Manager's Message

Cassondra Heidt, Park Manager

For me, the perfect day at Lake Griffin State Park would start early in the morning with a walk on our trails. I would listen to the abundance of birds and hope to snap their picture! My favorite birds I have come across in the park would have to be a summer tanager and a chuck-will-widow. Although we have lots of other birds to enjoy like Cardinals, Red Shoulder Hawks, Wrens, a variety of woodpeckers and many more. Maybe come across a fox or Florida black bear! If I had enough time in my day I would then hop on a Kayak and see what kind of birds or alligators I could find through the 1 mile of Marsh on the Dead River before Lake Griffin. If I am time crunched in my day, I enjoy sitting by the second largest live oak tree in the state of Florida which holds a very significant meaning to me as I was married under the tree way before I ever worked for park service!  

Lake Griffin offers a reconnection to nature and peace of mind as you traverse several different habitats. It is important for everyone to have a personal relationship with nature! 

Behind the scenes, our dedicated staff and volunteers continue their conservation efforts, ensuring the park remains a haven for both wildlife and visitors. 

Recently We worked together with The Florida Native Plant Society on a project dedicated to the endangered plant Clasping Warea (Warea amplexifolia.) where we tried to reduce Natal Grass that was beginning to crowd were the Clasping Werea grows by extracting the seed heads of Natal Grass and applying herbicides to the plant. We had a great success rate and have brought our population of Natal Grass down significantly.   

We hope to see you here, in The Real Florida. Before you visit, be sure to check our events page for upcoming park program!