Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Ranger Programs

• KAYAK TOURS
  Ongoing Event - Want to learn more about the world of birding and kayaking? Join us for a two-hour program and enjoy a leisurely paddle through one of Northeast Florida’s most beautiful landscapes. While observing the area’s migratory and resident birds, fish populations, and common aquatic plants, you will discover how they interact with the environment and maintain a vital balance. Our stable, double kayaks make great vehicles for studying nature; they allow you to become immersed in your surroundings without being intrusive. Small group sizes also ensure a memorable experience. Basic kayak instruction is provided therefore no previous experience is necessary. The tour will launch from Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, last two hours, and be led by a professional kayak guide/naturalist. The tour fee is $40 per person, which includes all needed kayaking equipment, kayaking instruction, park entrance fees and bottled water. Some suggested items to bring are a spare change of clothing, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. After the kayak tour, feel free to explore the park which include ornamental gardens, nature trails, picnic area, coquina rock beach and newly renovated Visitor Center. Spaces are limited and deadline for registration is 24 hours prior to date. Payment is due upon registration by contacting Ripple Effect Ecotours @ 904-347-1565.
  Call 904-347-1565 for more details.
• 2ND SATURDAY PLANT SALES AT THE PARK
  2nd Saturday each month The Friends of Washington Oaks will be holding a plant sale on the second Saturday each month. The plant sale hours are from 10am-2pm. You will find a selection of perennials, succulents, and orchids. Most of our plants for sale were propagated and grown right here in the park by our wonderful volunteers. All proceeds benefit the park for enhancement of current and new facilities. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is made up of a diverse landscape with a hardwood forest bordering the tidal marshes along the intra-coastal waterway. Within the Park are ornamental gardens, hammocks, coastal scrub, beaches and marshes. This variety of plant communities accounts for the abundant wildlife here. The peaceful and tranquil setting of this biologically rich area offers the unhurried visitor an opportunity to relax, reflect, explore, discover, and wonder.
  Call 386-446-6780 for more details.
• INDIANS OF THE ESTUARY KAYAK TOUR
  On-going The tour begins with a visit to a Timucuan Shell Midden, where you'll have the opportunity to view and learn about authentic timucuan tools and artifacts from the state parks collection. Next, we’ll paddle the Matanzas Estuary in search of the flora and fauna important to the Native American way of life. Along the way, we'll stop at an island refuge for a catered lunch and you'll be able to try out your Native American skills by weaving a natural-fiber bracelet or starting a fire with just a bow and drill! Small group sizes ensure a memorable experience.
  Call (904) 347-1565 for more details.