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.

In 2019, 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 Florida 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.

January 5th is National Bird Day! There are nearly 330 native species of birds in Florida, and you can find many of them in Florida State Parks. Celebrate by checking out these birding tips to help you spot birds at a park near you.

The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating the natural beauty of American gardens by issuing stamps that feature gardens ranging from botanical to country estate and municipal gardens. One of the 10 gardens featured on the new stamp series is Florida’s own Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.

Florida is home to five species of sea turtles. Many of the 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks provide nesting habitat for sea turtles. You can celebrate with us by checking out our critter sheets, coloring pages and a turtle-y awesome episode of The Outsiders Club.

Virtual Junior Rangers can explore parks from anywhere and discover the fun and exciting ways rangers help make Florida State Parks the amazing places they are.