[Floridastateparks] December 2011 Newsletter - Florida State Parks

Mon Dec 5 11:49:43 EST 2011

[cid:image017.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]

December 1, 2011 – Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @FLStateParks

www.FloridaStateParks.org/resources/enewsletter/<http://www.FloridaStateParks.org/resources/enewsletter/>

[cid:image018.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]

An oak tree and the museum wrapped in lights at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs

‘Tis the Season at a Florida State Park
~ Celebrate outdoors at a state park holiday event ~

With the weather changing and the holiday season quickly approaching, many state parks host holiday events with an array of festive decorations and activities throughout December. Attend an event while spending time in nature.

Here is a sample:

Christmas Festival of Lights<http://www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/events.cfm>

Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park, White Springs

Dec. 2-31, each evening until 9 pm (excluding Christmas Night)
Drive through the park to see more than four million lights highlighting majestic oak trees, the antebellum museum and the gingerbread house village. The centerpiece of the park’s light display is the Carillon Tower, illuminating the night sky as holiday music rings from its bells. This month-long celebration will include refreshments, live holiday music, horse drawn wagon and carriage rides and a visit with Santa on Dec. 24. The event will begin on Dec. 2 with a parade down Main Street at 5:30 pm in White Springs. Park entrance fee is $2 per person. Call (386) 397-4331 for more information.

Holiday In The Gardens<http://www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/events.cfm>
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 am to 3 pm

The gardens are beautiful this time of year. Shop at the arts and crafts show, listen to live music and enjoy great food. Also make sure to visit the "Holidays Around the World" playground where children can play games and participate with hands-on arts and crafts from different holidays around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taking photos for a nominal fee. Bring your gingerbread house for a contest with prizes. Entrance fee is donation of toy or canned food item. Call (386) 446-6783 for more information.

Plantation Christmas<http://www.floridastateparks.org/gambleplantation/events.cfm>
Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, Ellenton
Sunday, Dec. 11, 10 am to 4 pm
Gamble Plantation features the antebellum mansion that was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation in the mid 1800s. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. The event will feature a Civil War soldier’s camp, period craft demonstrations and settlers, food, live music and a history lesson for the whole family. There will be free tours of the Gamble Mansion and the Patten House, both lavishly decorated for the holidays. This event is sponsored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy/Florida Division, Gamble Plantation Preservation Alliance and the Florida Park Service. Call (941) 723-4536 for more information.

Holidays In The Park<http://www.floridastateparks.org/biglagoon/events.cfm>
Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 & 17, 4 to 8 pm

See a vibrant light display and complete children’s crafts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos and gifts. Free admission. Call (850) 492-1595 for information.

Up Past Bedtime Movie – The Polar Express<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/events.cfm>

The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove

Monday, Dec. 19, Gates open at 6 pm; Movie starts at 7 pm; No admission after 7:15 pm

Bring the whole family to The Barnacle for the holiday movie “The Polar Express” starring Tom Hanks. Chairs, blankets and coolers welcome. Flashlights recommended. Pajamas encouraged. Sorry, no pets. $5 age 6 and up; $3 age 2 to 5; free under 2. Call (305) 442-6866 for more information.

Visit the website for a complete list of special events<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events.cfm> in Florida’s state parks.

[cid:image019.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]

An early morning kayak trip on the Ichetucknee River. Photo by WJ Brumley.

Celestial Fun at State Parks
~ Nature provides the backdrop for outdoor fun ~

Watching sunrises and sunsets and studying the stars are always popular at state parks. After all, state parks provide excellent locations for watching nature. In December, you’ll find lots of fun doing all three.

Sunrise Canoe Tour<http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/events.cfm>
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White

Saturday, Dec. 3, 6:15 am
Experience the incredible wildlife of the Ichetucknee River as the mist rises off the warm spring waters. Space is limited and reservations are required. Canoes, kayaks and personal floatation devices provided. Meet at the North Entrance, off Elim Church Road (County Road 238). Launch time will be as close to 6:40 am as possible (sunrise is at 7:10 am). The tour will end at the Last Take-Out at the south end of the park, and transportation will be provided back to the North Entrance. Participants should dress warmly, as dictated by the weather. Flashlights recommended. $5 per person. Call (386) 497-4690 to reserve a space.

Star Party<http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/events.cfm>
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach
Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 pm
Learn about the stars from members of the Indian River Astronomical Society, who will provide telescopes for enhanced viewing. Come to the park’s day use area, located half a mile south of the Sebastian Inlet bridge, on the east side of A1A. Note* Weather and clouds permitting. Free.

Star Party<http://www.FloridaStateParks.org/floridacaverns/events.cfm>
Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
Saturday, Dec. 3, 6:30 pm
Florida Caverns State Park and the Tallahassee Astronomical Society will provide telescopes for a star presentation. Explore the heavens, view the moon, learn constellations and observe planets. Donations accepted by the Friends of Florida Caverns State Park. All visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight. Park entrance fees waived for participants.

Moonlight Concert – Four Shillings Short<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/events.cfm>
The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove

Friday, Dec. 9, 6 pm

Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends and family and join us on the lawn of The Barnacle for an evening concert under the skies of South Florida. “Four Shillings Short” plays a wondrously diverse repertoire of world music using a large collection of unusual instruments. They only visit South Florida every few years, so don’t miss this performance. Gates open at 6 pm, music from 7 to 9 pm. No pets please. $7 ages 10 and older, $3 for children ages 6-9, free for children 5 and under. Call (305) 442-6866 for more information.

Moonlight Paddle<http://www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/events.cfm>
Manatee Springs State Park, Chiefland

Friday, Dec. 9, 5:15 pm
Participants will learn about the history of the Suwannee River while enjoying the beautiful scenery by moonlight. The park’s Citizen Support Organization will provide a short program following the moonlight paddle. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve a rental canoe/kayak for $15 through Suwannee Guides and Outfitters, call (352) 542-8331. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring bottled water, a flash light and whistle. Children under the age of six and pets are not allowed due to safety. Park entrance fees of $6 per carload of up to eight people will apply.

Holiday Evening Cruise and Dinner<http://www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings/events.cfm>
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs

Saturday, Dec. 10, 5:00 pm, Evening Boat Tour, Dinner Following
Take an evening out for a cruise on the Wakulla River followed by dinner in the historic lodge. Follow your dessert with an old-fashioned sing-a-long in the lobby by the Christmas tree. $32 Adults, $20 Children 12 and under. Call (850) 421-2000 Ext.117 for reservations or questions.

Visit the website for a complete list of special events<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events.cfm>.

[cid:image020.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]

Kayaking near Don Pedro Island State Park. Photo by Lyn Balson.

A Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers
~Annual Entrance Passes provide countless opportunities for outdoor fun~

State parks offer outdoor recreation for hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, fishermen, beach combers and more. An Annual Entrance Pass allows park entrance in lieu of the daily entrance fee at the cost of pennies per day. Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased for an individual at a cost of $60 for the year or $120 for an Family Annual Entrance Pass.

Annual Entrance Passes are honored at all state parks, except for Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, where they are valid for a 33 percent discount. The Family Annual Entrance Pass is valid for up to eight people in a group, except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park where the family pass is good for admission of up to two people.

Entrance passes do not waive other special use fees charged at some parks for special events, camping or activities such as boat tours, tubing, fishing piers or gardens admission.

Discounts on the purchase of Annual Entrance Passes are available to those who currently serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. Free Lifetime Military Entrance Passes that work the same as the Family Annual Entrance Pass are available to veterans with service-related disabilities, surviving spouses and parents of members of the U.S. military who have fallen in combat and law enforcement officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased at a state park with a ranger station or museum, online or by mail.

See complete details<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/annualpass.cfm> about purchasing Annual Entrance Passes on the website.

Family Fun in January 2012

·         Jan. 7 - Reenactment at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

·         Jan. 14 – Manatee Awareness program at Manatee Springs State Park

·         Jan. 21 – New York Times Best Selling Author Tim Dorsey at Myakka River State Park

·         Jan. 26 – Lu, the Hippo’s Birthday at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

·         Jan. 28 – Manatee Festival at Blue Spring State Park

Special Events around Florida
·         Northwest Florida<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events-northwest.cfm>
·         Northeast Florida<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events-northeast.cfm>
·         Central Florida<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events-central.cfm>
·         Southwest Florida<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events-southwest.cfm>
·         Southeast Florida<http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events-southeast.cfm>

[cid:image021.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/>

Follow FLStateParks
[cid:image011.png at 01CCAF55.A1CED730]<http://twitter.com/flstat>[cid:image012.png at 01CCAF55.A1CED730]<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-State-Parks/76856>

[cid:image022.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/>

[cid:image023.jpg at 01CCAF55.A4A15820]<http://www.floridastateparks.org/>

Please take a few minutes to share your comments on the service you received from the department by clicking on this link. DEP Customer Survey<http://survey.dep.state.fl.us/?refemail=Parks.Newsletter@dep.state.fl.us>.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/attachment.htm
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image011.png
Type: image/png
Size: 483 bytes
Desc: image011.png
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image011.png
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image012.png
Type: image/png
Size: 935 bytes
Desc: image012.png
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image012.png
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image017.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 16218 bytes
Desc: image017.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image017.jpg
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image018.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 11172 bytes
Desc: image018.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image018.jpg
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image019.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 6499 bytes
Desc: image019.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image019.jpg
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image020.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 6795 bytes
Desc: image020.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image020.jpg
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image021.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3644 bytes
Desc: image021.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image021.jpg
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image022.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3440 bytes
Desc: image022.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image022.jpg
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image023.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3738 bytes
Desc: image023.jpg
Url : http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/floridastateparks/attachments/20111205/cd9ee053/image023.jpg