Ranger Programs - Northeast District
View Statewide Ranger Programs
View ranger programs taking place in:
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY: NOW AND THEN
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Off-site schools as requested.
DUDLEY FARM HISTORIC PARK TOUR
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Second Saturday of the month. October to January, March and May. Starting at 10:00 a.m. Meet at the Visitors Center.
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS & DOMESTIC SKILLS
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Each Wednesday of the month EXCEPT the 3rd Wednesday, and holidays and December.
DAILY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Ongoing
Park rangers and volunteers present educational programs throughout the day, every day of the year.
Educational Program Schedule
- Manatee Program - 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Wildlife Encounters - 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Alligator and Hippopotamus - 12:30 p.m.
Manatee Program
Manatee programs are offered three times a day at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. A Park Ranger or Wildlife Care Volunteer presents an informative program on the history of this endangered marine mammal and general information on the wild manatee population. They also explain the State Park's role as a rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned manatees in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Presenters show the audience manatee bones and tracking equipment to make the program more interesting and fun. Visitors may see the State Park's resident manatees in the spring, from the Fish Bowl underwater observatory or in the in-ground pool. Wild manatees can often be seen visiting the Blue Waters area off the Garden of the Springs.
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife Encounter programs are held twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. at the Wildlife Encounter Pavilion. A Park Ranger or Wildlife Care Volunteer introduces an example of a native Florida species, which may be a bird of prey, an opossum, a gopher tortoise or a non-venomous snake. They discuss the species' range, diet and role in the eco-system and answer questions from the audience. Visitors are encouraged to preserve and protect Florida's native wildlife and natural resources.
Alligator and Hippopotamus Program
The alligator and hippopotamus program is presented daily at 12:30 p.m. A Park Ranger or Wildlife Care Volunteer discusses the history of the American alligator and its range, diet and role in the eco-system. After the alligator presentation, the ranger or volunteer introduces the Park's African hippopotamus, explaining why a Florida State Park has an example of this exotic species, how he came to be here, his history in television and film and why a Florida Governor made him an Honorary Florida citizen.
Transportation from the Visitor Center on U.S. 19 to the West Entrance is by boat or tram. Boats leave on a regular basis throughout the day with the last boat leaving the Visitor Center for the park at 3:15 p.m. The last returning boat departs the West Entrance at 3:45 p.m.; trams provide return transportation to the visitor center until 5:30 p.m. Boat trips are approximately 25 minutes in length and offer an introduction to the Florida Park Service and the wildlife park as you travel along Pepper Creek.
(352) 628-5343
VARIOUS RANGER PROGRAMS
Manatee Springs State Park
Offered every Saturday during the months of October, November, February & March.
MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS HOUSE TOUR
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
MARJORIE K. RAWLINGS AND BLACK HISTORY
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
GENTLE WALK AND TALK
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
First and third Thursday of every month; October through March
RANGER'S CHOICE
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
2nd & 4th Saturday of the month; November to April.
CAMPFIRE/CAMPING PROGRAM
Rainbow Springs State Park
Saturdays, May through August; starting around Sunset
BEGINNING JEWELRY CLASS
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Wednesdays and Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
INTERMEDIATE JEWELRY CLASS
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Wednesdays and Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
JUNIOR BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
WORKING CRAFTSMEN AND CLASSES IN CRAFT SQUARE
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Call park for dates and times.
FIRST SATURDAY COFFEEHOUSE
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Call park for dates and times.
