July 1st, 2008 Sandra Friend
July is Florida Recreation and Parks Month, and what better way to celebrate than to visit your local state park? It’s summer, so if you’re going to hike, get there when the gates open at 8 AM, or pick a park where paddling and swimming is a part of the fun too, like Lafayette Blue Springs State Park or Wekiwa Springs State Park.
On Sunday July 13, admission to all state parks is free. Get out there and enjoy your Florida treasures!
Posted in Central, Events, North | No Comments » Post to del.icio.us
June 25th, 2008 Sandra Friend
Our Department of Environmental Protection kicked off its first-ever Florida Rivers Month Photo Contest on Jun 1. I just received news today, and the contest goes on through the end of July.
If you have photos that depict the beauty of Florida’s rivers, considering submitting your best to this online contest. It’s mainly for bragging rights (although a gift basket is involved), but what the heck … here are the rules and forms you need to submit your images to DEP.
Posted in Events, News | No Comments » Post to del.icio.us
June 22nd, 2008 Sandra Friend
It’s a delight to learn that long-time Estero resident Ellen Peterson has been named Conservationist of the Year by the Florida Wildlife Federation. Ellen has been a strong supporter of conservation in Southwest Florida since the 1960s, taking on serious and successful efforts to protect Lovers Key, Estero Bay, and Pine Island Sound from rampant development; the natural lands and state parks that became a part of the landscape (in lieu of condos, thank goodness) all sport hiking trails. Ellen was the driving force to keep Fisheating Creek open for canoeists, too. Find out more at the Fort Myers News-Press.
Posted in Events, News, People | No Comments » Post to del.icio.us
June 15th, 2008 Sandra Friend
Take a guided hike next Saturday, the summer equinox June 21, at Ferndale Preserve in Monteverde. Park rangers will lead the hike and point out bird and butterfly species in the area. The park is along CR 455 and the group will meet at 8:30 AM. For more information, see the Lake County BCC website.
Posted in Central, Events | No Comments » Post to del.icio.us
June 11th, 2008 Sandra Friend
A new 32-acre gem in Dunnellon at a very familiar spot - the tubing run exit along CR 484 at the bridge over the Rainbow River - is officially opening this Friday. As a former Dunnellon resident, I’m aware of the struggle that went on to preserve this piece of property, which took an effort from Marion County and the Florida Communities Trust, with a big push by Rainbow River Conservation, Inc., and I applaud the city for seeing this through and opening the property sooner rather than “after improvements.”
A nature trail lets you explore the park; I’ll be down there to report on it soon! The dedication is 1 PM Friday. More details in this story in the Ocala Star Banner.
Posted in Central, Events | No Comments » Post to del.icio.us
