A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

Elizabeth Weidner

 Although spring started early this year, at mid-March the flower display is right on schedule, with azaleas and dogwoods blooming along with late-season camellias.  As spring progresses we'll soon see mountain laurels flowering along the main brick walk and native azaleas in the lakeside area.  A few oriental magnolias are still showing flowers in shades of pink and purple. Winter annuals are planted throughout, with pansies in the Walled Garden, as is traditional.  Many local neighbors enjoy coming out every week or two to see how the show changes, and many visitors from all over the US and the world have visited this year to enjoy Mr. Maclay's creation.

The Maclay House museum is open now through the end of April, from 9 to 5 daily, and at no extra charge, with payment of the Gardens entrance fee; $6.00 per adult and $3.00 per child ages 2 through 12.  The Gardens is considered a special feature site of the park January through April each year, during the blooming season.

The Lake Overstreet trails are great this time of year, and many people enjoy hiking, biking, jogging, bird-watching and other fitness or recreational activities.  Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Hall affords opportunities for sighting migratory birds.  Warm sunny days bring picnickers to the Lake Hall recreation area.  The park offers rental equipment including kayaks, paddle boats and bicycles to enhance your experience in nature; inquire at the Ranger Station about renting.

Now is a great time to join our volunteer team!  We depend on volunteers to serve as docents in the Maclay House and at the Visitor Center, to help keep the flowers blooming, and to perform a wide range of other duties to help keep the park in top condition and help greet our visitors from all over the world.  Training is provided and volunteers get together regularly to share ideas and experiences.  We would welcome your commitment of as little as four hours per week; call (850) 487-4115 for more information.

We hope you’ll visit the park soon to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, complete with flowers abloom!

DESIGNATIONS

GETTING HERE

GET INVOLVED

• Volunteer -

  Volunteering at Maclay Gardens enables you to learn new skills while teaching others. From working in the garden or leading garden tours to Maclay House or visitor center docents, volunteers are an essential key to the park's success. To learn more about volunteering at Maclay, contact Ginger Nichols (850) 487-4115.

• For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
• Friends of Maclay Gardens

• 3540 Thomasville Road
  Tallahassee, FL 32309

CONCESSIONAIRES

• Fairytales Wedding & Special Event Services - Facility rentals and event planning.
  Contact Carolyn Langston, (850) 524-1661
  

PET POLICY

• Florida State Parks Pet Policy
• Pets must be on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are only permitted in the Lake Hall recreation area or on the Lake Overstreet trails.

Florida State Parks Information Center (850) 245-2157
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399