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 yoga on the beach to wildlife education and fishing instruction, there’s plenty to do this month. So we’ve rounded up 12 talks, tours, classes, and lectures hosted by the state and county parks that are happening during the month of November. Get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida fall weather in our slice of paradise.
Guided Exploration Hike
GTM Research Reserve
December 1, 9am
Learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula and the rich diversity of the Reserve’s ecosystems. Led by a GTM Naturalist, the tour will illustrate how native peoples lived off the natural estuarine resources, demonstrate European plantation life, and discuss the current efforts to save the Reserve’s resources. The guided hike is free, but there is a $3 parking fee per vehicle and pre-registration is required.
www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-exploration-hike-tickets
Bird Walk
Anastasia State Park
December 2, 8:30am
Led by a park volunteer and naturalist, this walk will feature a diverse variety of shorebirds, marsh birds, and hammock birds, as well as migratory birds in the winter months that cannot be seen any other time of the year. The walk leads guests along the beaches, boardwalk, and nature trails of the state park. The tour will meet at the Island Beach Grill. The walk is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Let’s Talk Turtle
Anastasia State Park
December 3 & 19, 1pm
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
Everyone Can Conserve: Whales & Dolphins
Solomon Calhoun Community Center
December 5, 6:30pm
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation has partnered with GTM Research Reserve for a family-friendly conversation night about the whales and dolphins found in our local waters. This is an educational program and snacks and refreshments will be provided. The program is free. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904-209-0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Garden Walk
Washington Oaks State Park
December 7, 10am
Join park rangers in the garden for a special walk on the first Friday of each month. The walk will introduce guests to the history and variety of the gardens and ecosystems of one of the area’s most unique state parks. Washington Oaks sprawls 425 acres of coastal preserve. The garden walk is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks
Anastasia Marsh Discovery Walk for Kids
Anastasia State Park
December 8, 2:30pm
Calling all little adventurers! The tour will wander along the Anastasia Marsh Trail guided by a park ranger, who talks about the importance of estuarine systems and the inshore sides of barrier islands. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars. The tour is for kids, but a parent or guardian is required to attend along with them.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Our Feathered Friends Hike & Marsh Walk
Fort Mose State Park
December 9, 8:30am
Led by birding expert Susan Killeen, this walk will explore the Salt Marsh and the Secondary Fort Site Island at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Wander through an estuarine tidal marsh, a maritime hammock, and “Rookery Island,” which is home to many nesting species in the spring, while you observe the many beautiful local birds. The walk is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park
Meteor Shower at the Beach
Frank B. Butler Park
December 13-14, 8-10pm
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation and the Ancient City Astronomy Club are teaming up to show off December’s meteor shower. Guests will be able to view the Geminids meteor shower while learning all about the night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be provided. The program is free but space is very limited.
www.eventbrite.com/e/meteor-showers-at-the-beach-tickets-51776126789
Guided Beach Exploration
GTM Research Reserve
December 15, 9am
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
December 18, 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
Winter Solstice Celebration
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
December 21, 6:45pm
Watch the light come up over the Intracoastal Waterway on the first day of the solar new year. Park Ranger Joe Woodbury will share his knowledge of the myths and legends that surround the winter solstice and will provide guidance in tracking the movement of the sun throughout the year. The program is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park
Kid’s Yoga at the Beach
St. Johns County Pier
December 21, 4pm
Let your little ones learn to relax their mind and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches, exercises, and activities. Loose clothing is suggested, and you will need to bring your own towel or mat. The program is free and open to kids 5-12 years old. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Find more events in St. Augustine by visiting our online calendar of events! Featured image via Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve.
