Marla Chancey, Park Manager
Winter has tiptoed into the park on cool northerly breezes, crunching leaves underfoot and ushering in some of our favorite sights of the year. The springs turn into a cozy gathering spot for manatees, while a multitude of snook and mangrove snapper glide through clear spring water near the Underwater Observatory. Deer and migratory birds are a common sight along the tram road in the early morning when the park feels calm and quiet.
This is the perfect season to slow your pace and wander the park on a crisp morning. You might notice our resident animal ambassadors feeling a little livelier in the cooler weather. Out in the springs manatees cruise in and out of sanctuary areas while many fish steadily face into the current at the Long River Bridge. Be sure to catch one of our daily manatee programs to learn more about these beloved gentle giants and how you can help protect them in a changing world.
I’m incredibly grateful for the staff and volunteers who care for this special place every day. Their passion and dedication keep the park thriving and make it such a wonderful place to explore, protect, and call home.
