The August Florida State Parks Monthly Newsletter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. August 2016 A Monthly Newsletter of Florida State Parks  |  #FLStateParks August is National Family Fun Month! Families come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a family of four, an empty-nester or a proud fur-parent, there are so many ways to enjoy quality time with your loved ones this month! Use our Parks Filtered Search to find activities and amenities for your perfect summer getaway or day trip. Although summer is winding down, the Florida heat is not. We recommend visiting a freshwater spring, playing on your favorite beach or paddling a cool river. Popular for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming, Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida is a great place to spend a hot summer day! Got beaches on the brain? Visit St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe, where you’ll find 9.5 miles of snow-white sand beaches. Experience natural Florida at Suwannee River State Park in Live Oak where you’ll swim and paddle the Suwannee River by day and gather ‘round the campfire by night. Be inspired by our Family Fun Pinterest Board, featuring craft ideas, road trip games, and must-see destinations. Even if you can’t fit in a camping trip during these last weeks of summer, these fun activities will help you find ways to spend quality time with your loved ones.  Share photos of you and your family enjoying National Family Fun Month at a Florida state park or trail on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #FLStateParks.   This month at State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites This Week's Blog: Florida Caverns Photographer and blogger Erika Z. lives and works in the Emerald Coast of Florida. Her love of the outdoors and sense of adventure leads her to explore Florida's state parks, state trails and historic sites. Last week, Erika journeyed to Marianna, Florida to explore the natural and historical wonders of Florida’s only dry-cave system, found at Florida Caverns State Park. Follow our blog, subscribe to our YouTube channel and catch up on previous blogsto experience Erika Z.’s travels. Dogs Love Florida State Parks Did you know thatAugust 26 is National Dog Day? We know your pets are important to you and sharing the parks with them makes the trip all the more fun. That’s whydomestic pets are permitted in designated day-use areas at ALL Florida State Parks! Be courteous to the ecosystem and other visitors by picking up after your pets and properly disposing of their droppings. Read more about our Pet Policy and plan your trip today! Beat the Heat - Go Spring Hopping! An essential summertime activity in Florida is going to the springs! North Florida’s freshwater springs invite visitors from near and far to swim, tube or snorkel. Camp at O’Leno State Parkin High Springs, Florida and visit the surroundingIchetucknee Springs andTroy Spring state parks, all within a 30-mile radius of your campsite! Ichetucknee Springs State Park provides tubing trips down the Ichetucknee River and Troy Spring State Parkhas picnic tables and a dock for access to the Suwannee River.   Events in August Stargazing Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Friday, Aug. 5, 2016 4:30-9:30 p.m. CDT  Join us for a night of stargazing on the beach!Volunteers from the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association will set up several telescopes for public viewing of star clusters, planets and galaxies. The club will also set up their solar telescopes for safe viewing of the sun starting at 4:30 p.m.   >> View Event   Turtle Talk Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, Flagler Beach Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 9-10 a.m. EDT It’s sea turtle season, beach goers! Learn about this fascinating animal at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area’s Turtle Talk. Join a park ranger for a glimpse into the intricate world of sea turtles and learn about their life cycle, habitat, behavior and the important role they play in "The Real Florida!"   >> View Event  Kayak Tour Curry Hammock State Park, Marathon Wednesdays, Aug. 3-31 10-11:30 a.m. (EDT) Take a 90-minute paddle around Curry Hammock State Park. This ranger-led tour is held everyWednesday and will give you an appreciation for the fragility of the nearshore ecosystem. Tours are limited to six kayaks. Visitors may bring their own or rent from the park. Reserve your spot by calling 305-289-2690.   >> View Event   Swamp Stomp Mud Run Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT Fitness enthusiasts and fearless adventurers - sign up for this two-day, five-mile cross country course which features 25+ manmade and natural obstacles throughout the park! Entrants will crawl like a crawfish through thick mud, leap like a frog through the half acre pool, run through the woods like a panther and jump the fire line like a Wildland firefighter. Tickets start at $35.00 per person but price will increase as event date approaches. Learn more and sign up today! >> View Event River Rhythms Silver Springs State Park, Ocala Friday, August 26, 2016 4 p.m. EDT Join us the 4th Friday of every month for an evening full of music and entertainment! Play a part in our live drum circle or enjoy the music from your chair or blanket. In addition to drumming and percussion, singing and dancing are highly encouraged! >> View Event     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. Get Your Annual Pass Today Shop our online store at Shop.FloridaStateParks.org for annual passes, passports, shirts, water bottles, backpacks and more. 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. 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! 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. What's Available This Weekend? Are you looking for a cool place to camp this weekend? VisitReserveAmerica.com and click on our new camping this weekend feature to find state park campgrounds with open campsites for the weekend!

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