Come join in our annual First Day Hike. Join a Park Ranger on a guided 2 mile hike through Anastasia's Marsh Trail along Salt Run and our Ancient Dunes Trail through our shaded maritime hammock. Discover the park's natural communities while exploring these unique trails. Please meet at the Anastasia Watersports Parking Lot. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation.
Program is free with regular park admission fee. ($8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 per single-occupant vehicle. $2.00 per pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass).

Come meet the birds at Anastasia State Park, proudly part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail!
Join a knowledgeable park volunteer for an informative walk on the beach, boardwalks, trails, and other areas. Participants will observe a diverse variety of seabirds, shorebirds, and wading birds. Open to all birding levels. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and a field guide if you have one.
Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill located at the end of the main park drive.
*This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation.

Join us in First Day hike, where we will lead a 1.5 mile hike through our basin swamp. Please come prepared with water, bug spray, and appropriate shoes. Part of the trail has three-board plank to walk; this is for more advanced walkers.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park invites everyone to come out and start off your year on the WILD SIDE! Visitors of all ages will join Ranger Kris on a one-mile guided walk through the park. The leisurely stroll will wind along paved walkways and elevated boardwalks with multiple stops along the way. Learn about the park's resident native wildlife, including their stories. You will leave the park with a better understanding of how important each animal is to our Florida landscape and what you can do to help protect the wildlife and the wild places they call home.

Join Ranger Laura McMullen on the annual Trek to the Historic Dam. This hike is an "off the beaten path" walk which focuses on the hammock, pineland and swamp communities. Visitors will also learn about the history of the park and its unique hydrology. Visitors will pass through forested wetlands and view New Deal Era structures along the way to the historic dam at Little Charley Bowlegs Creek. Birds and other wildlife may be sighted on this leisurely walk. As parking is limited at the departure point on the service road beyond the Mammal Kiosk, visitors are requested to park in the Cypress Swamp Trail parking area on the Loop Road and walk back over to the kiosk. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes, long pants and protective clothing. No flipflops or sandals! Pets are not permitted. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, binoculars, walking sticks and bird guides. This leisurely walk is approximately 1.5 miles and ADA accessible. There is no restroom facility near the trail, so the picnic area restrooms may be accessed prior to the hike.

First Day Hike. A 4 mile hike on the Orchid Hiking Trail at Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park.

Join Ranger Blake Lewis on a guided nature walk where visitors may observe water birds such as herons, ibis, egrets and spot otters, alligators and other reptiles. The hike will focus on the importance of park ecosystems which are critical in providing habitat for winter migratory birds as well as year-round residents. Visitors will also learn about the history of the park and an update on the historic catwalk. Ranger Lewis will share tips for birdwatching in Highlands Hammock and relate some intriguing tales gleaned from his many years of observing birds and wildlife in the field. Meet at the Cypress Swamp Trail parking area. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes, long pants and protective clothing. No flipflops or sandals! Pets are not permitted. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, binoculars, walking sticks and bird guides. This leisurely walk through the cypress swamp is less than 1/2 mile and the boardwalk is ADA accessible.

Register now for our two-hour guided kayak tour exploring the beautiful estuary with experienced guides. Enjoy the serenity of being on the water while observing the native flora and fauna in their local habitat. All levels of experience are welcome in this two-hour guided paddle. You can paddle in one of the park's kayaks or bring your own.

Participants will receive a brief demonstration on safety, gear requirements and basic kayaking techniques. Bring bug repellent, water and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited to ten people per trip, so please sign up early. Reservations required. Call the park at 386-517-2086 to reserve your spot.

Ready to get your gloves dirty? Does your student need community service hours for an education requirement? Do you want to spend time outdoors in nature? The gardens need our help all year to keep them looking beautiful, and we need YOUR help!

Meet us in front of the Visitor Center bright and early! Late arrivals may be unable to participate, so be sure to be punctual. We will provide gloves and insect repellant. Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that can get dirty. Bring your water bottle to stay hydrated and sun protection if needed.

All volunteers who are not registered with Florida State Parks must complete a "Short Term Volunteer Agreement" form upon arrival to the gardens. All volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or service organization leader for the duration of the workday.

For questions, please contact the park's volunteer coordinator at (850) 241-8325 or the Ranger Station at (850) 487-4556.

We hope to see you there!

Join Park Rangers for a guided hike along Fanning Springs State Park's 3/4-mile nature trail. Hikers will have a chance to see and learn about some of the plants, animals and the history of Fanning Springs State Park. The hike will begin and end at the park's day use swimming area. Grab your hiking gear, comfy shoes, hats, water bottles, and come join us for a stroll through the real Florida!