Special Events for Little Talbot Island State Park

• JACKSONVILLE TRIATHLON SERIES, SPRINT #3
  Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008. 7:30 a.m.
  Description: This is the Third of a three race series by DRC Sports on Little Talbot Island. The triathlon involves a ¼ mile ocean swim, 10 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run. Registration and fees are required through DRC Sports. Free park pass available to participants through DRC Sports. For more information or to register please contact DRC Sports online at DRC Sports or by phone at (352) 637-2475.
  Fees: Registration fees do apply.
  Contact: For more information, call 352-637-2475.
  
• BARRIER ISLANDS
  Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
  Description: Join one of our knowledgeable park rangers for an informative talk on the natural history of sea islands and their important role in coastal ecology. The topics addressed will include beach erosion, island migration, island formation and the natural communities present on such barrier islands today. The program will take place at the Bluffs pavilion on Big Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with $2 vehicle entrance fee.
  
  Fees: The program is free with $2.00 vehicle entrance fee.
  Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
  
• SECRETS OF THE SALT MARSH
  Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
  Description: Join a park ranger and discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those 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. 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.
  
• TALBOT CRITTER
  Date: Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
  Description: Join a park ranger to learn about the species that inhabit the natural communities of the undeveloped barrier islands of northeast Florida. 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: This program is free with regular park admission.
  Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
  

Little Talbot Island State Park Ranger Programs

• UP, UP AND AWAY!
  Annual. Children's kite making workshop.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL IDENTIFICATION
  Quarterly. An illustrated presentation that outlines different types of sharks, both extinct and modern, the process of fossilization, shark myth busters, and identification shark teeth commonly found on Florida beaches.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• TALBOT TOUCH TANK
  Quarterly. A hands-on interpretive program to introduce the public to LIVE native animals of the waters that surround the Talbot Islands State Parks.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• ANIMAL SIGNS
  Quarterly. Discover the identity of mysterious creatures that crawl, scurry, and slither along the natural landscapes of the Talbot Island State Parks. This leisurely paced ranger-guided hike through different Florida ecosystems on a quest to characterize tracks left behind by an assortment of critters. Discover the delicate ecology of Florida's ecosystems and the impacts caused by humans and non-native species to these natural communities.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• 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.
• SPIDERS OF THE TALBOT ISLANDS
  Semi-annual. This park ranger interpretive program focuses on the various kinds of spiders that call Northeast Florida their home. The presentation focuses on spider ecology, web types and construction, prey identification, habitats, beneficial traits, as well as various myths surrounding these interesting creatures. This presentation is followed by a guided walk in search of spiders in their natural setting.
  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.
• BARRIER ISLANDS
  Quarterly. An informational talk on the natural history of sea islands, and their important role in coastal ecology. Topics addressed include beach erosion, island migration, island formation, and the natural communities present on such barrier islands today. Presented as a power point slide show, illustrated talk, or as a hike throughout the Talbot Islands State Parks.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• SING LIKE A BIRD
  Annual. A children's puppet show about bird communication.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• THE OUTDOOR GOURMET
  Annual. A comparison demonstration of outdoor cooking equipment available and tricks and techniques, recipe book of park ranger and volunteer favorite campside dishes, and samples.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• SALT MARSH BY KAYAK
  Annual. A ranger-led recreational and interpretive program that takes a park visitor kayaking through the salt marsh. Includes kayak instruction, safety instruction, introduction to the salt marsh and estuarine natural communities, and the challenges faced by this ecosystem.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• FLORIDA'S WATER ISSUES
  Annual. This power point slide show provides a 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.
• VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION PRESENTATION
  Semi-annual, as needed. An orientation to volunteering with the Florida Park Service and the Talbot Islands State Parks.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE TALBOT ISLANDS
  Semi-annual. A power point slide show that demonstrates the diversity and importance of cultural resources at the Talbot Islands State Parks. Topics include an overview of some cultural sites at these parks, such as historic ruins, shell middens, and a ship wreck; a hands-on display of artifacts common to these time periods; what the state parks do to manage these nonrenewable resources.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• INDIAN POTTERY AND EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
  Annual. A brief introduction to Native American pottery, archaeological terminology, and methods of experimentation used in the laboratory. This illustrated talk is followed by a hands-on workshop in which park visitors become laboratory archaeologists and practice reconstructing the past by distinguishing ceramic traits, identifying the minimum number of vessels, and piecing together fragmentary vessels from a hypothetical archaeological dig.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• NATIVE AMERICAN POTTERY OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
  Annual. A power point slide show that traces the cultural development of ancient people of northeast Florida through the material culture they left behind. Topics include the cultural traditions of the past from the time of the paleoindians to the time of European contact, by primarily studying the development of clay composition, vessel formation, and design of ancient pottery over time. Includes a hands-on display of representative pottery fragments.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• PARK RANGER AS A CAREER
  As requested. A presentation to school groups or other youth groups that shares career opportunities in the Florida Park Service and careers in the great outdoors.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• WILDFLOWERS
  Annual. Ranger Guided presentation that demonstrates the diversity and natural beauty of wildflowers that bloom at the Talbot Islands State Parks. May be a power point slide show or a nature walk at any of the Talbot Islands.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• BARRIER ISLAND BIRDS
  Semi-annual. An interpretive program that discusses the various types of bird species that can be found across the various natural communities of 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.
• TALBOT ISLANDS SHOREBIRD WORKSHOP
  Semi-Annual. Training workshop for shorebird survey volunteers.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• SHELLS OF THE TALBOT SHORES
  Quarterly. Do you know 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 Little Talbot Island State Park.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
• BEGINNING BIRDWATCHING
  Annual. A recreational interpretive program that introduces park visitors to birding. Topics include the basic tools available to birdwatchers, and introduction to bird habitat, behavior, and identification, followed by a short nature walk with a park ranger to see what birds are at the park that day.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• BASIC INSHORE SALT WATER ANGLING
  Annual. A recreational skills presentation by a park ranger that demonstrates rigging a line, fishing knots, various techniques of angling fish.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• WHAT'S HERE?
  Annual. An overview of what's here at the Talbot Islands State Parks that describes the activities and facilities at the parks. Also presented as a power point slide show as a virtual park tour.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• THE TIMUCUA INDIANS
  Annual. A park ranger led interpretive program that tells the story of the Timucuan Indians.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• MARINE ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY
  Annual. A presentation that describes the marine ecology and biology of the barrier island ecosystems, including the life that is found in the sea, on the beach, on barrier islands, and within the estuaries.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• BUNTING BY BIKE
  Annual. Introduction to the identification of the painted bunting, including their habitat, song, flight characteristics, and migratory patterns, followed by a short bicycle ride to find some of the painted bunting in the wild.
  Call (904) 251-2320 for more details.
• FIRE: FRIEND OR FOE?
  Semi-annual. Learn how fire impacts the environment. Discover the benefits of prescribed fire as a management tool for healthy ecosystems, and as a tool for defending against devastating wildland fires.
  Call 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.
• 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.
• NATURE WALK
  Quarterly. Experience the tranquility nature has to offer while traversing through the natural communities that comprise this state park. Natural ecology and cultural history are presented during an hour-long ranger-guided walk.
  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.
• TREKKING ON A TRAIL
  Semi-annual. Join a Park Ranger for an introduction to the basics of hiking. This program will be for kids, but parents are welcome too! Weather, wildlife tracking, trail snacks, trail safety, and proper gear will all be discussed. This will be a guided one-hour hike along a section of the Little Talbot Island State Park hiking trail. Please be sure to dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.
  Call 904-251-2320 for more details.