Ranger Programs / Learning Opportunities
Southwest Region
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
NATIVE PLANT WALK
Southwest Region
October 9th,2009 – 9:30 AM
Join a Ranger for a NATIVE PLANT WALK to explore a barrier island with her. The whole family is welcome. Learn about the Maritime Hammock plants, how they protect us, and what we can all do to protect them. You will cross the dunes and through cool, shaded hammock areas. Call for reservations at 239-597-6196. The only fee is the park entrance fee. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the park office in advance.
239-597-6196 - Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
CASTNETTING
Southwest Region
Friday, October 23, 2009 – 9:30 AM
Become a self-sufficient fisherman by catching your own bait! Learn the basic techniques of CASTNETTING from a Ranger. Come get your feet wet. Fun for the whole family. Bring sunscreen and a willingness to participate. If you need special assistance, please call the park in advance.
239-597-6196 - Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
SEA TURTLES AND GOPHER TORTOISES
Southwest Region
Friday, October 30, 2009 – 9:30 AM
Curious about Florida’s hard shelled ancient mariners? Join a Ranger for a SEA TURTLE presentation to hear about their worldly travels, trials and stages of life. The shy, terrestrial GOPHER TORTOISES will be compared to the sea turtles. Call for reservations at 239-597-6196. The only fee is the park entrance fee. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the park office in advance.
239-597-6196 - Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
SWAMP WALKS
Southwest Region
Saturdays
Swamp walks will take place on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of the month starting November 10th.
The cost is $35 for Friends of Fakahatchee members, $40 for non-members and $15 dollars for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Groups are limited to 12 persons. Swamp walk participants will meet in front of the Preserve Office off of Janes Scenic Drive at 9:45 a.m. in the morning. After an orientation from the swamp walk guide, the group will drive or be transported to the area where the swamp walk/exploration will take place. Swamp walks will be offered, depending upon water levels, until April.
239-695-4593 - Fort Foster State Historic Site
FORT FOSTER TOURS
Southwest Region
Saturdays: 2 PM and Sundays: 11 AM
Park admission plus tour fee of $2/adult and $1/child, ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under are free. Your step back in time will begin at the park's Interpretive Center located in parking lot #1. From there a tram will transport you to Fort Foster where you will see the only authentically reconstructed fort from the era of the Second Seminole Indian War (1830s). Ideal for the whole family this program will take approximately one-and-a-half hours for the tour. NO PETS.
Special Notice: Fort Foster Historic Site Tours are cancelled (10/24 Saturday– 10/25 Sunday, due to the Annual Fall Event "Haunted Woods" at Hillsborough River State Park). Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
813-987-6771 - Fort Foster State Historic Site
PARK PROGRAM REQUESTS
Southwest Region
Ongoing
Thank you for your interest in our interpretive & educational programs at Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic Site. Due to the extreme popularity of our park programs, we are already booked for the Spring/Summer time period. We will again be accepting program requests starting in the fall of 2009. Please re-contact us in November 2009. The mission of the Florida Park Service is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. We encourage you to review http://www.floridastateparks.org/ for additional interpretive and educational programs. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
813-987-6771 - Highlands Hammock State Park
TRAM TOURS
Southwest Region
Tuesdays - Fridays at 1:00 p.m.
and Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Come enjoy a narrated tour of the park’s natural areas, including a journey into the remote areas where you may see alligators, turtles, wading birds and more! Tours average about an hour. Tour tickets are in additional to the park admission fee and cost $5.00 per adult, $3.00 for children 6-12 yrs, (children under age six may ride free)
863-386-6094 - Hillsborough River State Park
FORT FOSTER TOURS
Southwest Region
Saturdays: 2 PM
Sundays: 11 AM
Park admission plus tour fee of $2/adult and $1/child, ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under are free. Your step back in time will begin at the park's Interpretive Center located in parking lot #1. From there a tram will transport you to Fort Foster where you will see the only authentically reconstructed fort from the era of the Second Seminole Indian War (1830s). Allow approximately one-and-a-half hours for the tour. NO PETS.
Special Notice: Fort Foster Historic Site Tours are cancelled (10/24 Saturday– 10/25 Sunday, due to the Annual Fall Event "Haunted Woods" at Hillsborough River State Park). Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
813-987-6771 - Hillsborough River State Park
TRAM TOUR OF THE PARK
Southwest Region
Friday Evening: 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Look for the tram and wave! Make plans to join us for a tram ride throughout one of the oldest State Parks in Florida. We would like to show you the points of interest in the park and you can meet some of your fellow campers. So—Finish your dinner and clean your dishes. Grab the kids! The ranger will pick you up at your campsite. Bring a friend and a smile! *Note — all programs are offered weather permitting and are for registered campers only. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
813-987-6771 - Hillsborough River State Park
CAMPFIRE PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Saturday Evenings--TBA
Contact the Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time. Everyone is invited to meet at Cedar Landing behind campsite 41 in Rivers Edge campground. Campfire programs are presented by park staff and volunteers, contact the Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time. *Note — all programs are offered weather permitting. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
813-987-6771 - Hillsborough River State Park
PARK PROGRAM REQUESTS
Southwest Region
Ongoing
Thank you for your interest in our interpretive & educational programs at Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic Site. Due to the extreme popularity of our park programs, we are already booked for the Spring/Summer time period. We will again be accepting program requests starting in the fall of 2009. Please re-contact us in November 2009. The mission of the Florida Park Service is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. We encourage you to review http://www.floridastateparks.org/ for additional interpretive and educational programs. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
813-987-6771 - Hillsborough River State Park
PROGRAMS AND SERVICE
Southwest Region
Ongoing
Are you fit as a fiddle? Are you adventurous, but you don’t know what you’re going to do the third Saturday of each month? Consider spending your time as an outdoor volunteer. Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic State Park has several volunteer opportunities waiting for individuals wanting to give back to the environment and devote some free time in order to be in the great outdoors.
• River cleanups
• Trail cleanups
• Invasive plant removals
• General maintenance
• Resource management (Restoration)
• Gardening
Skills Needed:
• Flexible and positive attitude
• Must like people
• Willingness to do a variety of outdoor jobs
• Organizational skills
• Work independently
• Basic map reading
• Suggested items for outdoor activities (Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, gloves, long pants and proper footwear.)
• A completed Florida State Park Volunteer Agreement will be necessary for participation in this program. (Please click here for a printable volunteer agreement and bring with you upon arrival: Volunteer Application #1 Volunteer Application #2
• Minor Supervision: Due to the vulnerability of young workers, and especially those under school-leaving age, adequate supervision must be provided at all times. A parent/guardian needs to remain with any individuals under the age of 18 years of age.
For more information, contact Park Services Specialist Patrick Potts at 813-987-6870 or Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details.
813-987-6771 - Honeymoon Island State Park
INTERPRETIVE WALK
Southwest Region
Beginning November 7th - Every Saturday morning at 11am.
A Ranger will be waiting at the head of our Osprey Trail to guide you on a 45 minute interpretive walk through our barrier island slash pine forest. The weather is perfect and the season is here to spot various species of nesting raptors such as Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Great Horned Owls. Bring your binoculars and your questions for this walk amongst the critters and trees. The walks will also be available on Sundays (Nov 1st) and Wednesdays (Nov 4th) at 11am led by a Park Volunteer. There is no fee for the trail walks.
727-469-5942 - Honeymoon Island State Park
FAMILY STORY HOUR & CRAFT
Southwest Region
2nd Saturday of every month at 1:30pm.
Join our Nature Center Docents. Children’s stories will be read that pertain to the beautiful state of Florida and the wildlife that call it home.
727-469-5942 - Honeymoon Island State Park
SHELL SHOWS
Southwest Region
2nd Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
As the kids listen to the stories, parents can join in one of the Shell Shows. Volunteers will be on hand to give interpretive programs on various types of shells that are found on the beaches of Honeymoon Island.
727-469-5942 - Koreshan State Historic Site
GUIDED TOURS OF THE HISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Southwest Region
Saturday and Sunday at 10 am, daily January through March at 10 am.
$2 per adult, $1 children 12 and under. Purchase your ticket at the ranger station at least 15 minutes in advance.
239-992-0311 - Koreshan State Historic Site
FAIRBANKS MORSE ENGINE DEMONSTRATION
Southwest Region
Saturday, January through March at 11 am
At the generator building in the historic settlement. Volunteers will explain how the Koreshan’s generated their own electricity and state the 1926 diesel engine. In addition, there will be a demonstration of the Large Machine Shop. Park entry fee required.
239-992-0311 - Koreshan State Historic Site
KORESHAN BREAD BAKING PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Sundays at 1 pm
In front of the Bakery in the historic settlement. Volunteers will be baking the original Koreshan bread recipe in a Dutch oven over an open campfire or charcoal. Park entry fee required.
239-992-0311 - Koreshan State Historic Site
THE FLORIDA CRACKER COWBOY
Southwest Region
Thursdays, 11 am - January, February and March. In the picnic area.
The Florida Cracker Cowboy, cast iron Dutch oven cooking program featuring volunteers portraying Bone Mizell And Jake Summerlin. Park entry fee required.
239-992-0311 - Little Manatee River State Park
CAMPER COFFEE
Southwest Region
Wednesdays, Dec. - March 9 AM
Campers are invited to join other friendly travelers, park volunteers, and staff for coffee and conversation.
813-671-5005 - Lovers Key State Park
RANGER GUIDED PROGRAMS
Southwest Region
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Programs include "Walk on the Wild Side" guided hike, birding for beginners, Black Island bike tour, fishing and castnetting clinics, butterfly and gardening programs, Meet the Naturalist, and shelling walks. Contact the park for this month's schedule.
239-463-4588 - Lovers Key State Park
SPECIAL TOURS AND PROGRAMS
Southwest Region
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Group tours and programs are available upon advance request. Explore the many wonders of Lovers Key with a park ranger or naturalist. For more information, contact the park office.
239-463-4588 - Lovers Key State Park
GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
Southwest Region
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays 10 AM
The tour fee is $45 per person and includes kayak rental for the tour time. Join a naturalist for a two-hour eco-tour. Reservations should be made at (239) 765-7788.
239-463-4588 - Lovers Key State Park
SPECIAL YOUTH PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Hey Kids! Come on out to the beach and take part in the Junior Ranger Program! This fun activity will take you to different areas of the park to seek out the information and explore each area. Upon completion, simply turn in your paper work to the ranger station and receive the Junior Ranger badge and certificate. This program is designed for the adventurous 6 to 12 year old. Lovers Key Junior Ranger program is available 7 days a week. This is a self-guided program for parents and their children. The paperwork can be picked up at the ranger station.
239-463-4588 - Lovers Key State Park
BEACH WALK AND ESTUARY TOUR
Southwest Region
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Join a Park Naturalist for a 1-mile walk through the estuary and to the beach to learn about the importance of coastal vegetation, the diversity of life in the estuary, and the shells and other treasures that wash ashore on our beach. Call the park to register for this program.
239-463-4588 - Oscar Scherer State Park
GUIDED CANOE TRIP
Southwest Region
Wednesdays - 9:00 AM
A family oriented, nature friendly event.
Register by 8:30 AM, tour begins at 9:00 AM. (requires a rental fee in addition to the regular park entrance fee). Everyone is invited to join a park ranger for a Canoe Trip down South Creek. Enjoy paddling on South Creek as you learn about the inhabitants of brackish tidal streams and estuaries, and about the history of this area. Guaranteed fun for everyone!
941-483-5956 - Oscar Scherer State Park
OSCAR’S NATURE DETECTIVE PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Saturdays; 9:00 am
AGES 8 & Up. Call the park for more information.
941-483-5956 - Oscar Scherer State Park
SCRUBBY’S RECYCLED PAPER MAKING PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Saturdays; 11:30 am
AGES 8 & Up. Call the park for more information.
941-483-5956 - Oscar Scherer State Park
ELSA’S FISH PRINTING YOUTH PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Saturdays; 2:00 pm
Call the park for more information.
941-483-5956 - Oscar Scherer State Park
CAMPER COFFEE SOCIAL
Southwest Region
Saturdays; 8:00 – 10:00 am
Thru March 31st. Call the park for more information.
941-483-5956 - Paynes Creek Historic State Park
VIDEO PROGRAMS
Southwest Region
Saturdays - Sundays, year-round 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
Gain an insight into frontier life at Fort Chokonikla in 19th century Florida and the events that lead up to the Third Seminole War. Located in the visitor center.
863-375-4717 - Paynes Creek Historic State Park
GUIDED WALKS AND GROUP PROGRAMS
Southwest Region
Ongoing
Minimum of 10 people in the family or group required. Contact the park a minimum of two weeks in advance, available year-round. Guided walks and other types of programs can be customized to the interests of your group.
863-375-4717 - Paynes Creek Historic State Park
CUSTOMIZED RANGER PROGRAM
Southwest Region
Ongoing
Customized ranger programs can be request for organized groups, schools or family and friends by contacting the park office. Please give us a minimum of two weeks advance notice (actually the sooner the better). There is no extra charge for this service. A video is presented in the theater at the visitor center on weekends and holidays at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
863-375-4717 - Ybor City Museum State Park
MUSEUM
Southwest Region
Open year-round with the exception of major holidays
Explore the history and founding of Ybor City at the Museum, housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery. Learn about Tampa's cigar industry once known as "the cigar capital of the world" as well as the cultures and lifestyles of the early founders. The Ferlita Bakery, established in 1923, was a major source of the community's daily bread. NO PETS.
813-247-6323 - Ybor City Museum State Park
LA CASITA TOURS
Southwest Region
Year-round with the exception of major holidays
Docents lead guided tours through La Casita, a cigar maker's house. The house is an excellent example of the "shot-gun" houses in which many cigar makers lived and reflects the family life in the early part of the 20th century. NO PETS.
813-247-6323 - Ybor City Museum State Park
WALKING TOURS OF YBOR CITY
Southwest Region
Saturdays 10:30 AM
Fee: $8.00/person, which includes the cost of admission to the museum. Walking tours of Ybor City, weather permitting, start at the Ybor City Museum every Saturday. Only one tour is offered each Saturday; limited to 20 people. NO PETS.
813-247-6323
