Florida State Parks Monthly Newsletter, March 2016

A Newsletter of Florida State Parks  |  #FLStateParks

Enter the State Parks Monthly Photo Contest Florida's 174 state parks, trails and historic sites offer beautiful backdrops for recreational and nature-based photos, and we want to see them from your point-of-view. The new state park monthly photo contest's campaign is explore Florida State Parks, share your point-of-view, and win the Florida State Parks Photo Contest! "Time spent at a park is invaluable for building family bonds and making memories," said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service. "I encourage park visitors to bring a camera along to tell their story and share their adventures." New this year are the monthly themes to help focus your lens. Submit your photo here to enter. 2016 Themes: ·         March – Signs of spring: gardens, wildflowers ·         April – Camping: RV, tent or just a backpack ·         May – Al fresco dining: picnics, grilling ·         June – School’s out: kids playing at a park ·         July – Beach season: seashells, sandcastles and shorebirds ·         August – Keep cool: freshwater springs ·         September – Read at the park: Bring a book, join a tour ·         October – Greenways and Trails Month: hiking, biking, horseback riding ·         November – Water world: surfing, swimming, diving, fishing ·         December – Family gatherings: cabins and campfires Monthly prizes include a Florida State Parks Tervis (r) tumbler and six state park day-entry passes. The public determines the monthly winners by voting here. The deadline to enter the contest is the 20th of each month. Monthly winners are announced on the first day of each month. See photo contest rules for more details.

This month at State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites

Women's History Month:  Fran P. Mainella Fran Mainella was the 16th Director of the National Park Service of the United States and first woman to hold that position. She was appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2001. Prior to her position at the National Park Service, Fran served twelve years as Director ofFlorida’s state parks, which were awarded the Gold Medal Award, recognizing Florida as the best state park system in the country. Women's History Month:  Dagny Johnson Now 2,421 acres on the northern third of the island of Key Largo, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park was named for Dagny Johnson, a local environmental activist, approximately one year before her death in 2003. Throughout the 1970s, `80s and `90s, Johnson led environmental organizations that fought to stop the development that was planned for much of north Key Largo. Preservation of onshore communities was not the only purpose for protecting north Key Largo. These environmental activists also wanted to protect the coral reefs offshore from the adverse impacts of land development. Women's History Month:  Wendy Spencer Wendy Spencer served as the Director of Florida's state parks, where she oversaw natural resource and recreational management for 158 state parks spanning 600,000 acres. It was this and many other prestigious positions, that led to her current title as CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) since April 9, 2012, shortly after being nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Say 'I Do' at a  Florida State Park Nothing makes saying “I do” sweeter than doing so at the perfect venue. We have over a dozen state parks that will make your special day a lasting memory. Our lush gardens, beaches and parks have the ideal setting for nuptials filled with forever. Click here to view a complete list of wedding specific parks and ideas on decor, planning and more at our Outdoor Weddings Pinterest Board. If you had your wedding at one of our parks, pleasesend them to us and you could be featured on our site! March is Florida Archaeology Month Every March is Florida Archaeology Month and we have some of the best parks for the inner-archaeologist in you. This month was designed to encourage Floridians and visitors to learn more about Florida's rich history and preservation of cultural heritage. MakeCrystal River, Lake Jackson,Letchworth-Love Mound,Madira Bickel Mound, Mound Key, San Marcos de Apalacheand San Pedro UnderwaterArchaeological State Parks a must-see on you Florida State Parks bucket list this spring! 151st Anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge The annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridgewill be held Saturday andSunday, Mar. 5 & 6, 2016.  Both a Saturday skirmish and Sunday’s full reenactment will be conducted on part of the original battlefield acquired by the State in 2009.  Thehistoric battlefield site was named for its true biological feature that provides a crossing point at a section where the St. Marks Rivergoes underground for a distance before reappearing, therefore forming a natural bridge. Click here for more information.

Events in March

Guided Botanical Garden Tour Koreshan State Historic Park, Estero Every Tuesday, Mar. 1 - 29, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Every Tuesday there will be a guided botanical garden tour of Koreshan State Historic Park. The tour times are 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Not only will you observe the native and exotic plant species established by the early Koreshans, but you will learn about their unique principles and ways of life of the Koreshan people during the height of their era.   >> View Event   8th Annual Race the Tortoise 5K O'Leno State Park, High Springs Saturday, Mar. 5, 7:30 a.m. We want YOU at the Eighth Annual Race the Tortoise 5K Run/Walk. This is a family-friendly running and walking event promoting a healthy life style and the beauty of OʼLeno State Park. Some participants will be racing for prizes or to achieve a personal best. Whether you run fast, slow, or walk, come out and challenge yourself to Race the Tortoise. All levels of ability welcome.For more information or to register, please visit the Friends of O'Leno.   >> View Event   Washington County Heritage Festival Falling Waters State Park, Chipley Saturday, Mar. 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come experience and enjoy an eclectic mix of treasure hunting, live music, wild animals, antique camper & cars, Indian encampment, re-enactors and much more all to the back drop of one of the panhandles hidden gem. There will be many artists, crafts, artwork and jewelry for sale. Geocaching games will be played on Saturday and a Cash In Cash Out (CITO) event on Sunday. Come see the park enjoy the natural wonders that make Falling Waters so unique.   >> View Event   13th Annual Florida Springsfest Silver Springs State Park, Ocala Saturday, Mar. 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Now celebrating its 13th year, the Florida Springsfest combines entertainment and educational activities for the whole family to spread awareness and increase understanding of Florida's unique freshwater springs. The park offers boat tours, ranger programs, guest speakers, scientists and researchers, exhibitors and vendors, live music, silent auction, student art contest, and special this year, Sea Hunt Forever. Visit Florida Springsfest for more information.   >> View Event   Great Seashell Hunt Gasparilla Island State Park, Boca Grande Wednesday, Mar. 23, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. This is Gasparilla Island’s own version of the classic Easter Egg Hunt, but using sea shells instead of eggs. Meet us at the Picnic Pavilion next door to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum for the program, which includes a short talk about our local shells. Participants will then take to the beach for collecting designated “colored” shells. All participants receive a prize. This program is appropriate for children 2 to 10 years old. Limited spaces available so please call for reservations.   >> View Event

Other Important News

The Real Florida Passport The Real Florida Passport is your perfect companion while visiting Florida State Parks! The Pioneer Edition contains 56 pages of fun facts, space to make notes and so much more.Order your Passport today and visit a park near you! Gift Cards Are Now Available Give the gift of sleeping under the stars in Florida State Parks! Florida State Parks offers Gift Cards which can be used to make reservations for camping and cabins at participating Florida State Parks. Limited Edition FSP Tumbler Tumblers keep your drinks hot or cold on the go, and with the Florida State Parks Limited Edition design you can take a little of your favorite state parks wherever your adventure leads. 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. Get Your Annual Pass Today Shop our online store at Shop.FloridaStateParks.org for annual passes, passports, shirts, water bottles, backpacks and more.

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