July 1, 2015 Florida State Parks Newsletter

Florida Department of Environmental Protection July 1, 2015 Newsletter July is National Park and Recreation Month ~Join Florida State Parks in celebrating the 30 year anniversary.~    Children fishing at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Each July since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has celebrated Park and Recreation Month. The annual event celebrates the importance of parks and the need for recreation. Parks serve the public with ways to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature while exercising, socializing and having fun. This year, the National Recreation and Park Association challenges park-goers to celebrate the 30thanniversary in true ‘80s style. We at Florida State Parks suggest creating an ‘80s aerobic dance party with your friends or hosting an ‘80s movie night while you’re camping in one of our award-winning state parks and trails. As an extra incentive to release your inner ‘80s style, the NRPA is awarding an $85.00 Amazon gift card every Thursday to their favorite ‘80s video posted on Instagram. Follow @NRPA and use the hashtags #JulyPRM30 and #JulyTBTChallenge. Visit a Florida state park or trail this month and enjoy the recreational activities we offer. Show off your ‘80s style recreation at a Florida state park or trail on Instagram by using our hashtag #FLStateParksPRM30 and following FL.StateParks. Hop into Springs this Summer at Florida State Parks ~Enjoy the cool water of the springs during the summer heatwave.~ The beautiful springs at Rainbow Springs State Park. The summer weather is heating up and Florida State Parks know how to keep you cool. Did you know 14 different springs in Florida's state parks offer swimming and an opportunity to cool off? Did you also know that many of these springs remain at constant temperature in the low 70s year-round? With the summer weather throughout Florida reaching into the high 90s, Florida State Parks’ springs are the perfect destination for you and your family and friends to explore. We offer springs throughout all of Florida, which offer the perfect opportunity to cool down in the crisp waters. Celebrate all summer long by visiting each spring listed below: Northwest Region Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla Springs Ponce de Leon Springs State Park in Ponce de Leon Springs Northeast Region Fanning Springs State Park in Fanning Springs Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White Lafayette Blue Springs State Park in Mayo Madison Blue Spring State Park in Lee Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon Troy Spring State Park in Branford Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park in Live Oak Central Region Blue Spring State Park in Orange City De Leon Springs State Park in De Leon Springs Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka Southwest Region Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Weeki Wachee Explore more swimming destinations in Florida State Parks. July is Picnic Month ~Celebrate with family and friends during Picnic Month at Florida State Parks.~    The picnic area at Collier-Seminole State Park. School is out and summer is in, which means it’s the perfect time to celebrate with family and friends by having a picnic at a Florida state park. July is Picnic Month and Florida State Parks wants you to come out and explore our picnic areas. Florida State Parks offer the perfect scenic views guaranteed to appeal to your guests and keep them wishing they didn’t have to leave. More than 100 of Florida’s state parks and trails offer picnicking and through a partnership with the Florida Department of Health, Florida State Parks offers recipes you can use to amaze your family and friends. Skip the hot dogs, hamburgers and s’mores, and discover healthy campfire cooking. The recipes showcase foods including campfire shish kabobs, quinoa stir fry and campfire pork chops. See all the recipes by visiting Healthiest Weight Florida and explore the picnic areas at Florida State Parks.     Celebrate Independence Day ~Enjoy your Fourth of July weekend at a Florida state park.~ Flags flying at Gasparilla Island State Park. Fourth of July weekend is quickly approaching and Florida State Parks reminds everyone to remain safe, use sunscreen and have fun. All 171 of Florida’s state parks and trails are open on Independence Day. Remember to be mindful of all wildlife, but especially the nesting and resting birds. Also, keep Florida’s nature and environment in mind and clean up after you enjoy your day. Double check your area as you leave and remove all trash, tents, chairs and additional items. Consider volunteering with a cleanup at a nearby Florida state park on July 5. Call any park’s ranger station to check for opportunities. Florida State Parks wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Other Important Dates July 12 - International Youth Day July 26 - Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary July 27 - National Parents Day July 31 - World Ranger 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 SmartphonesPlan 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 OnlinePurchase 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 http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/10ab986

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