Ranger Programs / Learning Opportunities
Central Region
- Anastasia State Park
RANGER INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Central Region
First Saturday of every month. Times Vary.
The first Saturday of every month rangers or volunteers will give a program on different topics from bird watching to star-gazing. Call 904.461.2033 for more details.
904-461-2033 - Blue Spring State Park
MANATEES!
Central Region
Starts mid-Nov. 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 PM
Manatees seek out the 72-degree warmth of Blue Spring when winter chills the St. Johns River. Observe the endangered mammals from a boardwalk along the spring run. Best viewing is in the morning or late afternoon. Once the manatees have arrived, an interpretive program is offered daily in the programs building next to the concession.
386-775-3663 - Blue Spring State Park
JUNIOR RANGER ACADEMY
Central Region
First Saturday of each month, March - October 2009
On the first Saturday of each month meet us at the lower parking lot pavilion for educational games, activities, stories, and more related to Florida wildlife--Junior Ranger Academy. Each month will focus on a different Florida animal. Attend two or more sessions and receive a Blue Springs State Park Junior Ranger Patch! The program is best suited for children K-5.
386-775-3663 - Fort Mose Historical State Park
GUIDED TOUR OF FORT MOSE
Central Region
Every Saturday, beginning on September 12th, Fort Mose Historic State Park will offer a ranger-led guided tour of Fort Mose. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. On the tour, you will watch a short film on the history of Fort Mose, tour the exhibits and walk the boardwalk. Experience the history of Fort Mose, learn about the archaeology of the site, see remnants of daily life in Colonial Spanish Florida, and stroll along the boardwalk though a pristine salt water marsh. The guided tour is free, however, regular park entry fees apply.
(904) 823-2232 - Lake Griffin State Park
INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Central Region
Ongoing -
Check at Ranger Station for schedule.
Want to know more about Lake Griffin State Park? Interested in snakes? What's prescribed burning? Ecosystem management? Listen to Park Rangers interpret Florida State Parks. Local off-site programs are available.
352-360-6760 - Lake Griffin State Park
COFFEE BREAK WITH A RANGER
Central Region
Wednesdays starting 1/6/2010 through 3/31/2010
At 10:00 AM, weather permitting, registered campers can join a ranger for coffee and friendly conversations at the campground host site in the campground. Rangers get to share their experiences and stories with park guests in a casual relaxed setting. Coffee provided and guests are welcome to bring baked goods for everyone to share.
352-360-6760 - Lake Griffin State Park
CAMPFIRE PROGRAM
Central Region
Saturdays starting 1/9/2010 through 3/27/2010
Beginning at 15 minutes after sunset, join a ranger at the amphitheater and sit by a cozy fire while learning fun facts about the park´s flora and fauna or interesting stories about the history of the surrounding area. This is a fun way to enrich your experience at this beautiful park. Questions and answers take place after the show.
352-360-6760 - Lake Kissimmee State Park
1876 COW CAMP
Central Region
As you meander down the short trail to the Cow Camp, you will travel back in time to 1876. At the end of the trail, you will find a Florida Cow Hunter in a frontier camp along the route of a cattle drive. He will be cooking, making coffee, tending to the cattle or just resting up until the next roundup or cattle drive. The Cow Hunter will be very happy to share stories about what his life is like and the challenges he faces. Pack up a picnic lunch and bring the whole family out to Lake Kissimmee State Park to enjoy this little bit of The Real Florida.
**New Cow Camp Hours**
The Cow Camp is open from October 1st through May 1st on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.. The Cow Camp is also open on Holidays (except for Christmas Day) from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cow Camps are available upon request year round for groups of 15 or more.
Offsite Cow Camps are available for schools, community organizations, special events, etc. Call the Ranger Station for more information.
863-696-1112 - Lake Louisa State Park
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Central Region
3rd Saturday of the month 9 AM - 12 PM Oct. 16, N
Work along side staff and volunteers to complete various park projects. Volunteers get a chance to learn about the park’s resource management and visitor service goals and how they too can become environmental stewards of the park. Participates will receive a free lunch provided by the Friends of Lake Louisa State Park.
352-394-3969 - Lake Louisa State Park
CAMPFIRE PROGRAM
Central Region
Oct - Mar 2nd Saturday one-hour after Park closes
CAMPFIRE PROGRAM for overnight guests only at the Group Fire Ring located in the campground. Listen to stories or learn fun facts about the park or its inhabitants. Call (352)394-3969 for more details.
352-394-3969 - Sebastian Inlet State Park
SEA TURTLE WALKS
Central Region
June & July, 2008 9 PM - 1 AM
Learn about Florida's sea turtles and maybe see a nesting loggerhead sea turtle, on a ranger led tour. Reservations for June will be taken starting on May 15, at 8 AM. July's reservations will be taken starting on June 15, at 8 AM. Call for reservations and information
321-984-4852 - Silver River State Park
COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS
Central Region
3rd Saturday of the month
Call the park for definite times. Wake up your senses! Discover the sights and sounds of the birds that inhabit our many different natural communities. Join a local birding expert on Silver River's trails. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. A field guide and binoculars would be helpful. Meet at the Silver River Museum. No pets, please.
352-236-7148 - Silver River State Park
CRACKER VILLAGE TOUR
Central Region
4th Saturday of the month - call for times
Come and discover what life was like at the turn of the century in the Florida "piney woods". A ranger will show you through a Florida Cracker homestead and kitchen. Meet at the Cracker Village across from the museum.
352-236-7148 - Silver River State Park
STAR-GAZING PARTY
Central Region
2nd Saturday of the month
Come see the night sky in all its glory. Join members of the Ocala Astronomy Club and learn about the stars, planets, and more. Insect repellent, a lawn chair or blanket, and binoculars are recommended. Call park for other dates and for more information and exact times.
352-236-7148 - St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
RANGER INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM
Central Region
Ongoing
Wagon rides, guided hikes and scrub jay encounters are conducted monthly from fall through spring. Contact the Environmental Learning Center on (772)589-5050 for dates, times and fees. Group field trips are provided by request only. Call the preserve office on (321)953-5004 to discuss swamp tours for your group.
321-953-5005 - Tomoka State Park
TOMOKA REMEMBERS
Central Region
2nd Saturday, Oct. - March
(Schedule may change, please call the park first.) Florida history comes to life! Each month, discover a different piece of the past, from Seminoles to Civil War to weaving and quilting. As we focus on just one time period, you will have a chance to talk with knowledgeable interpreters in an unhurried way. Call for each month’s topic.
386-676-4050 - Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
2ND SATURDAY PLANT SALES AT THE PARK
Central Region
2nd Saturday each month
The Friends of Washington Oaks will be holding a plant sale on the second Saturday each month. The plant sale hours are from 10am-2pm. You will find a selection of perennials, succulents, and orchids. Most of our plants for sale were propagated and grown right here in the park by our wonderful volunteers. All proceeds benefit the park for enhancement of current and new facilities. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is made up of a diverse landscape with a hardwood forest bordering the tidal marshes along the intra-coastal waterway. Within the Park are ornamental gardens, hammocks, coastal scrub, beaches and marshes. This variety of plant communities accounts for the abundant wildlife here. The peaceful and tranquil setting of this biologically rich area offers the unhurried visitor an opportunity to relax, reflect, explore, discover, and wonder.
386-446-6780 - Wekiwa Springs State Park
RANGER INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM
Central Region
Ongoing
Rangers are periodically available to give informative programs. If you would like to request a program for your group or event, please contact the Ranger Station at 407-884-2008. Thirty days notice is required when requesting a program.
(407) 884 2008 - Wekiwa Springs State Park
WET TO DRY TRAIL GUIDE TOUR
Central Region
1st/3rd Sunday, 1:00 & 2:00 p.m.
The Wet To Dry Trail is a quick 30 minute tour guide that begins on a low sloped trail. The short hike is a comfortable walk through shady vegetation known as Hydric Hammock. The guide will explain the different types of natural communities in the park and the variety of wildlife.
(407) 884 2008
