This is the First Day Hike event here at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. It should take roughly 3 hours and 45 mins to complete a moderately intense 3.5 mile hike on the Green Trail of the park. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies (sunscreen, water, snacks/lunch, insect repellent, hats, ect.), and ask questions pertaining to the park, its wildlife, or natural resource management.
We will hike a 1.5-mile trail that passes through part of the basin swamp. This is a more challenging hike, featuring a wet area with three wooden planks to cross. Be sure to bring water, bug spray, and wear appropriate footwear.
Celebrate the new year in the outdoors with a First Day Hike on the Joe Kenner Trail at Gamble Rogers State Park. Journey with a park ranger while learning about the native plants and animals of the maritime hammock and coastal strand ecosystem. The hike will last an hour and a half. Participants should be able to traverse uneven and sandy terrain for up to one mile alone or with the assistance of another. All ages welcome. Group size limited to 15. Pre-registration required by calling 386-517-2086.
Meet at the Nature Center on Sundays and Mondays for a guided exploration of MacArthur Beach State Park! Join a volunteer or ranger for a walk along the boardwalk, through the forest and to the beach. You will learn about the ecosystems of the park, the wildlife that call it home, as well as Park history. Each walk is about 1 mile long and may include some uneven terrane and stairs. Groups with 15+ people must email Alaina Miller to coordinate a separate tour.
Join a Park Ranger to explore MacArthur Beach while you view our seasonal and resident birds. This program is offered once per month and is scheduled around low tide in order to see wading birds in the estuary. This program is best for ages 10 and up. Participants should be prepared to walk one mile or more, to stand for over an hour, and should bring water. Binoculars are encouraged. Groups of 15 or more, call for reservations (Park Services Specialist Alaina Miller at 561-776-7449 x108).
Join us to celebrate the new year with a nature hike around Heron
Pond Trail. Learn about some of the different natural plant communities
in the park and spot wildlife on this one mile hike.
Join the Alachua Astronomy Club for an unforgettable night under the stars. Learn about constellations, planets, and the wonders of the night sky! Recurring monthly from December through March Capacity: Limited to 250 tickets per event.
What to Expect:
Bonfire with S'mores
Food trucks
A serene prairie backdrop for stargazing
What to Bring:
Chairs, blankets, and your favorite beverages
A spirit of wonder for the night sky!
Carpooling encouraged. No pets (Service animals welcome). This event is weather permitting.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park is offering a 1st day hike as a way to enjoy a morning at the farm. Come join us on a bird watching hike lead by Tedd and Mary Ellen from the Alachua Audubon Society.
Guided Hike on our Old Agrico trail introducing you to the park, what you can expect to see, restoration, and reclamation.
The Friends of Camp Helen are pleased to announce that the Americana Concert Series is back, in the historic Lodge at Camp Helen State Park and better than ever every other Saturday from January 11th through March 1st at 6:00pm. Tickets will be available in advance online only at the Friends of Camp Helen website, friendsofcamphelen.org.
The link is posted on their website. Tickets for all of the shows are available now. No tickets for the shows are available at the park. There will be 75 seats available for each show so they will book quickly and only 2 reservations per email allowed. NO exceptions will be made.
Only guests with reserved tickets will be allowed inside the Lodge. Starting at 6:00 PM ticket holders may enter the Lodge and select their seats. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Camp Helen. The music will start at 6:30 PM.
Appearing January 11th 2025 will be Little Mercies a young trio of talented Tallahassee musicians who trade instruments around like passing a plate of biscuits around a table full of hungry children. Joy and beauty personified, this group has so much talent in harmony, musicianship and vocal accomplishment, it should be illegal. Folk, reggae, gospel, old time, jazz, classical, blues … it begs the question what style can't they do? Shanice, Bronwyn and Rosalee will fill your senses!