| Florida Department of Environmental Protection | Feb. 28, 2014 Newsletter |
Join Us in Commemorating the 149th Anniversary of the Civil War Battle at Natural Bridge
~The Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. performs its 37th annual reenactment.~
A reenactor plays a fife at the reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. | In partnership with the Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc., Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park invites you to witness the 37th annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. On Mar. 6, 1865, the sounds of shots ringing throughout southern Leon County marked the beginning of a battle atop the natural bridge which formed over the St. Marks River. Throughout that day, Union troops, including the 2nd and 99th United States Colored Troops, attempted a charge over Natural Bridge. Each attempt was met by artillery and shots from small fire arms from the Confederate defenders. By the end of the day, Union forces retreated to the protections of the Federal fleet at St. Marks.
The two-day event marks the 149th anniversary of the Civil War Battle. Beginning at 10 am on Saturday, Mar. 1, event guest will be able to commingle with Civil War reenactors and witness a Confederate/Union skirmish. Cavalry demonstrations, artillery shows and medical treatment examples will also be displayed. Saturday’s activities will draw to a close at 4 pm.
On Sunday, Mar. 2, visitors will be able to witness the official Opening Ceremonies and Dedication which precede the full-scale reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge at 2:30 pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase both days beginning at noon. Although park entrance fees will be waived for the event, the Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. will accept donations of $3.00 per adult and $1.00 for guests six and under. |
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Celebrate National Women's History Month
~Women of character, courage and commitment.~
A manatee eats lettuce at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. | The month of March marks National Women’s History Month. Started in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of Mar. 8 as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Each year a theme was put into place to celebrate the great women throughout our history. This year, Women’s History Month’s theme is “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment.” National Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements of women that have had a positive impact on the lives of other women today.
Some of our state parks throughout Florida have been named in honor of famous women who have made significant impacts in people’s lives. The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenwaywas named after the woman who led the movement to prevent the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. For decades, the corridor that exists today as the Cross Florida Greenway was the site of one of Florida’s largest public works projects ever. In November 1990, President George Bush signed a bill to de-authorize the project and change the purpose of the lands to recreation and conservation. The greenway was named after Marjorie Harris Carr in 1998.
Join us at the Cross Florida Greenway for the weekend beginning Friday, Mar. 7, at noon. For three days, you and your family and friends are invited to celebrate bicycling at the award-winning Santos Trails. The Santos Fat Tire Festival and Bicycle Expo is the largest bicycle exposition in Florida. Come see and ride the latest bicycle models with free demos from representatives.
Named after the daughter of philanthropist Phil Felburn, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a rehabilitation center funded by the Felburn Foundation for injured and orphaned West Indian manatees. On Saturday, Mar. 8, from 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can learn about Homosassa’s history at Homosassa Heritage Day. Guest speakers will share interesting programs on local history and historic photographs will be on display. |
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Looking Ahead to March 2014
Upcoming Special Events
Other Important News
Mobile App for Smartphones Plan your state park adventures using the new Pocket Ranger® app for your smartphone.The FREE Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app is available now on iTunes, Android Market and PocketRanger.com.
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