If you build it, they will come. That’s what Biologist Laurie Dolan found with a population of Florida scrub-jays along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. With Florida Park Service management of a 446-acre parcel of land, the population has grown from 25 birds in 2008 to more than 100 birds in 2019.

For 2019, most of the sea turtle nests have hatched and the adult turtles are migrating back to their feeding grounds. Here in Florida, park rangers, biologists and volunteers are still telling stories and planning for 2020.

Let our experienced guides take the lead while you paddle down the Blackwater River through the great mangrove forest, one of the world's most vital ecosystems.

Staff, volunteers and community members gathered recently to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. Before cutting into a big birthday cake, historians and community leaders spoke about the legacy of one of Florida's oldest state parks.  

Imagine drifting along the coffee-colored waters of the Suwannee River. Trees arc out over the water, clinging to the steep limestone cliffs, and the calls of mockingbirds and red-shouldered hawks echo off the calm river surface. November is Florida Paddlesports Month, and the weather is perfect for a relaxing trip on the water.

Every park needs a friend! Staff at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park are happy to announce that the parks have a new friends group.

Florida Park Service biologists have a fascinating and challenging job studying and protecting imperiled species, vast tracts of wildland and the dynamic interface between natural and urban areas. Discover what our scientists are doing to protect Florida's best places.

Jeffrey Sponder is a volunteer resident park ranger who always is happy to lend his hand to any park project. When asked for his assistance, he is quick to respond with " It's my pleasure," whether it's working as camp host, performing field duties or operating the ranger station.

Staff and volunteers at Koreshan State Park are showing park visitors how to get great photos of their park experiences, even with a simple smartphone camera.

Placed end to end, the trails in Florida State Parks would stretch from Tallahassee to Seattle. There are more than 2200 miles of trails for walkers, hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. How did so many miles of trails come to be?