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Resource Management at Work: Protecting Torreya Trees
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The staff at Torreya State Park in Liberty County are continuing efforts to protect one of the most endangered trees in North America. The torreya tree grows in ravines in Torreya State Park, and but a virus is putting those populations at further risk. The virus thrives by entering through a tree’s vascular system, the trunk. Adolescent deer aggravate the issue by rubbing their antlers against the trees, damaging areas of the trunk and giving the virus easier entrance. To combat this, park staff are installing wire cages around dozens of individual saplings. Thanks to a recent boost from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Jacksonville Zoo, caging and monitoring efforts are well underway and they are one step closer to securing a healthy torreya tree population.
Learn More About Resource Management
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Volunteers Clean Up the Beaches
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Miami-Dade County had a successful monthly beach clean up event. Thanks to the help of nearly 150 volunteers, 330 pounds of trash was cleared off of the beach and picnic areas. The park was excited to welcome kids from the Irie Foundation, a South Florida foundation aimed at empowering at-risk youth. Florida State Parks is grateful to the dedicated volunteers that help protect the natural and cultural resources of our award-winning park system.
Learn More About Volunteering
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Mural Unveiled at Withlacoochee Trailhead
The Withlacoochee Trailhead in Inverness was just given a recent facelift. A colorful mural was unveiled to a crowd of volunteers and park staff members. Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation David Clark, and Florida State Parks Assistant Director Parks Smalls both attended and spoke on the importance of the state park Citizen Support Organizations. The mural was funded, created, and installed by Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, specifically Linda and Dennis Reiland, Heather and Dave Nagy, and Candace and Jim McLean. The mural will offer a great photo opportunity for trail users, as well as create a lively focal point for the trail.
Learn More About Florida State Parks Friends Groups
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Teamwork at Big Talbot Island State Park
Staff at Big Talbot Island State Park in Duval County teamed up with Florida Forest Service to complete a prescribed fire in tough conditions. The 320-acre area presented some challenges because it had not been managed with prescribed fire in almost 30 years and the initial plans included an aerial ignition for the burn. Although the helicopter pilot was forced to land due to heavy fog, the team jumped into action lighting designated areas by hand in order to complete the burn. Jeff DiMaggio, the Fire Management Officer for that district, oversaw the restorative fire. “This fire reminds me of why I love the park service: everyone’s willingness to be flexible and tackle a harder assignment without hesitation.”
Learn More About Prescribed Fire
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Find An Adventure at a Florida State Park!
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 27th Annual Delicate Balance of Nature Lecture Series
March 7
Come out to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park in Monroe County for the conclusion of a two-month-long lecture series. Learn about the consequences, both good and bad, of humans interacting with nature!
Get event details here!
Annual Commemoration of the Founding of Fort Mose
March 17
Join us at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Johns County for the fifth annual commemoration of the founding of Fort Mose. Come see re-enactors, historic weapons demonstrations, lectures and activies!
Get event details here!
Florida Tales Story Hour
March 28
Join volunteers for an hour of entertaining Florida stories at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County. Some are real, some are just legend, but all are fun! Refreshments and snacks are provided! come learn about the Real Florida!
Get event details here!
 Pioneer Day Festival: A Living History Event
March 31
Take a trip back in time at Savannas Preserve State Park in St. Lucie County with the Pioneer Day Festival! Come enjoy living-history demonstrations, old-fashioned cooking and games, storytelling, and historic weapons demonstrations!
Get event details here!
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