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 August. Get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida spring weather in our slice of paradise.
Second Saturdays Family Seining
GTM Research Reserve
August 10, 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
Bird Walk at Fort Mose
Fort Mose State Park
August 11 and August 22, 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
Nature Photography
Nease Beachfront Park
August 15, 22, and 29, 6:30-8pm
Join local photographer Nicholle Goodnight and the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department for a three-evening course on the ins and outs of nature photography. You’ll learn to capture stunning images of our natural landscape. Make the most of their digital cameras, with tips on exposure, focus, composition, and more. Students should bring their own camera equipment and must be at least 12 years of age. The course will be hosted outside, so you’re encouraged to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Living With Snakes & Gators
Anastasia Island Library
August 15, 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 area as well as how to live with the amazing crodillian neighbors. This program is open to all ages and is free. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Guided Beach Walk
GTM Research Reserve
August 17, 9-10:30am
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
Not In Your Backyard
St. Johns Golf Club
August 20, 3-4pm
Ever wonder how to identify and remove the plants that are “bad” for your yard and the environment? We’ve all got our share of them creeping into our yards, so it’s time to learn what to do about it! Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia and learn about invasive plant species within Northeast Florida. This program is free, but you must register to attend. For more info and to register, contact Kara Pound at kpound@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0383.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Turtles of Florida
Ponte Vedra Library
August 21, 3-4pm
Ever wonder about the turtles in the pond behind your house? Or the tortoise you saw walking around the park? Now is your chance to learn about these unique reptiles that live in many different habitats. Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for Turtles of Florida, a family-friendly presentation about the different turtles found throughout the State of Florida. This program is free, and no reservations required, but 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 Dolphin Beach Walk
Vilano Beach
August 21, 7-8pm
Join an experienced guide from Marineland Dolphin Adventure for a beautiful sunset walk along the beach. They’ve partnered with St. Johns County Parks and Recreation to lead participants on a peaceful exploration of the beaches and water, looking for local dolphins. Learn all about the anatomy and behavior of dolphins and local whale species as you keep an eye out on the ocean. The walk is free but reservations are required.
www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-dolphin-walk-tickets-57065403157
Palmo Sunset Kayak Trips
Palmo Boat Ramp
August 22-24, 6-9pm
Come explore Palmo Cove with St. Johns County Naturalists. Participants will paddle the creek out to the St. Johns River and learn about the unique history and diverse wildlife of the area. At the end of the tour, you will get to experience a beautiful sunset on the water. For a St. Johns County resident providing their own boat, the cost is $20, and $30 for a non-resident with their own boat. Tickets for St. Johns County residents who wish to use a county boat will be $40, and $50 for non-residents. To register, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Not In Your Backyard
GTM Research Reserve
August 23, 10-11am
Ever wonder how to identify and remove the plants that are “bad” for your yard and the environment? We’ve all got our share of them creeping into our yards, so it’s time to learn what to do about it! Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia and learn about invasive plant species within Northeast Florida. This program is free, but you must register to attend. For more info and to register, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Featured image via St. Johns County Parks and Recreation
