September 2010 E-Newsletter
Celebrate Literacy Month at Florida’s State Parks
~ Reading and literacy are important – during the back-to-school season and throughout life ~
Reading and literacy are important – especially during this back-to-school season. Students can get off to a good start by reading a book at one of Florida’s state parks, which are offering free admission Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 in honor of Literacy Month. Just bring a library card, a book checked out from a library or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book.
Additionally, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and Wednesday, September 8 is International Literacy Day.
Many state parks, along with local libraries and schools, will host special events to encourage participation. Events will vary from read-a-thons and book readings with local celebrities to book signings and storytelling. Reading is fun for people of all ages. Visit www.FloridaStateParks.org to find events near you or call (850) 245-2157.
Partners in the Florida Literacy Month celebration include the Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of State, the Florida Literacy Coalition, the Florida Lottery, Volunteer USA and local libraries, schools and reading programs statewide.
New Events Excite Paddlers
~ Written by Doug Alderson
Strap on your life jackets and get ready for several new kayaking events for the 2010/2011 paddling season. Kicking off the season is the first ever Hidden Coast Paddling Festival September 18-25, 2010. Guided paddling trips, kayak demos, evening programs and local seafood are featured. Four Big Bend coastal towns will host segments of the festival, the first being Cedar Key with its first annual kayak fishing tournament, followed by the towns of Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach and Steinhatchee respectively. The lower part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are the main trails being featured.
Volunteer Opportunities are Plentiful on September 25
~ Volunteering is a common theme for National Public Lands Day and the International Coastal Cleanup ~
Saturday, September 25 marks two special days – one for America and one for the world. National Public Lands Day is America’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance public lands. 2010 marks the 25th annual International Coastal Cleanup, observed in more than 100 countries.
Looking Ahead to Commemorative 75th Anniversary Events
~ The year-long celebration and signature events will highlight three quarters of a century of preserving the past while looking to the future. ~
- " Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 - Free admission to Florida's state parks in honor of Literacy Month. Just bring a library card, a book checked out from a library or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book.
- " Saturday, September 11 - Butterfly Tales: Story Time with a Butterfly Theme at 9:30 a.m. at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park south of Marineland. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite books about butterflies. The children and a park ranger will read the books, sing songs, dance, play games and tour the botanical garden. Free with library card, library book or donation of a new of gently used family-family book.
Learn more about the history of Florida's state parks.
Throughout 2010, DEP's Florida State Parks will celebrate 75 years of recreation and preservation. Florida's state parks will host special activities and interpretive events from coast to coast, including 25 signature events which highlight the history of each park, as well as the history of the state park system as a whole.
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