A volunteer trims a tree.

In September, many opportunities for volunteering and light breezes entice people outside.

September has been designated as National Service Month and kicks off the Season of Service. Florida’s state parks offer many opportunities for you to join in the work and the fun.

Saturday, Sept. 15 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, where volunteers pick up trash from lakes, streams, rivers and the ocean. Furthermore, we have joined with Friends of Florida State Parks to host volunteer activities for Saturday, Sept. 29, which is National Public Lands Day, America’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance public lands. From picking up litter and maintaining hiking trails to planting trees, spreading mulch and removing invasive plants, there’s a job for everyone. To date, almost 40 state park Friends groups have joined in the effort.

Find a complete list of events and groups participating.

A volunteer reads with two children.

Reading and literacy are important – especially during the back-to-school season. Students can get off to a good start by reading a book at one of Florida’s state parks, which are offering literacy events around the state, throughout September. Select state parks will host special events that vary from book giveaways to reading with a park ranger and reciting poetry. 

“Florida’s state park system offers the perfect settings for families and friends to share the power of reading,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “Our 171 properties statewide create an atmosphere where imagination and creativity are strengthened by the surrounding nature and combined they can create a reading experience unlike any other for a child.”

Examples of events:

• Literacy Day at O'Leno State Park (High Springs)
  Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  O’Leno State Park is celebrating Literacy Day with Magic and the Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses along with local authors and guest readers. There will be nature arts and crafts and games for young readers. Free by showing a library card, library book or the donation of a new or gently used family-friendly book. 
• Barnacle, Book, Birds and Boats at The Barnacle Historic State Park (Coconut Grove)
  Sunday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Children’s activity stations will include games, Ranger-Read-Along and more. Or, just bring a blanket and book and find a shady spot to read. Free with the donation of a family-friendly book. 
• Literacy Day at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (Homosassa)
  Saturday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Volunteers from the Citrus County Library System will be available to assist visitors in signing up for a library card and to share information on resources available through the Citrus County libraries. Free park admission when you show your library card or donate a new or used family-friendly book.

• Puppets ‘n Night Prowl at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park (Bushnell)
  Saturday, Sept. 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  Enjoy a puppet show, book reading and a night walk. Entry into the park is free with the donation of a family-friendly book. 

  
  

  Find more Literacy Month events.

Two bicyclists ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail.

The Florida Greenways and Trails System establishes a vision for connecting greenways and trails across Florida for recreation, conservation, alternative transportation, healthy lifestyles, a vibrant economy and a high quality of life. The first plan was adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1999. A new plan is being developed in coordination with the Florida Greenways and Trails Council and other governments and organizations. Provide your input on this plan at the open houses listed below.

You will also have the opportunity to comment on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and the U.S. Forest Service’s Florida National Scenic Trail Route Designation.

Six open houses are scheduled:

• Tallahassee – Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4 to 7 p.m., Florida Department of Transportation, headquarters auditorium
• Panama City Beach – Thursday, Sept. 13, 4 to 7 p.m. (Central), Panama City Beach Senior Center (FGTS and FNST only)
• Palatka – Tuesday, Sept. 18, 4 to 7 p.m., Ravine Gardens State Park, Auditorium (FGTS and FNST only)
• Sanford, Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Sarasota, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 4 to 7 p.m., Sarasota County Public Works
• Boca Raton, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 4 to 7 p.m., Sugar Sand Park Community Center.

Plan to join us for an open house near you to share your thoughts on one or more of these plans.

A kayaker paddles into the mangroves at Curry Hammock State Park.

Blue Spring State Park was named in the Top Parks for Boating and Fishing in a Facebook promotion for Take Me Fishing in a contest called Nature’s Waterpark Showdown. More than 150,000 Facebook fans voted for their favorite park over an eight week period. Blue Spring State Park was included in the list of winners (#3) of the Top 8 Boating and Fishing Parks in America. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation uses Take Me Fishing as a program to encourage adults to take children fishing and discover the great outdoors, boating and fishing.

Curry Hammock State Park won $25,000 in America’s Favorite Park Contest. Coca-Cola announced on Thursday, August 16 that Curry Hammock State Park in the Florida Keys was the third place winner in their 2012 America is your Park campaign. The park received 8.1 million votes on Facebook out of nearly 100 million votes overall. Curry Hammock State Park will receive a $25,000 grant to make improvements that focus on access for all visitors, additional equipment for recreational activities and playground upgrades.

Which state park is your favorite? Plan a trip there today.