Family at Fishing Clinic at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Communities across the nation are coming together this April to celebrate the Children and Nature Network’s “Let’s G.O.!” (Get Outside) initiative. Families and friends, teachers and students, young and old are all encouraged to play, serve and celebrate in the great outdoors this month in an effort to reconnect with one another and with our environment. Here are some suggestions:

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park in the panhandle is ranked one of the top three beaches in America making it the perfect stop for a family outing, a stroll on the beach or for casting from shore. If a day trip isn’t enough, there are ample camping facilities where you and your family can spend a memorable weekend.

The coastline bordering Big Talbot Island, Little Talbot Island, Amelia Island and Anastasia state parks provide plenty of opportunities for nature-based fun. These parks lie within an easy drive of Jacksonville, making weekend – or even after school – excursions a perfect family activity. Relaxing, yet entertaining activities such as shelling, wildlife viewing and fishing are popular at these parks. The sandy beaches of Little Talbot Island (north end), Amelia Island and Anastasia state parks are perfect for swimming. Hiking and biking trails, canoes, kayaks and campgrounds are available for more active recreation. If you’re feeling adventurous, Amelia Island State Park offers daily horseback tours – one of the few east coast beaches with horseback riding.

Koreshan State Historic Site is teeming with unusual and interesting history that is sure to fascinate children and adults of all ages. In 1894, a pioneer by the name of Cyrus Reed Teed brought his followers to Estero to build New Jerusalem for his new faith, Koreshanity. The colony they built was called Koreshan Unity, and the inhabitants believed that the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere. The colony began to fade after Teed’s death in 1908, and in 1961 the last four members deeded the land to the state. Today, the land is open for fishing, picnics, boating and hiking. Self-guided and ranger-guided tours of the settlement are available, as well. For an extended family outing, Koreshan State Historic Site has a full-facility campground.

An abundance of wildlife can be found at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Thirteen natural communities, including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves and river swamps, make this park an ideal camping spot for the whole family. Miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and equestrian activities crisscross the park and lead to the scenic Loxahatchee River. The whole family can learn more about this rich area at the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center. Boat tours and kayak and canoe rentals are also available for a full day of educational, outdoor family fun.

Let’s G.O.! is a great excuse to “unplug” your kids for the afternoon, the day, or even the weekend. There is so much to experience and celebrate in Florida that your family can’t afford to miss out.

Wesley House at Eden Gardens State Park

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Volunteers contribute millions of hours each year to help Florida’s state parks with many different jobs, from greeting visitors and conducting tours to maintenance of beaches, trails and other facilities. Each year, park managers nominate their volunteers for awards to honor their service. The 2011 winners are:

Citizen Support Organization of the Year

 The Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, Inc. at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Since 2001, this friends group has invested significantly in the park through fundraising and grants. They have used the funds to restore the lodge roof, renovate the ticket office, update interpretive displays, construct bridges and restore tour boats.

CSO/Park Short Term Project of the Year

Wesley House Column Restoration Project at Eden Gardens State Park

The Friends of Eden Gardens provided funding to restore the columns and repair the second-floor veranda on the historic Wesley House by operating the Fig Leaf Gift Shop and the Friends Plant Nursery and organizing after-hour events.

Volunteer Team of the Year

Birch Resident Volunteer Team at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Seven people volunteer each year to help this park with their maintenance, resource management, visitors’ services, administration and interpretation goals. Known as the Big 7, they collectively donated more than 5,000 hours in 2011. Many thanks to George Speares, Mike Hare, Reynaud (Pep) and Sue Bourdages, Lori Arnold and Richard and Siouxzen WhiteCloud.

Female Youth Volunteer of the Year

Teakahla WhiteCloud at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Teakahla WhiteCloud assists in many aspects of the interpretive program at the park, helping her mother in removing invasive plants in several sensitive habitats and with gopher tortoise counts because of her ability to indentify individual gopher tortoises. Teakahla is a natural leader who motivates other children to become involved with the park and the environment.

Adult Volunteer of the Year

Myra Rhodes at Henderson Beach State Park

Since 1997 Myra Rhodes has been a steadfast friend and supporter of Henderson Beach and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou state parks. This year she has volunteered more than 500 hours and is currently the president of the Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks. She has volunteered in the ranger station, taken an active role in the CSO and put in countless hours in fundraising activities. Interpretive programs have tripled because of the placement of clear climate control blinds in a pavilion where she saw a need.

If you would like to become a state park volunteer, visit How to Apply.

A recycle bin.

Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed Sunday, April 22 as the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. Around Florida, this occasion draws attention to the health of the planet. Florida’s state parks continue to offer fun ways for you to celebrate or lend a helping hand.

Northwest Florida

Henderson Beach State Park in Destin
Earth Day Beach Clean-Up
Saturday, April 21, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to remove trash from the beach and the park. Free to volunteers while supplies last: T-shirts, snacks, water. Please wear closed shoes, gloves, cap and sunscreen. Contact: Doe Schuster at 850- 837-7550. Free for participants.

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us for a day of exploration and environmental awareness with displays and activities including reptile interpretation, wildflower walks, native animal exhibit and interpretive hikes about native plants and wildlife. This event will provide an array of activities for the whole family. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach
Earth Day Celebration 4th Annual Festival & 5K Race
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 5K at 4 p.m.
Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Inc will host family-friendly educational booths and storytellers, puppet shows, book readings and music on a main stage. Vendors will showcase food and goods. Chefs will demonstrate preparing locally grown foods at the clubhouse. $6 per vehicle for festival, up to eight people. Free for 5K racers.

Northeast Florida

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park in Gainesville
Earth Day Trail Improvements
Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Trails are built and maintained by volunteers. This Earth Day work day will include clearing and maintaining existing trails. Gloves, appropriate clothing and shoes for working in the woods, a pair of limb pruning shears if you have one, snacks, water bottle, insect repellent. Lunch will be provided. Free for participants. Arrive before 9:15 a.m. Contact Lee Ross.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa Springs
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Exhibits will be set up by many environmental and educational groups in the garden and throughout the park. The Wildlife Care department's volunteers will have educational interpretive carts all along the Wildlife Walk. $13 per person.

Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach
Wild Amelia Adopt-a-Shore Beach Cleanup
Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Help beautify the park and reduce dangers to wildlife by picking up debris on a one-mile stretch of shoreline. Please bring water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Free for participants.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy
Earth Day Exotic Plant Pull
Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day by making a difference at this National Natural Landmark. Help restore wildlife habitat by removing invasive exotic coral ardisia plants from the sensitive live oak hammock forests. Please bring your lunch or snacks, gloves, sunscreen, bug spray and a refillable water bottle; and please wear a hat, long pants and sturdy shoes. Free for participants.

Fanning Springs State Park in Fanning Springs
Earth Day Celebration & Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 22, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fanning and Manatee Springs state parks and Nature Coast State Trail will partner to host a scavenger hunt at Fanning Springs in honor of Earth Day. Park ranger Howard Meyer will read a book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings called “The Secret River” before the hunt begins. The reading will take place from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the main stage located in the park, and from there the hunt will begin. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; everyone will receive a certificate of participation. $6 per vehicle, up to eight people.

Central Florida

Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lake Kissimmee State Park is hosting its first Earth Day celebration with a guided hike and recycle relay race. At 9 a.m. Park services specialist Andi Henry will lead a guided hike on the 2.5-mile Gobbler Ridge Trail that leads out to Lake Kissimmee. After the hike, there will be a relay race. This is a fun way to learn what is and is not recyclable. Many people are surprised at what is not recyclable and the time recycle centers spend sorting through it all. The race will begin with each participant picking a recyclable or non recyclable item out of the bin, taking it through the obstacle course and at the end placing it in the correct recycling bin. Two teams will compete for the best time and correct answers to win the challenge. Please wear shoes and attire suitable for hiking and bring a refillable water bottle. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast
23rd Annual Earth Day Celebration
Saturday and Sunday, April 21 & 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Friends of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park will host activities including 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. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people.

Southwest Florida

Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin
Island Earth Days Celebrations
Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Events feature great live outdoor music and entertainment on the big stage, a Hawaiian outrigger race on Saturday at 12 p.m. and a kayak competition on Sunday. Fun for the whole family! Highlights include fresh seafood, plus a variety of other food and beverages including beer and wine, fine artists, quality craft and environmental vendors with a bigger than ever environmental area called the Osprey Village. There will be guided walks in the woods and on the beach, plus nature talks, presentations and activities and crafts for kids. More event information. Donation of $8 per vehicle, up to eight people, includes parking. Pets permitted on six foot, hand-held leash. Call 727-738-2903 or email.

Hillsborough River State Park north of Tampa
Earth Day Hillsborough County Great America Clean Up & Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
Saturday, April 21, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This event gives community groups the opportunity to show pride and encourages volunteerism by cleaning and beautifying parks, neighborhoods and shorelines. This is a project of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. Notify the staff at the ranger station that you’re supporting the day. Meet at parking lot #4, at the state park Blazing Star pavilion. Park staff will outline event objectives and safety concerns. Clean up ends at 12 p.m. and trash will be inventoried. Participants will then stay for a “thank you” activity in the park. Free to participants. Sign up at 813-960-5121.

Alafia River State Park in Lithia
Earth Day Hillsborough County Great America Clean Up & Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
Saturday April 21, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Help the environment by picking up trash and cleaning up areas around the Alafia River and/or various lakes. This is a project of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. Sign up at 813-960-5121. Free to participants.

Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey
23rd Annual Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Come celebrate Earth Day with live music, kid’s activities, environmental booths and activities. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people. Volunteers are free.

Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero
11th Annual Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
A partnership of the Florida Sierra Club Caloosa Group & and Happehatchee Center to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy art, live music, food and environmental presentations. This is a day of fun and learning for the entire family. This main events are “Project NatureConnect Experiences” and live art (artist painting to music), kid’s activities begin at 11 a.m. A drum circle is open to the public from 4 – 6 p.m. $10 per vehicle. Volunteers needed. Call Ashley at 239-925-0311 before April 15 to sign up.

South Florida

Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key
17th Annual Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 14, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
There will be live music featuring local musicians. The local Moose Lodge from Big Pine Key will cook up some wonderful hot dogs, sloppy Joes and fixings. Activities include face painting, puppet show, fish printing and a sand sculpture contest. There will be environmental exhibits and booths, marine life touch tanks and a variety of children’s activities. The Florida Keys Astronomy Club will set up telescopes with a special lens for viewing the sun. Admission to the park is free; but come early as parking is limited.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale
4th Annual Earth Day Every Day Celebration & Sand Dune Restoration
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The park’s 4th Annual Earth Day celebration is brought to you by Sea Turtle Oversight Protection, Camp Live Oak and the city of Ft. Lauderdale. Partners also include sustainability-driven organizations Starbrite, Reef Rescue, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and many more. Public speakers will present cutting-edge environmental and sustainable topics throughout the day. House of Bread will emcee soulful, live entertainment throughout the day including Teri Catlin and the Didgeridoo Band. The city of Ft. Lauderdale will host a dune restoration project with volunteers planting sea oats. Volunteers will receive native plants to take home. For more event information please visit www.EarthDayHughBirch.com. $6 per vehicle, up to eight people.

The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove
Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate all things green at The Barnacle. Booths will feature green businesses and local environmental groups. There will be environmental activities for the kids. Bring your own picnic or buy burgers, hot dogs and veggie dogs. Acoustic music between noon and 3 p.m. will be provided by Florida Historian-in-Song, Grant Livingston. $2 per person, ages 5 and under are free.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound
Earth Day Tree Planting
Saturday, April 21, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day and help beautify the campground in this Florida State Parks AmeriCorps project. Free admission for participants.