With acres upon acres of state and county parks throughout our area, St. Augustine and St. Johns County are the perfect places to get outside and learn. From hiking through the dunes to wildlife education and fishing instruction, there’s plenty to do this month. So we’ve rounded up 17 talks, tours, classes, and lectures hosted by the state and county parks that are happening during the month of February. Get out and enjoy the beautiful (getting warmer) Florida weather in our slice of paradise.
Saltwater Fishing 101
Usina Boat Ramp
February 6, 13, and 20, 9-11am
Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing in Florida. Ever wonder what to put in your tackle box, how to measure your catch, or how to clean what you’ve caught? Please note that all participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License. This is a free license from FWC. This program is free, but you must RSVP on Eventbrite to attend. The January 23rd class focuses on knot tying and the January 30 class focuses on tackle box essentials.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
River-to-Sea Trail Walk
River-to-Sea Preserve
February 6 and 27, 9-11am
Join a GTM Research Reserve guide as they lead a group along the trail, teaching about shorebirds, mollusks, and shells, as well as how Native Americans lived in the area. Guests will also learn about the make-up of coquina rock, how beach vines and sea oats help anchor dunes, and why the dune ecosystem needs protection. The program is free, but reservations are required.
www.gtmnerr.org/event/beach-exploration-12/all
Ancient Dunes Trail Hike
Anastasia State Park
February 7, 1-2pm
Join a park volunteer for this guided hike through the various ecosystems of Anastasia State Park – from the ancient dune system to the maritime hammocks. The hike is just a mile long, but it is one of the more demanding trails in the park due to the sloping landscape. Hikers are encouraged to bring binoculars, walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. The tour will meet at the Hilltop Picnic Area near the parking lot. The program is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Everyone Can Conserve: Living Sustainably
Solomon Calhoun Community Center
February 7, 6:30-7:30pm
St. Johns County Parks and Recreation has partnered with GTM Research Reserve for a family-friendly conservation night. Learn about a more sustainable lifestyle during this educational program featuring a presentation, hands-on activities, and light snacks and refreshments. This program is free. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Native Landscaping Lecture Series
The Players Community Center
February 8, 10-11am
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation is teaming up with UF/IFAS for a lecture on Florida-Friendly Landscaping featuring low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. This program is free. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Second Saturdays Family Seining
GTM Research Reserve
February 9 and 23, 9-11am
On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) hosts a family seining class – an opportunity for the whole family to learn how to use seine nets to collect various fish and crab. All necessary gear for seining is supplied by the reserve. The program is free, but reservations are required.
www.gtmnerr.org/event/family-seining-72/all
Old Spanish Quarries
Anastasia State Park
February 9 and 10, 10am
This historical look into the Old Spanish Quarries will give guests an inside perspective of how the quarry was used and how the use of coquina influenced the architecture and history of St. Augustine. For the tour, check in at the ranger station then head to the quarry parking area. The tour is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Bird Walk
Anastasia State Park
February 10, 8:30-10:30am
Calling amateur bird lovers and birding experts alike! Led by a park volunteer and naturalist, the walk leads guests along the beaches, boardwalk, and nature trails of the state park. Anastasia Park boasts a diverse variety of shore birds, marsh birds, and hammock birds, as well as migratory birds in the winter months that cannot be seen any other time of the year. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring binoculars, water, and walking shoes.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Kayak Fishing
Deep Creek Soft Launch
February 13, 10am-2pm
Get out on the water in this beautiful February weather and learn a new skill! Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky for a morning of freshwater fishing while you explore Deep Creek and spend time along the river. For more info and to register, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Let’s Talk Turtle
Anastasia State Park
February 13 and 27, 1-2pm
Head to Anastasia State Park to learn all the fantastic facts about our beloved sea turtles. Rangers will teach guests about how to identify turtles, how they nest and hatch, and how we can help them survive the many dangers they encounter in our oceans. This program is family friendly and will take place at the Sea Turtle Pavilion near the Island Beach Grill. The lecture is free with regular park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Owl Prowl
Parks Around St. Johns County
February 14, 21, and 28
Wander the parks of the county with a guide and explore the world of owls as well as other creatures of the night. Guests are advised to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight, bug spray, and water. The February 14 walk will take place at Canopy Shores Park. The February 21 walk will take place at Vaill Point Park. The February 28 walk will take place at Alpine Groves Park. The program is free but registration is required.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Owl and Sunset Symphony
Beluthahatchee Park
February 15, 5:30-7:30pm
St. Johns County Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Stetson Kennedy Foundation to bring you a sunset owl talk. Guests can enjoy the sunset on the St. Johns River and learn all about the river’s evening symphony as well as the unique history of Beluthahatchee Park. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own lawn chair. The program is free but registration is required.
www.eventbrite.com/e/owls-and-sunset-symphony-tickets-54141586944
Guided Beach Exploration
GTM Research Reserve
February 16, 9-11am
This monthly beach hike takes guests through the Guana South Beach location and teaches them all about the various species of animals and plants that call the beach home. The guided tour is free, but there is a $3 per vehicle parking fee.
www.gtmnerr.org/visit/events
GTM Research Reserve Lecture
Marineland
February 19, 10-11am
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve has partnered up with Marineland Dolphin Adventure to offer a free lecture on the third Tuesday of each month designed to inform the public about the natural world. Topics will range from wildlife and conservation to coastal ecosystems and more. Registration is not required, but space fills up fast, so it is suggested.
www.gtmnerr.org/visit/events
904 Naturalist Series – Circles of Place
Main Library Branch and various locations around St. Johns County
February 20, 22, 23, and 27, 12:30-3:30pm
Join Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky to learn about the diverse environment that surrounds us and become a 904 Naturalist. There will be four programs with each one comprised of six classes held over three weeks. The second program is focused on the Circles of Place. Use your observation skills, artistic senses, and patience to create a deeper connection with the habitats around you. Participants must be able to attend all six classes. This program is free and open to adults ages 18 and up. For more info, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Not in Your Backyard
Anastasia Island Library
February 22, 10:30-11:30am
Take this chance to learn more about the plants that have taken over our little slice of Florida! St. Johns County Parks and Recreation has partnered with GTM Research Reserve for a lecture about invasive plant species in Northeast Florida. Seating for this event is first-come, first-served. This program is free. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Dune Ecology Lecture
Anastasia Island Library
February 26, 2-3pm
Our beaches are dynamic and unique ecosystems. Learn what makes our dunes important habitats and why we should protect them. Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging talk about one of our most precious natural resources. Seating for this event is first-come, first-served. This program is free. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Find more events in St. Augustine by visiting our online calendar of events! Featured image via GTM Research Reserve.