Dig In & Get Dirty at Florida State Parks

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. September 2016 A Monthly Newsletter of Florida State Parks  |  #FLStateParks Volunteer at a Florida State Park! Connect with your favorite parks and the community which cares for them. During two weekends in September, thousands of people worldwide will join together to clean up and improve their public lands. International Coastal Cleanup is on Sept. 17, 2016 and National Public Lands Day is on Sept. 24, 2016. Katie Moss, Park Services Specialist at Lovers Key State Park, says, “National Public Lands Day is an excellent day for visitors to get involved with their local park. At the end of the day, participants are able to walk away from the project feeling like they’ve improved the park for everyone who visits after them.” See all September volunteer opportunities here.   This Month at State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites Firsthand Florida Fun Blog It’s been a busy summer for blogger, Erika Z! , She swam the emerald waters ofPonce De Leon Springs State Park, recorded exclusive interviews with performers of the 64th Annual Florida Folk Festival and searched for wildlife at St. Andrews State Park. Take a virtual visit to these places and more with theFirsthand Florida Fun Blog, and watch Erika Z.'s videos on Youtube! Video: Jonathan Dickinson Did you know that during World War II Jonathan Dickinson State Park was the site of a top-secret radar training school?  Watch Top 5 Things to Do in Jonathan Dickinson State Park to learn about this park in Stuart, Florida.  Take an extended trip in one of the park’s cabinsor at the Pine Grove Campground. Plan Your Fall Camping Trip Are you ready for Fall camping season? Now is the time to book! Although Florida has longer summers, cool nights and cozy campfires are on the horizon for our northern parks! Torreya State Park, Three Rivers State Park and Fort Clinch State Park invite eager campers with cooler temperatures starting in mid-September.   Events in September International Literacy Day Oscar Scherer State Park, Sarasota Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. EDT Join us at Oscar Scherer for book readings, a book exchange and more activities for all ages to enjoy. This event is free for entrants who present their library card or donate a gently used book.   >> View Event   9/11 Remembrance 5K Run Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, TallahasseeSunday, Sept. 11, 2016 8 - 11 a.m. EDT Commemorate September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance by participating in Maclay Gardens State Park’s 9/11 Remembrance 5K Run. This free event will begin at Premier Health and Fitness at 3521 Maclay Blvd.   >> View Event  International Coastal Cleanup MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT Ocean trash can entrap and strangle ocean wildlife, including sea turtles.  Join us at MacArthur Beach State Park to preserve our waterways.  Community service hours will be provided for school-aged participants.   >> View Event   Exotic Species Awareness Workday Little Manatee River State Park, Wimauma Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016  9 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Little Manatee River State Park!  The day will begin with  a presentation on invasive exotic species and be followed by an Exotics Removal Workday.  Pre-register and wear appropriate clothing.  >> View Event Annual Park Appreciation Day St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 12 - 5 p.m. EDT Join the fun at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park's annual Park Appreciation Day, featuring live music, food and booths and displays from several state, federal and private organizations.  Boat rides in St. Joe Bay along with other family activities will be provided.  >> 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! Sunsect Sunscreen + Insect Repellent Get 2-in1 protection with Sunsect! Trusted by the U.S. military for 15 years, it repels insects and provides 15 SPF coverage.   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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