Are you struggling to find gift ideas for the nature lovers in your life? Here are seven ideas to encourage them to get outside, join a group of people who support state parks or help support activities in Florida’s state parks.

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.

While eating turkey and watching football are among the more popular Thanksgiving Day traditions, many people every year choose to “opt outdoors” around the holidays. Open on Thanksgiving, Florida State Parks are great places to spend the day outdoors with family, friends or in your own company.

With the recent observance of Veterans Day, several staff members shared stories about how their time in the military gave them the skills necessary to join the Florida Park Service team.

As the leaves change color in fall, there’s a different explosion of color happening at Florida State Parks: the latest wildflower bloom! Each fall, wildflowers grace many of our state parks with their signature bright colors and sweet scents. Here are seven of the best parks in the state where you should stop and smell the flowers.

Florida State Parks have some of the state’s best waterways for paddlers of every skill level. See wildlife, enjoy the peace and quiet or explore wild, hidden places.

At Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Florida Park Service biologist Rebecca Collins joined butterfly technicians from the University of Florida’s McGui​re Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity to release dozens of Schaus’ swallowtail caterpillars.

Last year, we were thrilled to announce the addition of a new wildlife ambassador resident at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: Maximus the Florida black bear. We have an update on his story.

The Florida Park Service is dedicated to keeping park habitats healthy and biodiverse. We can apply what we know about the environment to use Florida-Friendly Landscaping at homes and businesses, kind of like a low-maintenance, mini-state park in your backyard!

Florida’s highest point is the lowest of any state, but the peninsula’s remarkable geological history is anything but flat. Check out this profile of state parks that protect rockin’ geological features.

Strolling through a forest or relaxing by a lake can make us feel better — and lower stress has mental and physical benefits. Sometimes it’s difficult to make time for the outdoors, but getting just a little bit of nature can have a big positive impact.

There are over 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks, and they’re also important refuges for nesting wildlife. If you plan on heading to the beach, check out these practical tips for making the beach safer for wildlife and their nests.

State parks are growing! Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet recently approved several park land acquisitions as part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Forever land conservation program.

July 16 is World Snake Day, and Florida is a great place to celebrate. Why would anyone celebrate snakes? Often thought to be ominous, snakes have an important role in the ecosystem and are usually not dangerous to people. We talked to two Florida Park Service snake experts to learn more.

Need a break from the ordinary? Explore Park Zen with your favorite device and discover the rejuvenating power of Florida State Parks.

During the spring and summer months, news reports of wildland fires raging somewhere in the nation are common. Sometimes, state park staff are called upon by the Florida Forest Service to fight fire both within and outside of state parks.