Special Events for Fort George Island Cultural State Park

• SHARK TEETH
  Date: Saturday, July 12th, 2008. 11:00 a.m.
  Description: “I found a shark’s tooth!” Has this happened to you? It’s definitely a possibility if you’re visiting one of the pristine beaches of the Talbot Islands State Parks. Join a Park Ranger for a discussion on the different types of shark teeth that can be found on the area’s beaches. 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: No reservations are necessary and the program is free.
  Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
  

Fort George Island Cultural State Park Ranger Programs

• FLORIDA SEA TURTLES
  Summer Months. Florida's beaches are critical nesting habitat for many species of sea turtles. This illustrated presentation emphasizes the importance of these magnificent and gentle creatures by telling the story of the variety of sea turtles, their life cycle, how the world has united to protect these endangered species, and what you can do to help ensure their survival.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• BARRIER ISLAND BIRDS
  Semi-Annual. An interpretive program that discusses various types of bird species that can be found across the range of natural communities that comprises a barrier island. May be a power point slide show presentation, or an illustrated talk with photos and/or bird mounts.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• GUIDED TOURS OF THE HISTORIC RIBAULT CLUB
  As requested. A walking tour of the historic Ribault Club that includes a general outline of Fort George Island history and information about the founding of this 1928 recreational resort.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY OF FORT GEORGE ISLAND
  Semi-annual. A ranger-led interpretive program that includes a power point slide show presentation and showing of artifacts that relate to the ancient people of Fort George Island. Prehistoric and historic periods represented on Fort George Island include pre-historic Native Americans, the Timucua, European contact, including the Spanish and English periods, plantation agriculture era, and recreational era of northeast Florida.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• FORT GEORGE ISLAND BY BICYCLE
  Semi-annual. A park ranger program that will explore the fascinating history of Fort George Island along 4 miles of scenic park roads. Participants can either bring their own bike or rent one (limited number of rentals) from the Little Talbot Island State Park Ranger Station prior to arriving at Fort George Island. The leisurely paced tour will spend approximately 60-90 minutes biking on paved and sand roads with numerous stops to learn about local history.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• NATURE WALK
  Quarterly. Discover the exciting cultural history of Fort George Island while traversing through the natural communities that comprise this state park. Natural ecology and the cultural history of Fort George Island Cultural State Park are discussed during an hour-long walk along historic fairways returning to their natural state.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• RIBAULT CLUB VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM
  As needed. An overview of the Florida Park Service, volunteering, Fort George Island history and ecology, Ribault Club history, and the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks partnership.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• SECRETS OF THE SALT MARSH
  Quarterly. Discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those islands of the Talbot Islands State Parks complex. This ranger-guided hike along the salt marsh will help point out why these areas are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, the many roles the salt marsh plays, the plant and animal life found in this natural community, and the impacts humans have on this system.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• DISCOVERING ARCHAEOLOGY
  Semi-Annual. Bring the whole family to discover how archaeologists reconstruct the lives of ancient people who once lived at the Talbot Island State Parks. This hands-on interpretive presentation is intended to inspire young minds to learn about and appreciate Native American culture through the objects they have left behind.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• POTSHERDS AND ANCIENT PEOPLE
  Semi-Annual. This in-depth illustrated presentation is intended for adults interested in learning more about the intricacies of archaeological research at the Talbot Islands State Park, as well as the cultural history of these state parks.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• BEACH WALK
  Quarterly. A walk on the beach that tells the story of the importance of undeveloped beach habitat, including many interesting facts about sea creatures and common shells found in the area.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• WHAT SLITHERS AT TALBOT?
  Annual. Ooh! A snake! Will it bite me? Is it venomous? This interpretive program explores the snakes that are native to Florida and live at the Talbot Islands State Parks. Learn how to identify the most common snakes, their habitat, and their lifecycles. Discover how important these critters are to maintain healthy and balanced natural communities.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• ANIMAL INVASION
  Annual. A diversity of plant and animal species survive in Florida's tropical environment, including both native species and exotic species. These exotic, non-native animals include feral hogs, armadillos, insects, and fungi, and often compete with species native to Florida. Find out how to identify these animals and what you can help Florida's natural communities thrive with native animals.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• NATIVE YARDS
  Annual. Being a good steward of Florida's natural environment can start in your own backyard! You can help Florida's environment stay natural and healthy by planting native species, eradicating exotic species, and creating an earth-friendly mini-environment on your property. Learn what landscaping styles and plants will bring a diversity of native wildlife for you to enjoy.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• PLANT POLLUTION
  Annual. A diversity of plant and animal species survive in Florida's tropical environment, including both native species and exotic species. These exotic, non-native plants include varieties of ferns, trees, shrubs, and grasses, and often compete with species native to Florida. Find out how to identify these plants and what you can help Florida's natural communities thrive with native animals.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• WHO'S WHO IN THE NIGHT?
  Semi-annual. Join a Park Ranger for an introduction to the owls of Fort George Island. This guided night hike will take you through the woods and introduce you to the wonders of these amazing creatures. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and a flashlight with red paper to put over the lens.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• TALBOT CRITTERS
  Monthly. An educational presentation on the animals that inhabit the barrier island natural communities, including the beach, sand dunes, oak hammock, and estuarine marsh. This interpretive program may include a slide show presentation, mounted animals, and photographs. Park rangers adapt this program to all age levels and it is offered throughout the Talbot Islands State Parks.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• FLORIDA'S WATER ISSUES
  Annual. This power point slide show provides an informative background on Florida's hydrological system, and strategies for water conservation. Usually presented during August, Water Efficiency Month, citizens learn how they can help protect Florida's most precious resource. By utilizing efficient water strategies Floridian's can help protect and enhance our more than 700 freshwater springs, 1,350 miles of coastline, and thousands of miles of rivers and lakes.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• EXPLORING THE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE OF FORT GEORGE
  Annual. This guided Ranger hike provides an informative background about the historic sites of Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Focus is on the historic time period of the island in the 1800's. Presented as a leisurely paced Ranger led hike along park trails.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• THE MCGUNDO HOUSE RESTABILZATION
  Annual. A Ranger will discuss how sand, water, and oyster shells are used to form "tabby", a 19th century building material similar to concrete, and how we used this material for our restabilization of the McGundo House.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.