A wonderful holiday tradition in South Walton! Enjoy a walk through luminary lined pathways at Eden Gardens State park after sunset, and tour the historic Wesley house with each room decorated for Christmas.

There will be live music, cookies and hot beverages provided by the Friends of Eden at the Pavilion area.

Bring water, snacks, and your sense of adventure and join us for First Day Hike 2025 at Crystal River Preserve State Park's 7 Mile Loop Trail! We will offer guided hikes of 1, 3, and 7 Miles all led by experienced park volunteers. The 7 Mile Loop Trail is a National Recreation Trail with stunning views of the marsh. Start the New Year out on the right foot, we can't wait to see you there!

Join Park Biologist Andy Kilmer for a field trip at the Dixie Shores portion of the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Andy will discuss the state park's upcoming flatwoods restoration project and the reintroduction of fire after mulching. We should be able to see the ecotones of several systems in this area and the diversity that comes with it. Total distance will be about 2 miles, and we should return by noon. Please bring your own water and snacks. There are no restrooms or facilities available. We will park along the south side of W Dixie Shores Drive at the SE corner of W Fort Island Trail and W Dixie Shores. RSVP with Ben at bfberauer@aol.com, or call or text at 727-217-5971.

Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road, Inverness! Join us as we venture along one of three nature trails: Dogwood (.9 miles), Seminole Heritage/Fort Site Trail (1.5 miles), or the Sandhill Loop Trail (1.9 miles). All ages are welcome. Meet at the Park Pavilion. Organized in state parks across the country, thousands of people participate in First Day Hikes every January 1. Varying from short strolls to longer treks, these hikes offer a variety of ways for people to get outdoors and start the new year on the right foot! For many, a new year is a chance to reconnect with nature and commit to spending more time outdoors in the months ahead. Fort Cooper's First Day Hikes will be guided by either a Ranger or a volunteer. A portion of the Seminole Heritage Trail is paved and accessible for baby strollers, walkers and/or wheelchairs. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring supplies: drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and/or a hat. Wear close-toed, sturdy, comfortable shoes.

The story of nature changes greatly at night! Come explore Blue Spring with us to learn about those changes and how animals adapt to them! We have seen everything from owls to slumbering manatees!

*This event is for Junior Rangers and their accompanying guardian*

This program is free with park admission.

Arrive to the park no later than 5:30 PM! We will meet in front of the Roadside Pavilion located in the Lower Parking Lot next to the restrooms.

You will be given an after-hours pass to place on your dashboard. We recommend you bring flashlights, bug spray, closed-toe shoes, and water. Please do not wear flashing, light-up sneakers. We ask that you do not bring pets to this program.
The walk will take place on sidewalk and sandy soils with some potential roots and trip hazards. At the conclusion of the program, all visitors will be asked to promptly exit the park.

Please note: This program could be canceled due to inclement weather.

Send your RSVP and questions to connor.wagner@floridadep.gov

Blue Spring manages two dozen natural communities. Join us as we guide you through one of our most unique habitats, the Florida scrub, which is vital for many rare species and benefits water conservation. Be on the lookout for some of our park's residents including the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.
Let the Ranger Station know you are here for the tram ride when you pay the entrance fee. You will take the first right turn on the dirt road shortly after the Ranger Station. From there, you will park and go over safety precautions before loading onto the tram. The ride itself is a short loop that takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on stops. Hazards include inspects, temperature, and uneven terrain/ bumpiness. The route is unshaded so please make sure you plan accordingly with water, sunscreen, hat, etc. No pets are allowed on the tram.
Please RSVP to Connor.Wagner@FloridaDEP.gov

Blue Spring manages two dozen natural communities. Join us as we guide you through one of our most unique habitats, the Florida scrub, which is vital for many rare species and benefits water conservation. Be on the lookout for some of our park's residents including the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.
Let the Ranger Station know you are here for the tram ride when you pay the entrance fee. You will take the first right turn on the dirt road shortly after the Ranger Station. From there, you will park and go over safety precautions before loading onto the tram. The ride itself is a short loop that takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on stops. Hazards include inspects, temperature, and uneven terrain/ bumpiness. The route is unshaded so please make sure you plan accordingly with water, sunscreen, hat, etc. No pets are allowed on the tram.
Please RSVP to Connor.Wagner@FloridaDEP.gov

Blue Spring manages two dozen natural communities. Join us as we guide you through one of our most unique habitats, the Florida scrub, which is vital for many rare species and benefits water conservation. Be on the lookout for some of our park's residents including the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.
Let the Ranger Station know you are here for the tram ride when you pay the entrance fee. You will take the first right turn on the dirt road shortly after the Ranger Station. From there, you will park and go over safety precautions before loading onto the tram. The ride itself is a short loop that takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on stops. Hazards include inspects, temperature, and uneven terrain/ bumpiness. The route is unshaded so please make sure you plan accordingly with water, sunscreen, hat, etc. No pets are allowed on the tram.
Please RSVP to Connor.Wagner@FloridaDEP.gov

Stop by between 10:30AM-12:30PM to learn about the history of the Thursby House!
Orange City, Florida

Stop by between 10:30AM-12:30PM to learn about the history of the Thursby House!