TALLAHASSEE–The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service invites Floridians to join in the annual Earth Day celebrations hosted by Florida’s state parks, greenways and trails. From brightening up beaches and beautifying green spaces to recycling races and walks among the wildflowers, events throughout the state offer opportunities to help preserve and celebrate Florida’s rich natural resources.

Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in Earth Day events every year.

Earth Day events in Florida State Parks include:

April 21, 8 – 10 a.m.

Come be a part of this annual event organized by the Okaloosa Environmental Council and sponsored by the Tourist Development Council and the Okaloosa County Commission. Participants will receive free T-shirts, snacks and drinks while supplies last. Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, a cap and sunscreen.

April 21, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This event is open to all and will begin with a Beach Clean-Up from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by the Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., a 5K Race will conclude the annual event. The day-use parking area off of Hwy 30A will be available for participants.

April 21, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join in a day of environmental awareness and exploration with displays and activities that will include a reptile interpretation area, a native animal exhibit, wildflower walks and guided interpretive hikes on native flora and fauna. This will be a family-friendly event that features an array of activities in the beautiful natural setting of the park.

Come assist in the beautification of the park. Staff and volunteers will join together to remove debris from park grounds. This park-wide, family-friendly waste removal effort will ensure an attractive, safe park for visitors and wildlife. Suggested items to bring include water, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray and a snack, if desired. Long pants, a hat and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also recommended.

Earth Day Observance

Event will include educational, interpretive carts and exhibits that will be set up and displayed within the Garden of the Springs and throughout the park. Regular park admission will be charged.

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Staff and participants will restore an 11-acre coastal hammock in the preserve by removing invasive, exotic Brazilian Pepper seedlings by hand. Suggested items to bring include water, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray and a snack, if desired. Long pants, a hat and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Lunch will be provided by Friends of Crystal River State Park for all participants. To register for this event or for more information contact Jon or Stephanie at (352) 563-0450.

April 22, 9 – 11 a.m.

Fort Clinch State Park

To celebrate Earth Day, volunteers will help remove trash and debris along a one-mile stretch of shoreline within the park. Minors should be accompanied by an adult. Please bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

Exotic Plant Pull

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Celebrate Earth Day by making a difference at this National Natural Landmark. Volunteers will help restore wildlife habitats by removing invasive, exotic plants from the sensitive hammock forests within the park. Please bring lunch or snacks, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray and water. It is recommended to wear a hat, long pants and sturdy shoes.

Little Talbot Island State Park

Volunteers are invited to show community support by aiding in the clean-up that will help safeguard our fragile marine and estuarine environments. Volunteers will learn about the impacts of marine debris and how to prevent future occurrences. Please bring lunch, gloves, a hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and water. Volunteers should meet at Pavilion 1 inside the park.

April 22, 1 – 4 p.m.

Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning and Manatee Springs State Parks and Nature Coast State Trail will host a collaborative park-wide scavenger hunt. Park Ranger Howard Meyer will read a book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings entitled The Secret River before the hunt begins. The reading will take place on the park stage from 1-1:30 p.m. The hunt will begin immediately afterward. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place participants and all will receive a certificate of participation.

Event will include a ranger-led hike on the Gobbler Ridge Trail starting at 9 a.m. Participants will also enjoy the fun of a recycle relay race at 11 a.m.

Activities will include arts and crafts vendors, living history demonstrations, environmental and cultural booths, live entertainment, nature programs, live animals, games of chance and a large children’s environmental activity center. A variety of food and drink will be sold by vendors and local organizations.

April 22, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Faver-Dykes State Park

Event includes a kayak journey exploring the remote and serene Pellicer Creek from Faver-Dykes State Park. An interpretive naturalist will teach proper kayaking technique and guide the participants on a 3-hour environmental expedition. The cost is $55 per person, which includes admission into the park, guide service and kayaking equipment. Space is limited. For more information contact Chris Kelley at (904) 347-1565 or reserve online at www.RippleEffectEcotours.com.

April 21, 8:30 a.m.

Part of a nationwide effort to remove litter from our environment and beautify our nation by beginning with our immediate communities, this event is sponsored by Keep America Beautiful in conjunction with Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful. Volunteers will help to make a visible difference at the park through activities such as litter removal, recycling and improvement programs. Space is limited. To sign up for the Great American Clean-up or for additional information please visit www.khcbonline.org.

Volunteers will help remove trash and debris from areas throughout the park to celebrate Earth Day. Upon arrival at the park, please notify the staff at the Ranger Station that you’re supporting the clean-up efforts. Participants will meet at parking lot #4, at the state park Blazing Star pavilion. Clean-up event is limited to 50 participants. To sign up for the Great American Clean-up or for additional information, contact Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful at (813) 960-5121.

11th Annual Earth Day Celebration

Koreshan State Historic Site

This family friendly event will include environmental presentations, free kayak rides, children’s activities, a drum circle, live entertainment on a solar powered music stage, organic food vendors, art booths and more. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is $10 per carload.

April 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Event includes live music, kid’s activities, environmental booths and more great activities.

Show that you care about the marine environment by helping to keep it free of litter. Be an environmental steward and join other volunteers working toward a common goal. Supplies will be provided to those who attend. For more information contact Art at (561) 624-6970 or visit online at http://www.keeppbcbeautiful.org/.

Earth Day Tree Planting

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Celebrate Earth Day and help beautify the park’s Pine Grove Campground. This event is for adults and families with children ages 6 and up. Meet in the Pine Grove Campground. For more information or to register, contact the Kimbell Center at (561) 745-5551, or email alexandra.onisko@dep.state.fl.us.

Event will include live entertainment, holistic and alternative energy workshops, special discussion sea turtle conservation and volunteer opportunities, presentations from earth-friendly businesses and organizations on cutting-edge environmental issues and sustainable topics and much more. There will also be an extensive dune restoration project which will include the planting of protected sea oats. Native plants will be given away to volunteers who participate in the restoration efforts. For more information contact the park at (954) 564-4521 or visit online at www.EarthDayHughBirch.com.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Celebrate all things green at The Barnacle. Festivities include booths featuring green businesses and local environmental groups and children’s activities. Acoustic music will be provided by Florida Historian-in-Song Grant Livingston from noon until 3 p.m.

The nation’s best state parks and trails have joined forces. Now a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, the award-winning Office of Greenways and Trails manages the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, eight state trails and more. Florida’s award-winning state parks have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 160 parks, 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information on visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/.