Happy Paddlesports Month!

A Newsletter of Florida State Parks  |  #FLStateParks

November is Paddlesports Month! Whether you prefer to stand-up paddleboard through the mangroves at Oleta River State Park, kayak the Intercostal waterway at Big Lagoon State Park or canoe with your family down the Suwannee River, paddling is a fun way to get Florida park fit! Paddling enthusiast, author and Assistant Bureau Chief of the Office of Greenways and Trails, Doug Alderson, has been canoeing since he was a young boy. “There is nothing more peaceful than to glide down a calm waterway with the sky reflected on the water like a mirror. If you are quiet and keep your distance, wild Florida can provide quite a show. You never know what is around the bend.” On Alderson’s paddles, he’s seen turtles, wading birds, alligators, manatees, otters and other wetland wildlife that are often only seen from canoe or kayak. Many of our state parks have canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards available for rent, providing eager adventurers with the gear they need to explore our lakes, rivers and coastal waterways. Find the perfect paddling destination for your 1-day or extended Florida State Parks visit by using our Parks Custom Search tool!

This month at State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites

Free Park Entry on Veterans Day To thank all who have served and sacrificed, all Florida State Parks will grant free entry to all visitors on Friday, November 11, 2016. Pack a picnic and celebrate this day with your loved ones, or take advantage of the three-day weekend by taking a camping trip. Whether your visit lasts a day or the whole weekend, find a park in your area using our Regional Map and spend time outdoors. It's Men's Health Awareness Month! Are you Florida Park Fit? Challenge yourself by signing up and training for one of Florida State Park’s races, bike rides or obstacle courses! From 5Ks to Ironman triathlons, there are plenty of events across the state to keep you in shape.  Use our Park Events Filtersto find events by region, date, theme, type or by park and trail, and get pumped up for Men’s Health Awareness Month!  Video: Lovers Key State Park Watch Rangers Matt and Katie give viewers their recommendations for activities to do while visitingLovers Key State Park. Ride the tram, hike the trails and other fun activities while exploring this park in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  See more Florida State Parks videos on our Youtube channel and plan your trip today!

Events in January

16th Annual Alafia Fat Tire Festival Alafia River State Park, Lithia Friday, November 4 – Sunday, November 6, 20161 - 5 p.m. Eastern Join the SWAMP mountain bike club for a weekend of biking riding, food and fun. Fat Tire Festival activities include a vendor village, happy hour meet and greet, training classes, guided bike rides, a night ride and live entertainment! Register at SwampClub.org.   >> View Event   Veterans - Past Present and Future Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach Saturday, November 12, 2016 8:30 a.m. - noon Central Join us as we honor our Veterans with a variety of programs and festivities, including a continental style breakfast, a flag ceremony, guided tours at the neighboring WWII installation at Coffeen Nature Preserve, a showcase of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s military history and more.   >> View Event   2016 Ocali Country Days Silver Springs State Park, Ocala Saturday, November 12 - 13, 2016 9 a.m. –  4 p.m. Eastern Have you ever wondered what life was like in 19th century North Florida? Visit Silver Springs State Parks’ Annual Ocali Country Days for live music, storytellers, historical demonstrations, tours and more. Proceeds benefit the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center   >> View Event   Fakahatchee Swamp Walk Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Saturday, November 19, 2016 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Immerse yourself in the beauty and biological diversity of the Fakahatchee Strand by taking a Swamp Walk with Park Biologist, Mike Owen. Participants will wade in cool water and observe native wildlife while taking a strenuous walk into the heart of the Fakahatchee. Registration required.    >> View Event   Historic Farmstead Tour  Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry Saturday, November 26, 2016 10  – 11 a.m. Eastern Learn about pioneer family life and the workings of a historic farm while talking a Historic Farmstead Tour with a ranger or volunteer docent. The tour begins at the Visitor Center and includes stops at the family farmhouse, kitchen outbuilding, a general store and post office and more.    >> View Event

Other Important News

Stay Connected Online Take your favorite Florida State Parks wherever you go by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Be sure to tag #FLStateParks in your photos. 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 to purchase your Individual or Family Annual Pass, starting at $60/year. Gift Cards Are Now Available Give the gift of sleeping under the stars in Florida State Parks! Our Gift Cards 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! What's Available This Weekend? Are you looking for a cool place to camp this weekend? Visit ReserveAmerica.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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