in Key West.

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  • TORTOISE TALK: LIFE OF THE GOPHER TORTOISE

    Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

    When: Friday, December 5, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

    Description: Join Park Staff and take a glimpse into the intricate world of the remarkable gopher tortoise. Participants will learn about this keystone specie’s life cycle as well as their habitat, behavior and the important role they play in 'the Real Florida!' Florida State Parks are in various stages of accessibility, and are working to improve access to services and facilities. Should you need assistance to enable your full participation, please contact the park office as soon as possible at (386) 517-2086. Every effort will be made to insure your inclusion. Sometimes as many as ten days may be needed to schedule a particular accommodation.

    Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.

    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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  • CAMELLIA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

    Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

    When: Friday, December 5th from 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

    Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the public out for the annual Camellia Christmas celebration.This wonderful old fashion holiday kick off features a candlelight stroll with performances by local musicians, hot apple cider, cookies, as well as a silent auction of wonderful items donated by local merchants to benefit your state park. There will also be a tour of the Maclay House adorned in fine holiday decor.

    Fees: Park entrance fee waived for participants.

    Contact: (850)487-4115

    Directions: Maclay State Gardens is located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319.

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  • THE CREATURE RETURNS FOR THE BIG KAHUNAS

    Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

    When: Friday, December 5th from 8:00pm to 10:30pm

    Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs State Park and the Friends of Wakulla Springs will host The Big Kahunas as they play music from the 60's & 70's in the grand lobby of the Wakulla Springs Lodge. The Big Kahunas, a group of mostly attorneys, are known for their generosity in helping non-profit organizations achieve their fund raising goals. The Friends will receive all proceeds from the event which will help support the park. Guests rooms are available for $79 to event attendees. Come early and enjoy dinner in the dining room from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

    Fees: Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. A cash bar will be provided. Dress is casual.

    Contact: (850)926-0700

    Directions: Traveling East on I-10 to new Exit 196 (old Exit 28). Take SR-263 (Capitol Circle) South 12 miles. Turn right (South) onto US-319/SR-61 (Crawfordville Hwy) for 2 miles. Bear left onto SR-61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for 6 miles. Turn left onto SR-267 at flashing stop light. Turn Right into Park entrance. From West I-10 use new Exit 203(old Exit 30). Take SR-61 (Thomasville Rd) South. Continue on SR-61 thru Tallahassee for 10 miles. Take US-319/SR-61 (Crawfordville Hwy) South for 2 miles. Bear left onto SR-61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for 6 miles. Turn left onto SR-267 at flashing stop light. Turn Right into Park entrance.

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  • NIGHT OF LIGHTS

    Fort Cooper State Park

    When: December 5th through December 11th. 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

    Description: 11th Annual Nights of Lights This Luminary Walking Tour will be Friday, December 5th thru December 11th, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The park will be decorated for the season with lights, luminaries and decorations. Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th there will be free refreshments, live entertainment and Santa will be here to have his picture taken with the children. Lights and decorations only on December 7th through December 11th. Admission for all days of the event is a new toy or non-perishable food items that will be donated to Citrus United Basket, a local food bank. Download our Luminary Walking Tour flyer for more information.

    Fees: Admission for all days of the event is a new toy or non-perishable food.

    Contact: For more information, call 352-726-0315.

    Directions: Fort Cooper State Park is located just off US 41, on South Old Floral City Road, two miles south of Inverness.

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  • ANNUAL CANE GRINDING

    Dudley Farm Historic State Park

    When: Saturday, December 6th, 2008.

    Description: This annual event commemorates donor Miss Myrtle Dudley’s birthday and continues the farm family tradition of grinding sugar cane and boiling cane syrup, making this a unique old-time community gathering. Visitors can tour the farm and see other traditional activities and craft demonstrations or enjoy a wagon ride. Children can have fun playing old-fashioned games. Syrup and farm products will be for sale. Note of interest: Volunteers are needed to strip cane the first week of November and cut cane the 2nd week. Call the park for details.

    Fees: Regular park admission.

    Contact: For more information, call 352-472-1142.

    Directions: Dudley Farm Historic State Park is located 4 miles east of Newberry on SR 26.

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  • HOLIDAY NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS

    Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park

    When: Saturday Dec. 6th - starting at 12 Noon.

    Description: Get in the holiday mood with a visit to Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk along a decorated trail with craft vendors and music. Food, hayrides, games and more. Bring a chair and enjoy holiday music taking in the sights and sounds of people having fun. Location is in area of the park located just behind Sears in the Gulfview Square Mall, Port Richey.

    Fees: No entrance fee, some minimal fees for some activities.

    Contact: Please contact the park at (727) 816-1890

    Directions: The park is located in the Port Richey area of Pasco County. At this time only a start-up kit consisting of a small self-composting restroom, small picnic shelter, information kiosk, and one half mile of nature trail is available to the public from the landward side. It can be reached by turning west off of U.S. Hwy. 19 at Cinema Drive. Cinema Drive dead ends at entrance of start-up kit. The main use area of the park is scheduled to begin construction sometime after the first of the new year. That entrance will be just north of Ridge Road in Port Richey. UNION HOLIDAY ENCAMPMENT Fort Clinch State Park Date: Saturday, December 6th, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7th, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. 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. A special Christmas tree will also be decorated with period, hand-made decorations. 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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  • BREAKFAST WITH A RANGER

    Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

    When: Saturday, Dec 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

    Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be having a Breakfast with a Ranger. Join the Rangers of Topsail Hill and ask them all the questions you can think of about park wildlife. This program is family oriented and ideal for the whole family to enjoy. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.

    Fees: A $2.00 entry fee is required. To cover the cost of food please bring $3, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park or bring your own breakfast.

    Contact: (850)267-0299

    Directions: Located in Santa Rosa Beach 10 miles east of Destin, FL. Take Interstate 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 5 miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left and go ¼ mile to the entrance on the right.

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  • HOLIDAY TEA PARTY

    Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

    When: Saturday, December 6th, 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

    Description: Parents mark your calendar for the “Holiday Tea Party” hosted by Mrs. Claus at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The tea party will be offered to boys and girls ages 5-7 years old and will be held at the Visitors’ Center. Children should dig through Mom and Dad’s closet and come to the party dressed in their best attire which could include old jewelry, ties, and garden hats. Also, children can bring along their favorite stuffed animal to join in at the tea party festivities. Some of the activities will include sharing a Christmas wish list session with Mrs. Claus, storytelling featuring “The Reindeer Christmas,” a souvenir photograph with Mrs. Claus, a holiday dance presentation by the Talent Team Youth of Palm Coast, and, of course, tea and cookies. Also, Mrs. Claus will present each child with a Christmas stocking filled with holiday goodies to take home.

    Fees: The tea party fee is $15.00 per child and includes souvenir photograph with Mrs. Claus, refreshments, holiday stocking and the park entrance fee. Spaces are limited and advance reservations are required.

    Contact: Contact the park at (386) 446-6783.

    Directions: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located two miles south of Marineland, off A1A.

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  • PANCAKES IN THE PARK

    Silver River State Park

    When: December 6, 2008 9:00 - 10:30 am

    Description: Friends of Silver River once again presents a hearty pancake breakfast in the fresh air. Breakfast consists of pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. There will be a guided nature tour offered by Lucy Tobias and Captain Vince Druding at 8:30 am. Live music will be offered by 'Sweetwater Bluegrass'. Park entry fee will be waived for the morning. Breakfast is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 12.

    Fees: Park entry fee waived; $6.00 per adult, $4.00 children under 12

    Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us

    Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

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  • RESIDENT ARTIST: ONE-LADY ART SHOW

    Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

    When: Saturday, December 6th, 2008 - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

    Description: Carol McArdle is the Park’s Resident Artist for 2008. Her art reflects her appreciation of Florida’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Her latest series of paintings are a collection of what she discovers in the local Florida State Parks and other preserved lands. Visit www.carolsheart.com for a preview of her upcoming show. The park is located just north of Naples on the Gulf of Mexico. Take I-75 to exit 111, go west 6 miles to the park entrance. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the park office well in advance.

    Fees: $3 for just a driver, $1 for walkers and peddlers and free for those under 6 years of age.

    Contact: Park at 239-597-6196

    Directions: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is located six miles west of Exit exit 111, old 17, on I-75.

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  • SHELLS OF THE TALBOT SHORES

    Little Talbot Island State Park

    When: Saturday, December 6, 2008. 11:00 a.m.

    Description: Join a park ranger to learn about the difference between a conch and a whelk, or a cockle and a clam? Discover how to identify many of the frequently found shells that wash up on the Talbot Islands State Parks shores. 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: The program is free with regular park admission.

    Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.

    Directions: Take I-95 to Heckscher Drive (Milepost Exit 358A - Old Exit 124A) and then travel east for 17 miles.

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  • LIGNUMVITAE CHRISTMAS

    Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

    When: Dec. 6 & 7, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Description: As the holidays are approaching, we would like to invite everyone to join us for our annual event ‘Lignumvitae Christmas’ on Dec. 6 & 7. The historic Matheson House will be decorated in an early 1900s ambiance of the Florida Keys. Visitors will be able to see how caretakers of the past would have adorned the walls of their island abode. They will also be able to sample homemade cookies, cakes & refreshments and decorate their own ornaments. Meet at Robbie’s Marina, located at Mile Marker 77.5, bayside. Tour boats will begin shuttling passengers to the island at 9:00 a.m. and stop at 3:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to join us or having a question may call (305) 664-2540.

    Fees: 18 years and over - $5.00.

    Contact: (305) 664-2540

    Directions: Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is located one mile west of U.S.1 at Mile Marker 78.5. Access is by private boat or charter boats at nearby marinas. STARLIGHT MOVIE CLASSICS - MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON The Barnacle Historic State Park Date: December 7, 6:00 PM Description: Watch an American classic movie on the lawn of The Barnacle while feasting on your own picnic with friends and family. This semi-annual event is for Barnacle Society members only. Gates open at 6pm, movie starts at 7 pm. No entry after 7:15 pm. No pets. To learn how to become a member, please call (305) 442-6866. Fees: Free to members of The Barnacle Society Contact: (305) 442-6866 Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.

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  • MOONLIGHT HIKE

    Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

    When: Wednesday, December 10th, 2008. The hike starts at 4:15 p.m.

    Description: Pack your dinner and join a Ranger for a walk on the north side of the Preserve, starting at the La Chua trailhead. Experience the Preserve after dark as we look for, listen to, and discuss the creatures that make their living in the night. The hike is approximately 2 miles long and lasts about 3 hours. Reservations are required! Call the Visitor Center, 352-466-4100, for more information and to make reservations. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must. Long pants, snacks or a bag dinner, water, and bug repellent are recommended.

    Fees: $2 per person (suggested donation).

    Contact: For more information, call 352-466-4100.

    Directions: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located 10 miles south of Gainesville, in Micanopy, on the east side of US 441. Coming from the north on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right). Coming from the south on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn right at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go about 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).

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  • CHRISTMAS GREENERY WORKSHOP

    Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

    When: Thursday, December 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

    Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and The Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc. invite the public to attend a Christmas Greenery Arranging Workshop. Learn to bring the beauty of nature indoors over the holiday season. All materials will be furnished. Please dress appropriately for working in the greenhouse and bring your own clippers. Please call the Ranger Station to register. CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED.

    Fees: There will be a $15.00 charge to cover material.

    Contact: (850-487-4556)

    Directions: Maclay State Gardens is located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319.

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  • BARNACLE UNDER MOONLIGHT - ALHAMBRA ORCHESTRA

    The Barnacle Historic State Park

    When: December 12, 6:00 PM

    Description: Get in the spirit of the season with the Alhambra Orchestra’s holiday concert at The Barnacle. Gates open at 6pm, music from 7-9pm. No Pets, No Alcohol. www.AlhambraMusic.org. Barnacle Society free concert passes are not valid at this event.

    Fees: $10 ages 6 and up. Children under 6 are free.

    Contact: (305) 442-6866

    Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.

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  • CRABBING FOR BEGINNERS

    Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

    When: Friday, December 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    Description: Join a Park Ranger for a crabbing program on Friday, December 12, 2008. Participants will be immersed in a Florida salt marsh where they will learn about crabbing equipment, techniques, skills, rules and regulations. Participants of all ages and skill level are invited to join in! Participants are encouraged to bring their own crabbing equipment and supplies. Special accommodations are available upon request. To make arrangements, please contact the park prior to the event.

    Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.

    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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  • SANTA OVER THE RAINBOW

    Rainbow Springs State Park

    When: Santa Over The Rainbow: December 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, and 21st. Gates open at sunset and close at 8:30p.m. Rainbow: Lights Only: December 26th and 27th. Gates open at sunset and close at 8:30p.m.

    Description: • Friends of Rainbow Springs will once again bring Santa Clause to Dunnellon. Santa over the Rainbow will be held December 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and Santa over the Rainbow: Lights Only will be showcased on December 26 and 27. Bring a child or become a child yourself for this one of a kind experience. Walk through the wonderland of lights that decorate the headsprings area of Rainbow Springs State Park. See Mr. and Mrs. Clause come up the Rainbow River on a lighted boat and head towards their cottage where pictures are taken. Visit with Santa’s elves and listen to carols. Visit the Friends of Rainbow Springs; see the real Mr. and Mrs. Clause during their Florida stay and feel the magic of the season. Gates open at sunset and close at 8:30p.m.

    Fees: Gates open at sunset and close at 8:30p.m.

    Contact: For more information, call 352-465-8555.

    Directions: From I-75, exit at the second Ocala exit onto State Road 40. Take State Road 40, west. Drive until it deadends at U.S. 41. Turn left, the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the road. From Tampa, take U.S. 41, north. Drive through the town of Dunnellon. The park is located on the right-hand side of the road, approximately 2.5 miles north of Dunnellon. From areas in the northwest, take U.S. 41 to the town of Williston. After passing through Williston, you will come to a traffic light where State Road 40 has come to a deadend. Go through this light; the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the road. The campground is separate from the headsprings day use area and is located 2.5 miles north of C.R. 484 off of S.W. 180th Avenue or 2.5 miles south of Highway 40 off of S.W. 180th Avenue.

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  • SOUTHERN PINES BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL

    Forest Capital Museum State Park

    When: Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13, 2008.

    Description: Annual Southern Pines Blues & BBQ Festival & TRIPLE CROWN SERIES TRI-STATE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP Competition. Two days of blues music, arts & crafts, camping and fun! For information call 850-584-5366 or visit Southern Pines Blues & BBQ Festival.

    Fees: See website for ticket information.

    Contact: For more information, call 850-584-5366.

    Directions: 1 mile south of Perry on US 19 - South Alternate 27.

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