florida state parks

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Civilian Conservation Corps played major role in formation of early Florida State Parks

Much of CCC’s efforts remain intact in Northwest Florida State Parks In the midst of the Great Depression, the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration secured the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the spring of 1933. The program was intended to put unemployed men to work undertaking conservation work, including the restoration and recreational development of federal and state public lands. During the administration of the program, CCC enrollees throughout the country were credited with renewing the nation’s decimated forests by...

Explore winter blooming camellias at Eden Gardens State Park

Winter in northwest Florida typically doesn’t offer a wealth of colorful landscapes to explore. However, one exception is the beautiful abundance of flowering camellias at Eden Gardens State Park. Naturally in bloom from October through March, there are more than 200 trees offering more than 40 different varieties to enjoy along the garden trails. With the nurturing of dedicated volunteers, the camellias are a thriving part of the park’s wonderful gardens. The history dates back to the previous landowner, Lois...

DEP announces opening of 175th State Park at Gilchrist Blue Springs

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service announced the opening of Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in High Springs, Florida’s 175th state park. The property, which contains six natural springs and includes approximately one mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River, has been providing recreational opportunities as a private park since 1958. As a state park, Gilchrist Blue Springs will continue to offer numerous opportunities for resource-based recreation, including swimming, paddling and hiking....