Women's History Month: 

Fran P. Mainella

Fran Mainella was the 16th Director of the National Park Service of the United States and first woman to hold that position. She was appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2001. Prior to her position at the National Park Service, Fran served twelve years as Director of Florida’s state parks, which were awarded the Gold Medal Award, recognizing Florida as the best state park system in the country.

Women's History Month: 

Dagny Johnson

Now 2,421 acres on the northern third of the island of Key Largo, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park was named for Dagny Johnson, a local environmental activist, approximately one year before her death in 2003. Throughout the 1970s, `80s and `90s, Johnson led environmental organizations that fought to stop the development that was planned for much of north Key Largo. Preservation of onshore communities was not the only purpose for protecting north Key Largo. These environmental activists also wanted to protect the coral reefs offshore from the adverse impacts of land development.

Women's History Month: 

Wendy Spencer

Wendy Spencer served as the Director of Florida's state parks, where she oversaw natural resource and recreational management for 158 state parks spanning 600,000 acres. It was this and many other prestigious positions, that led to her current title as CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) since April 9, 2012, shortly after being nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Say 'I Do' at a 

Florida State Park

Nothing makes saying “I do” sweeter than doing so at the perfect venue. We have over a dozen state parks that will make your special day a lasting memory. Our lush gardens, beaches and parks have the ideal setting for nuptials filled with forever. Click here to view a complete list of wedding specific parks and ideas on decor, planning and more at our Outdoor Weddings Pinterest Board.

If you had your wedding at one of our parks, please send them to us and you could be featured on our site!

March is Florida Archaeology Month

Every March is Florida Archaeology Month and we have some of the best parks for the inner-archaeologist in you. This month was designed to encourage Floridians and visitors to learn more about Florida's rich history and preservation of cultural heritage. Make Crystal River, Lake Jackson, Letchworth-Love Mound, Madira Bickel Mound, Mound Key, San Marcos de Apalache and San Pedro Underwater Archaeological State Parks a must-see on you Florida State Parks bucket list this spring!

151st Anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge

The annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge will be held Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 5 & 6, 2016.  Both a Saturday skirmish and Sunday’s full reenactment will be conducted on part of the original battlefield acquired by the State in 2009.  The historic battlefield site was named for its true biological feature that provides a crossing point at a section where the St. Marks River goes underground for a distance before reappearing, therefore forming a natural bridge. Click here for more information.

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