March 4, 2015 Florida State Parks Newsletter

Florida Department of Environmental Protection March 4, 2015 Newsletter March is Women's History Month ~Celebrate women’s history at a Florida state park.~    The historic home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. Each March, the National Women’s History Project chooses a theme to depict National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives” and presents an opportunity for women to collectively share their stories and weave them into the essential fabric of our nation’s history. The stories of women’s lives and the choices they made, encourage girls and younger women to think larger and bolder in respect for their futures. 2015 also marks the 35th anniversary of the Women’s History Movement and the National Women’s History Project. Numerous scholars and activists helped to shape the Women’s History Movement and we recognize and celebrate the many ways that women’s history has become woven into the fabric of our national story. Some of Florida’s state parks are named after women in history who have made a contribution particularly to Florida. At Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, visitors can learn about 1930s farm life where Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings lived and worked in Cross Creek. At her cracker style home and farm, Rawlings wrote her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Yearling, along with other wonderful works of fiction. The park has been restored and preserved to look as though Rawlings herself still inhabits the grounds. On Sat. Mar. 7, visitors can join Anne Pierce at the park from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a Yearling Trail Walk as she reads passages from The Yearling. Another Florida state park named after an influential woman in history is Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Ellie Schiller is known as the daughter of nature lover Phil Felburn. Felburn was the founder of the non-profit Felburn Foundation, which made large land purchases to promote environmental preservation. Directed by her father’s influence, Ellie Schiller used her biology background to support countless causes throughout Florida, including Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The park is the only wildlife state park in Florida and showcases Florida’s native wildlife and endangered species. Visit the park this month to learn more about Ellie Schiller and the park’s newest resident, Yuma, a Florida panther who has become a permanent resident at Homosassa Springs. Events this month include Homosassa Heritage Day on Mar. 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the Monthly Bird Walk on Pepper Creek Trail on Mar. 28 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.   Florida Bike Month is in Full Swing ~Join us at a Florida state park or trail for Florida Bike Month.~ Bicycling trail on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Proclaimed by Florida Governor Rick Scott, Florida Bike Month is celebrated throughout March. As winter weather fades away and the warmth of spring enters, March is the perfect time to get outside and ride a bike in a Florida state park or along a state trail. Florida Bike Month focuses on the important role bicycling plays in many Floridians’ lives. Not only is bicycling a popular means of transportation, it also promotes health and wellness and is a great recreational activity. Nearly 25 million Florida residents and tourists participate in bicycling annually, with more than 18.4 million bicyclists using paved trails and nearly 6.5 million using unpaved trails. Florida’s state parks and trails offer many opportunities for residents and visitors to take full advantage of Florida Bike Month. With 90 parks and trails offering bicycling activities throughout the state, visitors and residents are sure to find a place to get outdoors and ride. In addition, 10 parks and trails also offer mountain biking for the more adventurous and skilled bicyclists. Get outdoors this month and ride a bike at a Florida state park or trail. Remember that wearing a helmet is recommended for all riders and law requires anyone age 16 and under to wear a helmet.   Important Dates in March Thur. Mar. 12 - Girl Scout Day Sun. Mar. 22 - World Water Day Thur. Mar. 26 - Manatee Appreciation Day Mon. Mar. 30 - Take a Walk in the Park Day Upcoming Special Events View List of Events in the Northwest Region View List of Events in the Northeast Region View List of Events in the Central Region View List of Events in the Southwest Region View List of Events in the Southeast Region 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 Shop Online Purchase a souvenir of your visit to Florida State Parks online. Our online store will help you purchase shirts, water bottles, backpacks and more. Shop.FloridaStateParks.org

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