In 2014, I began my Florida Park Service career as an OPS at Ichetucknee Springs State Park and later became a Ranger at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and now; Big Shoals State Park.

Florida's state parks feature 100 miles of pristine beaches across the entire state. In honor of Clean Beaches Week, celebrated July 1 through 7, follow these tips to help keep our beaches healthy and beautiful. 

As the summer months come to a peak, what better way get outdoors than to celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July!

July is National Picnic Month! Pack a picnic lunch and invite your family and friends to a Florida State Park to enjoy good food in the natural environment. 

On Sept. 9 and 10, 2023, Florida State Parks will join with Girl Scouts across the United States to celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks. Girl Scout troops are invited to visit a Florida State Park to participate in activities that support the theme of "Stewardship, let's show the love!"

As the weather gets warmer, there are more beautiful days to be spent enjoying and exploring the outdoors. Celebrate Outdoors Month in June by visiting the Real Florida and connecting with nature.

Glamping - or glamorous camping - is a relaxing way to experience the outdoors in luxury. All you need is transportation and the clothes on your back to start a sensational stay. Our partners offer special glamping experiences at several state parks.

Bird-watching is a great way to learn about the environment. Birds can be seen from just about anywhere – your office window or even your front door. However, state parks and green spaces provide the greatest opportunity. Here are some beginner-friendly tips to help you keep track of your avian encounters.

The world celebrated Earth Day on April 22, an annual time to reflect on our planet and its natural wonders. This year, we'd like to acknowledge some of the work that has been and is currently being done in our state parks to ensure that Florida’s natural beauty can be enjoyed for generations.

The city of DeBary, Florida, recently earned the designation of Trail Town at a meeting of the Greenways and Trails Council in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails.

Visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs enjoy geologic wonder as they watch the park’s famous mermaid shows, take a scenic river boat tour or splash into the clear water of the park’s namesake spring.

Most people who visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park are surprised to discover that a place labeled a prairie, with herds of bison and horses roaming free, is at times completely submerged by water.

Celebrate Women's History Month with an itinerary that spans the state and multiple Florida State Parks. Next time you’re planning to hit the road, keep these parks and places in mind!

For thousands of years, Florida’s history was shaped by Native Americans. From rich political societies to hunter-gatherer tribes, the Native people of Florida were as diverse as the environments in which they thrived.

Invasive plants threaten the natural environment. Park rangers, biologists and volunteers work hard to ensure that the natural habitats at our state parks represent the best of Florida. There are four things you can do to help native plants.

The headwaters of the Hillsborough River are in the Green Swamp to the northeast of the park near Zephyrhills. Just three 3 miles upstream from the park is Crystal Springs, a magnitude two spring system that discharges 30 million gallons per day into the Hillsborough River.