[Floridastateparks] Florida State Parks January Newsletter

[Strivelli, Michael]

Take a Winter Break - Visit One of Florida's State Parks=20

The booming worldwide trend in nature-based tourism attracts growing =
numbers
of visitors every year to the Real Florida.  These travelers realize =
that our
state's true wealth is based on its abundance of wildlife, diverse =
natural
communities and unique cultural heritage.

Florida State Parks offer access to some of the finest, most authentic
natural areas in the sunshine state.  Many of the parks offer solitude =
in
tranquil settings while at others recreational activities abound.  The =
list
below provides a few examples of the adventure that awaits you in the =
Real
Florida.  Come Visit!

Click on the links to view our featured parks for January.
* Honeymoon Island State Park
* Topsail Hill State Preserve
* Wakulla Springs Lodge
* Torreya State Park
* Grayton Beach State Park
* Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
* Sebastian Inlet State Park
* Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
* Wekiwa Springs State Park
* Cape Florida=20
* Bahia Honda State Park


Featured Events

ALFRED B. MACLAY GARDENS=20
(850) 487-4556
Located at 3540 Thomasville Road about one mile north of I-10 on U.S. =
319.=20
Park Admission: $4/vehicle
Garden Entrance Fee: (Jan. 1 - April 30) $4/adult, $2/child 7-12 years, =
free
for ages 6 and younger.=20
Events are free with park admission unless otherwise indicated.
=20
BLOOMING SEASON AT MACLAY
Daily, Jan. 1 - April 30=20
9 AM - 5 PM
Visit Maclay Gardens in their full glory and see spectacular displays of
Alfred B. Maclay's vision come to life. View hundreds of varieties of
camellias, azaleas, dogwoods and countless other plant species. The look =
of
the garden changes from week to week. Peak bloom season usually occurs =
around
mid-March. NO PETS.
 =20
MIKE ROESS GOLD HEAD BRANCH STATE PARK=20
352-473-4701
Located at the end of State Road 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of
Chiefland.
Park Admission: $4/vehicle
=20
2nd Annual "Yesterdays Festival"=20
January 29th, 2005=20
9:00 until 4:00
Sponsored by Gold Head Associates Inc. Please join us for a day of
remembrance of times gone by. We are planning on: Antique cars and =
engines to
be on display, Bluegrass Music, Food and Re-enactors For more =
information
please call (352) 473-4701.=20

BLUE SPRING=20
(386) 775-3663
Located in Orange City, 2 miles west on French Ave.=20
Park Admission: $5/vehicle
All events are free with admission unless otherwise indicated.=20

19th ANNUAL BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVAL
Sat.-Sun., Jan. 22-23
10 AM - 5 PM
Watch for the giant mammal as it takes refuge in the spring run from the
colder water of the St. Johns River. Festival includes tours, =
interpretive
programs, and more. Transportation will be available from Valentine Park =
on
French Ave., 2 miles from Blue Spring. There will be arts, crafts, and
wildlife at Valentine Park. Sponsored by the town of Orange City.=20

ALAFIA RIVER=20
(813) 672-5320
Located on County Road 39, between County Road 640 and 672.
Park Admission: $4/vehicle
Horse Fee: $6/horse, up to two horses
$14 - per family
All events are free with admission unless otherwise indicated.=20

ALAFIA RIVER 2nd ANNUAL CARRIAGE MOBSTACLE
Sun., Jan. 16=20
9 AM - 12 PM
Advance registration required, please call the park. This event features
almost 75 acres of both man-made and natural obstacles set up in rapid
succession to test your ability to correctly navigate a mapped course =
while
communicating with your horse. Registration is from 9:00-9:30 AM. Water =
and
backing are included. The last carriage will go out at 10:30 AM. An
information packet containing the course map and rules will be provided =
at
the registration table. Prizes will be awarded at the Mobstacle's =
conclusion.
Please bring a picnic lunch and plenty to drink. Participants must =
supply
their own horse and should be experienced riders. Please bring a current
(NEG) Coggins test when registering. Equestrian camping is also =
available.=20

JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF=20
(305) 451-1202
In Key Largo at Mile Marker 102.5 on U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway.
Park Admission: $6/vehicle (There is an additional county surcharge of =
50
cents per person ($0.50), up to 8 people.)
All events are free with admission unless otherwise indicated.
=20
LECTURE SERIES
Wed., Jan. - March=20
7:30 - 9 PM
The staff from Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park will =
once
again be hosting the annual "Delicate Balance of Nature in the Florida =
Keys"
lecture series. Call (305) 451-9570 for topics and additional =
information.
Lectures will be held in the Visitor Center.

Come visit our parks, and relax!

If you have any questions or comments, please contact
Michael.Strivelli@dep.state.fl.us=20