30th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show @ Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Thursday, April 5, 2018 - 9:00am EDT to Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 5:00pm EDTFree with regular park admission. $5 per car load up to 8 people
Events Team (386) 397-7009
Antique tractors and farming equipment reflecting 200 years of rural American history will be on display throughout the festival. Demonstrating the craftsmanship and durability of American farm machinery. Visitors will be able to watch demonstrations of wheat threshing, shingle milling, corn grinding and unusual engines for everyday purposes. Exhibits will include collections of flywheels, hit and miss engines, water pumps, vintage pedal tractors, antique cars and farm equipment. Competitions and games for the whole family! On Saturday, an antique tractor parade will feature everything from customized lawn tractors to restored farm machinery. Tractor Pulls daily!
Additional Information:
Food concessions will be available.
Washington County Heritage Festival @ Falling Waters State Park
Friday, April 6, 2018 - 10:00am CDT to Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 4:00pm CDTCost for entry is $5 per vehicle and offsite parking will be available at RiverTown Community Church on State Park Rd.
1-850-638-6130
Florida Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance are proud to present the 3rd Annual Washington County Heritage Festival at Falling Waters State Park. This year’s event will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday will serve as a field trip day for area schools to learn the rich heritage of Washington County. Come out and experience how life used to be lived by visiting with our demonstrators that will include anything from a blacksmith to a flint knapper to a full agricultural display complete with 4-H show animals, antique tractors and farm implements. We will also have plenty of local arts & crafts vendors selling their homemade wares. North Florida Artillery will have their Civil War reenactors camp set-up with two cannons that will be firing every 45 minutes during the festival. A Kid Zone will be available for the little ones with a bounce house, inflatable slide and pony rides on Saturday. Live entertainment on Saturday will be by Panama City locals the East Bay 3 Band. Great food and the beautiful backdrop of one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida will round out this event. Cost for entry is $5 per vehicle and offsite parking will be available at RiverTown Community Church on State Park Rd. Shuttle service will be available to bring guests to the festival grounds.
Additional Information:
Check out www.floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters, www.visitwcfla.com or call 638-6130 for more information.
Coffee with the Birds - Museum Area @ Silver Springs State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 8:00am to 10:00am EDTFree with paid park admission.
(352) 236 - 7148 ext. 4
Every 1st Saturday (October - April), take a walk on the bird side with birdwatchers of varying experience levels, from novice to expert. The short walk leaves from the river trail located in the museum area. Coffee will be provided. Please bring binoculars and sturdy walking shoes as well as anything else you need to be comfortable in the great outdoors, such as a hat, insect repellent, or other personal items. Other birdwatchers will have field guides but feel free to bring your own.
Most months begin at 8:00 a.m. but in the months of December and January the program begins at 9:00 a.m.
Additional Information:
Enter the park from the camping & museum entrance, 1425 NE 58th Avenue, (also known as State Road 35 or Baseline Rd.) to access the Silver River Museum.
This program is in partnership with members of the Village Birders club.
Monthly Work Days at Maclay Gardens State Park @ Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 8:00am to 12:00pm EDTThere is no charge for participants in these volunteer work projects.
For more information, contact the park at 850-487-4556.
Looking for volunteer opportunities for school or work? Want to give back or get involved with the community? Love being outside and want a reason to visit a state park? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invite you to volunteer with us! The first Saturday of the month our Florida Conservation Corps members will provide an opportunity for those in the community who may need volunteer service hours for school, scouts or other civic groups, or who just want to help the park. Children must be at least 12 years of age and anyone under 16 must be accompanied at all times by an adult. Work projects may include weeding, removal of invasive/exotic plants, or other garden or trail maintenance related activity. Be sure to dress for the weather of the day. In the event of rain or other severe conditions, contact the park before coming out. We are eager to help you get the service hours you need while helping the park in return.
Additional Information:
Kiwanis Fishathon @ Oscar Scherer State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 8:00am to 10:00am EDTFREE
Ranger Station 941-483-5956
In cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Venice and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we invite you to come out and catch some fish with us! Open to the first 50 kids, ages 5 to 12 and their parents. We will provide the poles, bait, tackle, and lunch. Prizes will be given in several categories. Park entrance fees will be waived for registered participants. Please call the park to register (941) 483-5956.
Additional Information:
Bass Pro Surf Fishing Demonstration @ Henderson Beach State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 8:00am CDTPark entrance fees apply.
$6.00 per vehicle 2-8 people, $4.00 for individual entrance
Bass Pro Destin, FL 850-269-6200
Join Bass Pro staff on the beach at Henderson for a surf fishing class. Bait, tackle, and instruction provided. Come learn proper techniques for successful surf fishing, no previous experience required. Space is limited, sign up is required. Participants must have a current Florida saltwater fishing license. Sun protection and a water bottle are recommended. This event is free with paid park admission, and is weather permitting. To sign up, contact Bass Pro Destin at 850-269-6200.
Additional Information:
MONTHLY MILITIA MUSTER The First Saturday of Each Month @ Fort Mose Historic State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 9:00am EDT to Saturday, January 5, 2019 - 11:30am ESTAdmission to the Demonstration(s) is free. Visitor Center/Museum admission is $2 per person children under 6 are free.
Carl P. Marchand 904-823-2232 carl.marchand@dep.state.fl.us
Experience musket firing demonstrations as the Castillo de San Marcos Militia trains with the Fort Mose Militia. Children are welcomed to participate in Junior Militia training using our handmade wooden toy muskets and authentic militia uniform items. Monthly musters will not be held during July and December.
Additional Information:
First Weekend Union Garrison @ Fort Clinch State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 9:00am to 5:00pm EDT$2.50 Fort Admission in addition to regular park admission.
Fort Clinch State Park, 904-277-7274
This program will allow visitors to interact with living historians to experience life in the fort as it was in 1864. The grounds will be bustling with soldiers in period costumes involved in firing demonstrations, marching drills, cooking and daily activities. Ladies in their dresses, sutlers displaying their wares, fife players and drummer boys bring every part of the civil war era to life. Come join in this unique, family friendly event.
Additional Information:
Nature Trail Hike @ Koreshan State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am EDTTour is free with park entry: $5.00 per vehicle, Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Ranger Station (239) 992-0311
Nature Hike - EVERY Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Join a park naturalist for a walk on the Nature Trails of Koreshan State Historic Site. Learn some park history, history of the Estero River and find out about plants and critters that we meet along the way. Walk will begin at the Koreshan State Historic Site picnic area near the kayak launch. Note: Reservations requested. To reserve your space, please visit http://friendsofkoreshan.org/nature-hike/ or call 239-992-0311.
Additional Information:
The walk will be approximately 1.8 miles long, the trail is uneven, has sand, grass and packed earth along the way. Bring water, hat and camera for pictures.
Guided Tours of the Historic Koreshan Settlement @ Koreshan State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am EDT to Sunday, December 30, 2018 - 11:00am ESTGuided Tours are $2 for adults, $1 for children under 6 years of age and can be purchased at the Ranger Station (239) 992-0311.
Ranger Station (239) 992-0311
EVERY SATRURDAY and SUNDAY at 10:00 a.m. Join our guided walking tours and learn about the idealistic Koreshan pioneers and their utopian community. Explore the 19th century Koreshan settlement, venture in some of the remaining buildings, see the Koreshan structures, and gardens. The walking tour is about an hour and a half.
Additional Information:
Park admission is $5.00 per vehicle, Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Guided Nature Walk @ John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:30am EDTFree with park admission.
(561) 624-6952
Join us for a guided exploration of MacArthur Beach State Park daily at 10:00 a.m. Meet in front of the Park's Nature Center.
Additional Information:
Bring a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellant.
Critter Crafts for Kids @ Oscar Scherer State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am EDTFree with camping or standard park entrance fee
Ranger Station 941-483-5956
Learn about the plants and animals at Oscar Scherer by making critter crafts. Materials are provided. Located in the Nature Center.
Additional Information:
Yoga at the Hopper @ Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am EDTFree with your paid entry into the park. Free for annual pass holders
352-955-2008
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park is offering free beginners yoga with your paid park entry on the first Saturday of every month until December. Come enjoy the park for a morning of yoga with volunteer instructor Maggie.
Additional Information:
Gopher Tortoise: Superhero of the scrub, pine, and coastal dunes @ Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am EDTThis program is free with paid park admission.
Ranger Station 386-517-2086
Learn about this threatened keystone species and the easy ways you can help, followed by an optional walk to see burrows in the park. Appropriate footwear recommended.
All ages are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. We will be meeting at the Cedar pavilion on the west side of the park. You can register for this program at Eventbrite.
Additional Information:
Kayaking the mangroves guided tour @ Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am EDTThere is a three dollar fee to enter the park, exact change is required
727-816-1890
Join one of our park rangers for a guided paddle through Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. This tour is perfect for kayakers of all skill levels and lasts about an hour. You will learn about our history as well as our plants and wildlife. If the tides are not cooperating then we substitute the paddle with a guided nature hike. The tour lasts about an hour to an hour and a half.
Additional Information:
We recomend bug spray, sun block, and closed toed water shoes for the paddle.
Ranger History Program @ Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:30am EDTProgram is included with your park entrance fee of $3 per vehicle for up to eight people. Extra persons, bicyclists and pedestrians pay $2 each.
Join a park ranger every Saturday morning throughout the cooler months of the year for a program on the history surrounding Dade's Battle of 1835. This talk at the breastworks in front of the museum will include a static display of period weapons, uniforms and accoutrements. (Note: Program may be superceded by park events.)
11th Annual O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cookoff @ O'Leno State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 11:00am to 3:00pm EDTPark admission for this event is free with the donation of one can of food per person to be donated to a local food bank.
386-454-1853
Bring your favorite chili recipe and compete with the best during the CASI-sanctioned category of this chili cook off. You do not have to be a member to participate. There will be prizes for 1st – 10th place in the Cook-off, and 1st – 3rd place for Showmanship. CASI rules can be found at www.chili.org.
Or, compete in the Open category where anything goes! There will be 2 Open categories – Open with Meat and Open Vegetarian. There are trophies for 1st – 3rd place winners, and cash prizes of $50 for 1st place and $25 for 2nd place in each Open category. Contestants must be 18 years or older.
Purchase a sample kit and vote for the winner of the “Peoples’ Choice” Award. A cash prize of $100 will be presented for the “Peoples’ Choice”!
Chili Cook-Off Registration Fee: $20.00 per team for either category, or both for $35.00. Park admission for this event is free with the donation of one can of food per person to be donated to a local food bank. For pre-registration and more information, email Friends of O’Leno at FriendsofOleno@windstream.net.
Tickets will be on sale for a drawings of chance for items generously donated by local businesses. All proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be used for the care of our animal ambassadors at the O’Leno State Park Nature Center, and to enhance the public’s understanding of their unique contributions to our environment.
Additional Information:
History Tours @ Camp Helen State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am CDTTour is free with paid park admission.
Camp Helen State Park, (850) 233-5059
Camp Helen State Park invites you to go beyond your park visit, and discover the past and present, on a ranger guided walking tour where you can learn about the rich history of Camp Helen’s Historic District. Led by informative and entertaining rangers, you will discover and connect with the history that literally surrounds Camp Helen State Park, a Nationally Registered Historic Place.
Additional Information:
Tours begin promptly at 10:00 am, so please meet in the Visitor Center and be sure to bring water and wear comfortable walking attire. Tours take place in the outdoors and may be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather conditions. Please see Participation Requirements.
Music in the Park - Main Entrance @ Silver Springs State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 12:00pm EDTThis event is free with paid park admission.
Call the park ranger station, 352-236-7148 and then press menu option 4
The Friends of Silver Springs are proud to present a new music series.
Every Saturday and Sunday, visit the park to hear live music, both amplified and acoustic. These small, intimate sessions will not be on the big stage but will be up close and personal near the glass bottom boats and the water.
Saturday, March 17
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Frankie Jay and the Chicken Parade
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - KOS Brass Quintet
Sunday, March 18
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mike Coker
Saturday, March 24
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mike Coker
Sunday, March 25
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mama Gina
Saturday, March 31
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Smithson & French
Sunday, April 1
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mama Gina
Saturday, April 7
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mike Coker
Sunday, April 8
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - KOS Brass Quintet
Saturday, April 14
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mike Coker
Sunday, April 15
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - KOS Brass Quintet
Saturday, April 21
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mike Coker
Sunday, April 22
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mama Gina
Saturday, April 28
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Mike Coker
Sunday, April 29
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Smithson & French
Don't forget to check out our other music series, the Pickin' in the Park and the River Rhythms, each month on the 3rd Sunday and 4th Friday respectively.
Additional Information:
Enter the park through the main entrance located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40).
For more information on the Friends of Silver Springs and how you can get involved visit their website.
Surf Fishing for Pompano PowerPoint @ Sebastian Inlet State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm EDTFree with regular park admission
772-388-2750
Learn how to fish Sebastian Inlet’s surf zone and adjacent beach.
Additional Information:
Saturday Ranger Program @ Manatee Springs State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm EDTThese programs are available at no extra charge with parks addmission of $6.00 per car up to 8 people.
Christopher Dixon Park Services Specialist (352) 493-6736
Manatee Springs State Park is having a Saturday Ranger Program, every Saturday, starting on December 2, 2017 and running to Saturday April 14, 2018. The Program will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please see the flyers at the park on where to meet.
Guided Tours of the Historic Koreshan Settlement @ Koreshan State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 2:00pm EDT to Saturday, April 28, 2018 - 3:00pm EDTGuided Tours are $2 for adults, $1 for children under 6 years of age and can be purchased at the Ranger Station (239) 992-0311.
Ranger Station (239) 992-0311
EVERY SATRURDAY and SUNDAY in APRIL at 2:00 p.m. Join our guided walking tours and learn about the idealistic Koreshan pioneers and their utopian community. Explore the 19th century Koreshan settlement, venture in some of the remaining buildings, see the Koreshan structures, and gardens. The walking tour is about an hour and a half.
Additional Information:
Park admission is $5.00 per vehicle, Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
The Endangered Sawfish of the Florida Keys @ John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 3:30pm to 5:00pm EDTFree with park entrance fee.
Lindsey Crews, Park Services Specialist, 305-451-9570.
Sawfish are large shark-like rays that used to be relatively common in Florida waters, including the Keys. Today, Florida's sawfish are endangered, and scientists are striving to learn as much as possible about this iconic and fascinating fish. Havenworth Coastal Conservation President Tonya Wiley has been conducting conservation biology studies of sawfish since 2001, including research on the endangered smalltooth sawfish in Florida. She has become an authority on the biology and ecology of the species. She is an appointed member of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Implementation Team, a multi-institutional panel of experts working to protect the remaining sawfish population in the U.S. and to prevent the species from going extinct. Havenworth Coastal Conservation was founded to promote the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources through research, outreach, and education.
During the presentation, you'll see a three foot sawfish replica, feel some real sawfish rostra (saws), and get some great sawfish swag. Tonya will give interesting facts about sawfish, updates on current research projects, explanations of management tools such as the Endangered Species Act, descriptions of ways you can be involved in the recovery of sawfish, and other information about the unique and endangered smalltooth sawfish.
Additional Information:
Presentation will be held at the Visitor Center and Aquarium Auditorium.
An Evening Under the Stars @ Big Lagoon State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 6:00pm to 11:00pm CDTFree event with regular park admission. You must arrive before sunset to pay the park entrance fees. The park closes at sunset, which varies throughout the year.
850-492-1595
Escambia Amatuer Astronomer's Association is partnering with Big Lagoon State Park to offer an Evening under the Stars. They will have multiple telescopes available for viewing different celestial objects of interest.
Additional Information:
Please call the Ranger Station (850) 492-1595 for current closing time.
Guided Night Paddle @ Oscar Scherer State Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm EDT$20 / person
Ranger Station 941-483-5956
Arrive at 7:20pm. Paddle begins at 7:50pm.
Take a paddle up South Creek under the moonlight. Experienced paddlers only, please. Can bring your own vessel or rent one from the park. You can register up to 1 month in advanced at the Ranger Station. No reservations taken by phone. Start times are listed as thirty minutes prior to sunset to allow time to safely get onto the water.
Additional Information: