FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 27, 2011
FLORIDA PARK SERVICE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR WITH FIRST DAY HIKES
~Rejuvenate by taking a
family friendly trek through a state park close to home~
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service will sponsor free, guided
hikes in nine state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day
Hikes initiative in all 50 states. America’s State Parks First Day
Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year
rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise,
enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
“We are
excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people
outdoors and into Florida’s
award-winning state parks,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Donald
Forgione. “First Day Hikes are a great way to enjoy the Florida sunshine and burn off those extra
holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike
in one of our beautiful state parks.”
America’s State Parks boast a
variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First
Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural
treasures close to home. From California to Maine, hikers can climb
hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds and beaches, and traverse trails
through forests, fields and prairies. Visitors can listen
to birds, breathe in the fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, feel the wind and
the warmth of the sun or the coldness of the snow. Visitors can expect
to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, experience
spectacular views and vistas and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable
state park guide.
“What better way to kick off the New Year than
with a hike at a state park?” said Ruth Coleman, President of the National
Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). “Think of it as the start of a new
and healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to
home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s
Day.”
First
Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a
state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to
promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation
at state parks. Many other states have offered outdoor recreation programs on
New Year’s Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have
joined together to sponsor First Day
Hikes.
“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to
relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” stated Phil McNelly, NASPD’s
Executive Director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become
part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”
Park
staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or
longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations, difficulty
and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s state parks website. Visit www.americasstateparks.org
to find a First Day Hike nearest you.
In
Florida,
hikes will be offered at the following locations and times on Sunday, Jan.
1, 2012:
9 a.m.
Enjoy a two mile guided
hike through the most diverse topography in Florida and the Steephead Ravine systems
bring a vast array of rare and endangered plants and animals. The federally
endangered Torreya tree is one example of the special features that call Torreya State Park home. Water and appropriate
shoes/clothing for weather conditions and terrain are recommended. For more
information, call 850-643-2674.
10 a.m.
This two mile ranger lead
hike winds through beautiful oak hammocks, coastal dune lake areas out to a
gorgeous white sand beach. Water, insect repellant, sun screen and appropriate
shoes/clothing for weather conditions and terrain are recommended. For more
information, call 850-233-5058.
10 a.m.
Meet at the barn in the
farmyard at this national historic landmark for a walk through the home of
author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Visitors can also explore the park’s two short
trails through the park, the first trail goes from the front of the house in a
loop through a Florida
hammock and the second trail leads from the back of the historic property
through a fern forest to the cypress trees. For more information, call
352-466-6372.
12 p.m.
The Dune Ridge Trail
meanders for two miles atop an ancient dune ridge under a canopy of live oaks,
cedars and sable palms in a lush maritime hammock and concludes with a two mile
walk along Little Talbot Island's picturesque beach. Water, snacks, insect
repellant, layered clothing and a camera are recommended. For more information,
call 904-251-2320.
9 a.m.
This easy six mile hike
winds along ancient sand dunes in a maritime forest of centuries old live oaks.
Water and appropriate shoes/clothing for weather conditions and terrain are
recommended. For more information, call 904-277-7274.
8 a.m.
Join a park ranger on an
early morning stroll along one of the Atlantic Ocean's
dynamic beaches to learn about the drama of the endangered sea turtles, the
importance of barrier islands and more. Water, comfortable walking shoes,
insect repellant and sunscreen are recommended. For more information, call
321-984-4852.
10 a.m.
Participants should meet at
the Mac Lake Pavilion for this two mile ranger led hike, meandering through pine
flatwoods, around cypress domes and by bottomland forests. Along the way,
visitors will have the opportunity to view native plants and animals while
learning about the natural and cultural resources of the park. Water, insect
repellant, sunscreen and appropriate shoes/clothing for weather conditions and
terrain are recommended. For more information, call 863-815-6761.
1 p.m.
Join a park ranger for a
four mile hike on the Wild Persimmon Trail. Deer, turkeys and occasionally a
black bear are spotted on this trail. Water, insect repellant and appropriate
shoes/clothing for weather conditions and terrain are recommended. For more
information, call 386-985-4212.
11 a.m.
A knowledgeable volunteer
will guide visitors down nearly a mile of the Osprey Trail. With an optional
two mile hike, visitors should bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and appropriate
shoes/clothing for weather conditions and terrain are recommended. For more
information, call 727-738-2903.
America's State Parks is committed
to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity,
especially among children. Getting kids
outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a
unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and
encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.
The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance
the state park systems of America
for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the
nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.
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