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 10 talks, tours, classes, and lectures hosted by the state and county parks that are happening during the month of October. Get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida fall weather in our slice of paradise.
Cycles of Nature
Butler Park East
October 1 and 4, 7:30-8:30am
The St. Johns County Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with Marineland for a beautiful and educational sunrise walk on the beach. Just like the sun rises and sets every day, there are lots of things in nature that occur on a cyclical basis. This walk will focus on how nature tends to repeat itself and how humans can help protect these delicate cycles. This program is free and open to all ages, but registration is required. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-033.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Saltwater Fishing Clinics
Usina Boat Ramp
October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9-11am
Time to cast your line into the open ocean! Hosted by the St. Johns County Parks & Recreation Department, these Saltwater Fishing Clinics let you learn while you fish. Participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License, which is free from the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Each of the clinics is free and will cover different topics. Registration is required to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
First Friday Garden Walk
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
October 4, 10am
On the first Friday of every month, this walk is led by a park ranger and introduces guests to the history and variety of the beautiful formal gardens nestled within the maritime hammock at this unique state park. This park features a variety of different ecosystems and acres and acres of beautiful wilderness to explore. The event is free, but regular park entrance fees are still applicable.
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park
Guided Exploration Hike
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
October 5, 9-11am
On the first Saturday of every month, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts a Guided Exploration Hike, with one of their naturalists in the lead. Participants can learn about the 5,000 years of cultural history of the Guana Peninsula, as well as the natural biodiversity of the Reserve. The hike is free, but there is a $3 fee per vehicle. Please call (904) 823-4500 or visit the link below to reserve a spot on the tour.
www.eventbrite.com/o/gtm-research-reserve
Vilano Beach Cleanup
Vilano Beach Access
October 11, 6-7pm
Join St. Johns County Parks Naturalist Kelly Ussia in being good stewards of our beaches and participate in a cleanup at Vilano Beach. All necessary supplies will be provided. Just bring water and wear sunscreen and clothes appropriate for being on the beach. This event is free and pre-registration is not required. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Second Saturdays Family Seining
GTM Research Reserve
October 12, 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
Bats! An Educational Program
Ponte Vedra Library
October 16, 3-4pm
Florida is home to 13 species of bats. Bats are unique winged mammals that play an important role in our ecosystem. Join St. Johns County Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging and educational hour devoted to these amazing creatures. This event is free and pre-registration is not required. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Castillo Candlelight Tour: Taking the Plunge
Castillo de San Marcos
October 18
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and the centennial of the National Park Service, the Castillo de San Marcos hosts a special Candlelight Tour that reenacts the story of a young man during the Second Spanish Period (1784 – 1821) who decides to “take the plunge” and enlist in the Spanish military. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 15, and free for children under 5. Tours will be held at 6:15, 7:15, and 8:15pm. Pre-registration is not required, but there are a limited number of tickets, so it is encouraged. To reserve your spot, call (904) 829-6506.
www.nps.gov/casa/index
Guided Beach Walk
GTM Research Reserve
October 19, 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
Bats! An Educational Program
Anastasia Library
October 30, 2:30-3:30pm
Florida is home to 13 species of bats. Bats are unique winged mammals that play an important role in our ecosystem. Join St. Johns County Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging and educational hour devoted to these amazing creatures. This event is free and pre-registration is not required. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Image via Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
