FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 9, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Celebrate Florida Paddlesports Month

~Explore paddling trails and Florida State Parks this November ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites Florida's residents and visitors to celebrate Florida Paddlesports Month this November by exploring the more than 4,000 miles of designated paddling trails throughout the state.

“Florida’s rivers and waterways are some of the most scenic and ecologically-rich in the world,” Florida Park Service Director Eric Draper said. “Florida Paddlesports Month is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy Florida’s outdoors with friends and family. State parks offer many different paddling experiences, and DEP’s designated paddling trails make it easy to find your next adventure.”

Florida is home to 67 state designated paddling trails, coordinated by the Florida Park Service's Office of Greenways and Trails. Annually, an estimated 13.5 million residents and visitors enjoy the beauty and health benefits of paddlesports in Florida.

Florida’s fall and winter months provide the perfect weather for exploring paddling trails and waters found throughout the state. Florida's state parks offer a range of paddling opportunities, including kayaking the many springs at Ichetucknee Springs, paddleboarding the mangrove-lined waterways at Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson or exploring a rare coastal dune lake at Topsail Hill Preserve. Paddlers can observe wildlife and some of Florida’s seasonal visitors, such as various waterfowl and manatees.

November also features many statewide events that provide Florida's residents and visitors the opportunity to explore Florida's natural ecosystems: 

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park is hosting a Mid-Day Eco Tour Guided Paddle on Nov. 10, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is hosting a Moonlight Paddle on Nov. 21, 2018, at 4:30 p.m.
• Anastasia State Park is hosting a Full Moon Paddle on Nov. 23, 2018, at 5 p.m.
• St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is hosting a Guided Kayak Tour on Nov. 25, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. 

Visit Florida State Parks for more information and to plan your paddling adventure.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. 

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/2195fcd