DEP’S State Parks Celebrate Earth Day

NORTHEAST FLORIDA – In recognition of the 38th Earth Day, the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks is encouraging Floridians to join celebrations at Florida’s state parks highlighting conservation and environmental protection. Earth Day, April 22, is part of a month long effort to promote environmental stewardship and awareness.

“Celebrating Earth Day at one of the state’s award-winning parks exposes individuals to environmental education through resource-based recreation,” said Florida State Park Director Mike Bullock. “With 160 parks statewide, we encourage all Floridians to become environmental stewards while enjoying our state’s natural beauty.”

Earth Day events Northeast Florida include:

Crystal River State Park: April 21, 2007, 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.

CRYSTAL RIVER - Crystal River State Park along with the Citrus County Audubon Society, will host the first Great Florida Birding Trail Earth Day Bird-A-Thon. The event covers 20 birding trails throughout the county. Walks will take place at the archaeological and preserve state park.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: April 21, 2007, 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.

HOMOSASSA - Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park along with the Citrus County Audubon Society will host the first Great Florida Birding Trail Earth Day Bird-a-thon. The event covers 20 birding trails throughout the county. Participants will walk along Homosassa’s Pepper Creek Trail. There is no charge to participate in the bird walks on Pepper Creek Trail. Regular park admission will apply for entrance into the wildlife park.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: April 21, 2007, 8:00 a.m.

MICANOPY - Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park will host its Prairie Rim Ramble in celebration of Earth Day. Participants will follow in the footsteps of noted naturalist and artist William Bartram on this guided hike of the north rim of Paynes Prairie. The heavily shaded trail rambles around an array of fragile sinkholes with interesting plant diversity. Along the way visitors will enjoy wildlife viewing, bird and butterfly watching, sweeping views of the freshwater marsh and learning about Paynes Prairie’s 12,000 year history of human activity. The hike 3.5 mile moderate hike takes approximately three hours. There is a 20 person limit for this event. For reservations call the Visitor Center at (352) 466-4100.
Suggested Donation: $2.00 per person.
Contact: For more information, call 352-466-4100.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Saturday, April 21, 2007, Starts at 9:00 a.m. at La Chua Trail Entrance

MICANOPY - Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Friends of the Prairie, Alachua County Watershed Action volunteers, Earth Stewardship Conservation Commission, and others will combine forces to clean Sweetwater Branch. This creek flows through downtown Gainesville as it makes its way to the wetlands of Paynes Prairie and ultimately Alachua Sink and the Floridan aquifer. On its course to the Preserve and during stormwater incidents, the creek picks up all sorts of goodies – trash! Trash bags, gloves and water will be provided – bring boots or shoes for getting dirty. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. RSVP is required.

For additional details and RSVP contact JulieAnne Tabone, Park Services Specialist, JulieAnne.Tabone@dep.state.fl.us.

Earth Day events in Central Florida include:

Silver River State Park: April 21, 2007, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

OCALA- Join us for a low-key Earth Day celebration. This will not be similar to past events with vendors and exhibitors, but will be a 'gentle' celebration offering hiking and guided tours. Pontoon rides will be offered at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Early arrival is encouraged on account of limited seating. A bird walk will take place at 8:00 a.m. and a Cracker Village Tour at 2:30 p.m. Lucy Tobias will also offer two nature walks during the day.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: April 21 and 22, 2007, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PALM COAST- Join us for our 17th annual Earth Day celebration. Activities include arts and crafts, living history demonstrations, environmental & cultural booths, nature programs, live animals, a butterfly exhibit, Smokey the Bear and a large children’s environmental activity center. Food and drink will be sold by vendors and local organizations. Live entertainment will be provided both days, including popular vocalist Tim Rippey. Plants and park related merchandise will also be on sale throughout the event. For more information visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/Events.cfm

or call (386) 446-6780.

Earth Day events in Southeast Florida include:

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park: April 14, 2007, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

NORTH PALM BEACH - The John D. MacArthur Beach State Park will host its 11th Annual NatureScaping event. Admission is free and the event features environmentally-themed vendors, excellent speakers, a silent auction, eco-crafts for children, animal exhibits, storytelling, kayak tours, nature walks, native plants for sale, great food and music. The event is sponsored by the Palm Beach Post, the Florida Native Plant Society, Audubon Society of the Everglades and the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park. The 2007 Environmental Champion Award will be presented in the Nature Center Amphitheater at 1:00 p.m.

Bahia Honda State Park: April 14, 2007, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

BIG PINE KEY - The Bahia Honda State Park is hosting its 12th Annual Earth Day Celebration. There will be live music and a barbecue lunch prepared by the Big Pine Moose Lodge. Admission to the park is free. Early arrival is encouraged as parking is limited. Activities will include a free prize drawing for children (over $1,500 in prizes), face painting, puppet shows, a sand sculpture contest and create your own free fish print T-shirt (while supplies last). There will be environmental exhibits and booths, marine life touch tanks and children's activities. For more information, call the Bahia Honda Sand and Sea Nature Center at (305) 872-9807.

The Barnacle Historic State Park: April 22, 2007, 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

COCONUT GROVE - Enjoy a new Earth Day event at The Barnacle Historic State Park on April 22. Eco-friendly organizations and businesses will display on grounds of a 19th century pioneer home. The Three Jacks will perform live music and children’s activities such as crafts, recycling games, and soil and water sample experiments will be available throughout the event. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the day's celebration.

Earth Day events in Southwest Florida include:

Delnor-Wiggins State Park: April 14, 2007, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

NAPLES – Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Supporters of Delnor-Wiggins Park, Inc. invite the public to celebrate Earth Day at its Family Discovery Day celebration on April 14. Activities for all ages include environmental exhibits, native wildlife and children’s games. Park entrance fees are: $4.00 per vehicle with up to 8 people, $2.00 single per vehicle for single occupancy and walkers and bicyclists $1.00 each.

Caladesi Island State Park: April 21, 2007, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

CLEARWATER – Caladesi Island State Park will Celebrate Earth Day with Friends. The public is invited to join in the celebration of Earth Day with Honeymoon and Caladesi Island state parks and the wonderful resources they provide the community and visitors. This year's festival showcases the parks, birds, animals and environment that make the island parks special. There will be great live outdoor entertainment, delicious food and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Highlights of the event include seafood, fine artists, craft and environmental vendors and the largest yet environmental display in Osprey Village. There will also be guided walks, talks and information about the park’s future Nature Center.

Honeymoon Island State Park: April 21, 2007, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

DUNEDIN – Honeymoon Island State Park invites the community to celebrate Earth Day on April 21. This annual event is sponsored by the Friends of the Island Parks and community sponsors include the St. Petersburg Times, Knology, Bill Jackson, Great Bay Distributors, Huettig Electric and Wachovia Bank. The event will feature guided walks on the nature trail and beach, environmental exhibits and guest speakers in Osprey Village, craft vendors, food, music and children’s activities all with an environmental focus. There will also be a sneak preview of the Rotary Centennial Nature Center which will open soon. The event will be held in the Picnic Area from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost of the event is free with the regular park entrance fee.

Highlands Hammock State Park: April 21, 2007, 7:00 a.m.

SEBRING - DEP’s Florida Park Service and the Friends of Highlands Hammock will host an Earth Day event on April 21. Park admission is free all day long and there are several activities available for visitors. This year’s event includes a 5K trail run at 7:00 a.m., a ranger-led exotic removal activity at 9:00 a.m. and an outdoor jazz and blues concert featuring Ellie and the Tri Tones at 7:00 p.m. The Hammock Inn will be open all day for lunch. Park admission is free and concert admission is $5.00.

For more information visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock or call (863) 386-6094.

Oscar Scherer State Park: April 22, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

OSPREY – Oscar Scherer State Park will celebrate earth day with an environmental photography exhibit. The public is invited to choose their favorite photo to receive the People’s Choice Award. All photographs must embody the theme Natural Florida: Its plants, wildlife and scenery. Deadline for postmarked or hand-delivered submissions is April 9. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded. Entry forms and guidelines can be requested by calling (941) 483-5956 or via email at lynn.crossfield@dep.state.fl.us.

Lover’s Key State Park: April 22, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH – Lover’s Key State Park invites visitors to participate in a guided beach walk celebrating Earth Day. Join a park naturalist to learn about the wildlife and vegetation that make the estuary and barrier island environments unique. This one-mile tour through the estuary and along the shore will educate visitors about nesting shorebirds, seashells and marine species, mangrove swamps and sea turtles. Register for this event by calling (239) 463-4588.

For information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.