Nature

Category

Explore Florida Caverns State Park

Boasting more than 1,300 acres, the Florida Caverns State Park has a much to offer visitors interested in the exploring nature along the northwest Florida’s Chipola River. The caverns are the biggest draw to the park, with 32 caves nestled within the park; the largest open to the public for guided exploration. The main cavern contains several rooms with dazzling formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other fascinating features including a towering formation called the “wedding cake.” Some other formations...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park Dec. 2

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 10 – 11 a.m. Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. Park Fees There is an honor entrance station. The fee is...

Ranger led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park Nov. 4

Enjoy a ranger-led nature hike at Camp Helen State Park on Thursday, Nov. 4 from 10 – 11 a.m. Join in for a ranger-guided nature hike. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. Hike is suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. Park Fees There is an honor entrance station. The fee is...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Nov. 15

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on Monday, Nov. 15 from 9 – 11 a.m. for a guided plant stroll. Take a stroll through the park and the campground to explore the plants visible and to see what is in bloom. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain. Meet at Tram Stop #2. This program is free with regular park admission. Driving Directions Located in Santa...

Guided plant walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Oct. 18

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on Monday, Oct. 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. for a guided plant stroll. Take a stroll through the park and the campground to explore the plants visible and to see what is in bloom. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain. Meet at Tram Stop #2. This program is free with regular park admission. Driving Directions Located in Santa...

State acquires 2,115 acres within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project

Parcel is within the wildlife corridor and will be restored as longleaf pine forest TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Sept. 30, 2021 – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces the acquisition of a vital 2,115-acre parcel within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever project in Santa Rosa County. This parcel, which lies within the newly designated wildlife corridor, will enhance the connection between the Whiting Field Naval Air Station northward to the Blackwater River State Forest, creating an over 200,000-acre contiguous tract...

Celebrate National Estuaries Day at Apalachicola Nature Center Oct. 1

Celebrate National Estuaries Day on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at the Apalachicola Nature Center from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. ET. Activities include living shoreline exploration, touch tanks, prescribed fire activities, turtle hurdle boardgame, salt marsh bingo, button making, waterfront race, cast net game and more. Free snakes will be available. The first 600 guests receive a free t-shirt. The Apalachicola Nature Center is part of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. For more information contact the Reserve at (850) 670-7700....