Message from Our Director

Happy New Year to You! 

And welcome to 2026.  

I hope you were one of the thousands of outdoors enthusiasts across the country who got to enjoy First Day Hikes. Florida State Parks hosted events this year for First Day Hikes, and if you’re a brave soul living near Ichetucknee Springs State Park or De Leon Springs State Park, you may have started the year off with the annual De Leon Dunk or the Iche Nippy Dip. However you chose to spend New Year’s Day, congratulations on another lap around the sun.   

At Florida State Parks, winter is the season of historical events. Many historic structures at state parks are preserved as they were, without air conditioning, which makes them great for visiting when temperatures are mild. Battle reenactors spend the duration of their events moving across the field dressed in heavy period-accurate attire, which makes winter the time to hold these events. Take advantage of the weather and check out a reenactment or a living history program at a park near you.   

January, with its cooler temperatures and more predictable weather, is a big month for prescribed fire. In fact, the last week of January is designated as Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week. Much of Florida (and the Southeast) is characterized by pyric ecosystems, meaning these lands depend on fire. Under the guidance of a team of experts, prescribed fire helps reduce wildfire risk and restore health to these ecosystems. I encourage you to learn more about prescribed fire and its important benefits.  

I’m looking forward to a fresh new year with all of you and our award-winning state parks! 

See you in the parks, 
Chuck Hatcher, Director
Florida State Parks