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 22 talks, tours, classes, and lectures hosted by the state and county parks that are happening during the month of January. Get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida winter weather (even if it is just a little warm) in our slice of paradise.
Matanzas Inlet Guided Hike
Matanzas Inlet Parking Lot
January 3 and 17, 9:30-11:30am
Hosted by the National Park Service and the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR), this hike will wander through the Matanzas Inlet shores while guests learn about inlet dynamics and movements of sand, as well as the local seashells, sea birds, coquina rock, dune vegetation, heavy minerals, mollusks, the habits of crabs, and our ever-changing shoreline. The tour is free, but reservations are required.
www.eventbrite.com/e/matanzas-inlet-walk-tickets
Coquina Beach Walks
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
January 5 and 20
Led by park volunteer Jim Gleason, this tour takes guests to learn about and explore the second-largest outcropping of coquina rock on the Atlantic Coast – right there in Washington Oaks. The terrain is rough, so guests are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes. The tour is free with park admission. The January 5 tour takes place at 9:30am, and the January 20 tour takes place at 10:30am.
www.washingtonoaks.org
A Walk on the Wild Side
Anastasia State Park
January 6 and 19, 10am
Led by a park volunteer, this two-hour tour will introduce you to the estuarine habitat of Salt Run and the maritime hammocks as well as the amazing array of wildlife and plants that are indigenous to Anastasia State Park’s various ecosystems. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. The tour is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Freshwater Fishing 101
Alpine Groves Park
January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 9-11am
Join St. Johns County Parks and Rec to learn the ins and outs of fishing freshwater in Florida. Ever wonder about what to put in your tackle box, how to use nets and traps, or what the fishing regulations are? This series of classes will cover all of this and more. Sign up for one class or attend the whole series. Bring your own gear and learn while you fish! All participants must have a Freshwater Fishing License or be a Florida Resident age 65 and up. To obtain a license, visit www.gooutdoorsflorida.com. This program is free, but you must register on Eventbrite to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Exploring the Life of Mammals
St. Johns County Public Library – Main Branch
January 8, 11, 15, 18, 19, and 29
In Exploring the Life of Mammals, you will get to know six different mammals indigenous to Northeast Florida both in and out of the classroom. Be prepared to write, draw, envision, and possibly track an animal of your choice, in your own way. To reveal the story of an animal’s life, you will need to learn the first written language left behind by its creator. This event is free, but you must register for the entire program to attend. For more info, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.
www.eventbrite.com/e/904-naturalist-series-exploring-the-life-of-mammals-tickets
Living With Snakes + Gators
Bartram Trail Library
January 9, 2-3pm
Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for a family-friendly presentation about the snakes and alligators found throughout the State of Florida and maybe even in your backyard. Learn about the various species of snakes in our areas as well as how to live with the amazing crocodilian neighbors. This program is free and open to all ages. No reservations required. Seating is first-come, first-served. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Sunset Moonrise Tour
St. Augustine Lighthouse
January 10, 5:15pm
Climb the height of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for an unbeatable view the sunset and moonrise over the city and its surrounding wilderness. Each month, the Lighthouse hosts these incredibly popular tours with a champagne toast from San Sebastian Winery and hors d’oeuvres provided by The Reef. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes the champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets always sell out quickly, so get yours soon! To make a reservation, call (904) 829-0745 or visit here. To add your name to a waiting list for a date that is sold out, call (904) 829-0745.
www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Second Saturdays Family Seining
GTM Research Reserve
January 11, 9-11am
On the second 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
Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt
Anastasia State Park
January 11, 9-11am
Bring your smartphone or digital camera for an exciting new look at Anastasia State Park during this Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt! The hunt is two hours long and will take you throughout the expanse of the park. The event begins and ends at the Island Beach Grill and is subject to weather-related cancellation. Scavenger hunters are encouraged to dress in appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. The hunt is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Second Saturday Plant Sale
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
January 11, 10am-2pm
Explore the rows of rare and beautiful plants – all of which you can take home to your own garden! View the magnificent natural beauty of the gardens at the 425-acre coastal park and learn a few gardening tricks at the cultivation workshop. The workshop will begin at 11am. The event is free with park admission.
www.washingtonoaks.org
Bird Walk at Fort Mose
Fort Mose State Park
January 12 and 15, 8-10am
Led by a park volunteer, this delightful morning walk will introduce you to the variety of avian species that call Fort Mose home. Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, the park boasts a number of natural environments where birds thrive – including an estuarine tidal marsh, a maritime hammock, and “Rookery Island,” which is home to many nesting species in the spring. Since this is Florida, guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring water and walking shoes. You should also bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have one. The tour is free and open to the public.
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park
River-to-Sea Trail Walk
River-to-Sea Preserve
January 15, 9-11am
Explore this beautiful preserve alongside a GTM Research Reserve guide to see shorebirds, mollusks, and shells, as well as how Native Americans lived in the area. Learn more about the make-up of coquina rock, how beach vines and sea oats help anchor dunes, and why the dune ecosystem needs protection. The tour is free, but reservations are required. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.
www.eventbrite.com/e/marineland-river-to-sea-preserve-trail-walk-tickets
Ancient Dunes Trail Hike
Anastasia State Park
January 16, 10-11am
Led by a park volunteer, this hike introduces you to the various ecosystems of Anastasia State Park, including the ancient dune system and the maritime hammocks. Though the tour is only a mile long, it is the most demanding hike in the park as its trails are sloping. It is recommended that participants wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring binoculars, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. The tour will meet at the Hilltop Picnic Area near the parking lot. It is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Not In Your Backyard – Invasive Plants
Anastasia Island Library
January 16, 2-3pm
Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an opportunity to learn about invasive plant species within Northeast Florida. Ever wonder how to identify and remove the plants that are “bad” for your yard and the environment? Then this lecture is for you. Participants will learn about the top coastal invasive species, how to remove them, and recommendations on natives to plant. This program is free and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Owl + Sunset Symphony
Beluthahatchee Park
January 17, 5:30-8pm
Alongside the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, learn about owls and enjoy nature’s symphony as you experience the transition from light to dark. Water birds and owls often come out to join the evening symphony. A representative from The Stetson Kennedy Foundation will share some local history. This program is free. For more info, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Guided Beach Walk
GTM Research Reserve
January 18, 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. Guides recommend that participants wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection and a camera. The guided tour is free, but there is a $3 per vehicle parking fee.
www.gtmnerr.org/visit/events
Let’s Talk Turtle
Anastasia State Park
January 18 and 29, 10-11am
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
Bird Walk at Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park
January 19, 8-10am
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
Annual River Blessing
Alpine Groves Park
January 25, 9-11am
Gather at Alpine Groves Park for a selection of speakers including St. Johns and Matanzas Riverkeepers followed by a silent, non-denominational ceremony of passing the bowl of water guided by a heartbeat drum by First Nations. Participants are welcome to bring their own drums. Following the blessing, attendees are welcome to tour Beluthahatchee Park from 11am to 1pm. This program is free. For more info, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Sustainable Living
Anastasia Island Library
January 28, 1-2pm
Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an interactive presentation about how to make your lifestyle more sustainable. Do you already have the reusable bags and water bottles, but want to know how to have a bigger environmental impact? Then this talk is for you. This program is free and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Moultrie Creek Kayak Trip
Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp
January 30, 11:30am-2:30pm
Join us for a beautiful paddle of the marsh along Moultrie Creek. During the paddle, participants will learn about the marsh ecosystem, the animals that call it home, and the history of the area. This program is free, but you must register on Eventbrite to attend. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.eventbrite.com/e/moultrie-creek-kayak-trip-tickets
Living With Snakes + Gators
Ponte Vedra Beach Library
January 31, 3-4pm
Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for a family-friendly presentation about the snakes and alligators found throughout the State of Florida and maybe even in your backyard. Learn about the various species of snakes in our areas as well as how to live with the amazing crocodilian neighbors. This program is free and open to all ages. No reservations required. Seating is first-come, first-served. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Featured image by Kate Gardiner