There’s no better place to get out on the water than at a Florida State Park.

As the summer months come to a peak, what better way get outdoors than to celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July!

The theme for this year’s global Earth Day celebration is Restore Our Earth. But what is environmental restoration? And what does it look like for Florida’s unique natural habitats?

From meandering rivers to thick cypress swamps to crystal-clear spring runs, Florida has no shortage of beautiful waterways just waiting to be explored. November is Florida Paddlesports Month, which encourages locals and visitors alike to take to the water on kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

What happens when A LOT of people want to tube the Ichetucknee River? It’s a delicate balance between protecting the resource and encouraging visitors to experience it. Join Park Biologist Sam Cole in this edition of the Biologists Tell the Story as he explains the science behind the balancing act.

In Florida, experts have verified 170 native butterfly species with an additional 30 considered to be either non-native or vagrant strays. Learn where to see them in North Florida from biologist Rick Owen.