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 17 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.
Garden Walk
Washington Oaks State Park
November 2, 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
Living Sustainably Lecture Series
The Players Community Center, Ponte Vedra Beach
November 2, 10am
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation has partnered with GTM Research Reserve to bring you a lecture series focused on Northeast Florida’s conservation efforts, plants, animals, and beaches. The lecture series is free and light refreshments will be provided. The first lecture on November 2 will cover Sustainable Living. See how you can make changes inside and outside of your home to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Visit here to register.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Guided Exploration Hike
GTM Research Reserve
November 3, 9-11am
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
Fort Matanzas Torchlight Tours
Fort Matanzas
November 3
Following a short nighttime ferry ride over to Fort Matanzas, visitors will enter into another world. The tour recreates the experience of life in the fort in the year 1743, where Spanish soldados manned the fort to defend the southern approach to St. Augustine. Each tour will include an 18th-century cannon firing demonstration. Advanced registration is required. Tickets are $10 and $5 for children ages 15 and under. There will be four tours at 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, and 8:15pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument or over the phone by calling (904) 829-6506, ext. 239.
www.nps.gov/foma/index
Native Plant Hike
Washington Oaks State Park
November 4, 10am
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by exploring the natural beauty and admiring the native plants at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Learn about the native plants in the park on a walk with an experienced guide, and get an inside look at the history of the property. The event is free with park admission, but space is limited so registration is required. Register by calling (386) 446-6783.
www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks
Saltwater Fishing 101
Usina Boat Ramp
November 7 & 14, 9-11am
Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing in Florida. Ever wonder about how to assemble a fishing rig, how to pick a good fishing spot, or how to cook your catch? This class will cover all this and more! Bring your own gear and learn while you fish! This program is free, but please note that all participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License. This is a free license from FWC.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
River-to-Sea Trail Walk
River-to-Sea Preserve
November 7 & 28, 9-11am
Follow a GTM Research Reserve Guide as the lead you along Marineland’s path to the sea. Along the way, you’ll learn about the various shorebirds populating the area, the makeup of coquina rock, the importance of dune ecosystems, and the lives of local Native Americans. The walk will meet in the parking lot of the Preserve. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The walk is free, but requires reservations.
www.eventbrite.com/e/marineland-river-to-sea-trail-walk-tickets
Moses Creek Kayak Trip
Matanzas River Access Point
November 8-11
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation has partnered with the Matanzas Riverkeeper for a guided trip of the Matanzas River and Moses Creek. Participants will learn about the history of the area, ecology of the local ecosystems, and what you can do to help keep this area pristine. Registration for participants with their own boat will be $20 for SJC residents and $30 for non-residents. Participants using a county kayak will be $40 for SJC residents and $50 for non-residents. Register by contacting Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us. Visit the website below for trip times.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Bird Walk
Fort Matanzas
November 9 & 16, 9:30am
Join Park Ranger Ellen as you wander through the diverse habitats of Florida’s native birds. Participants will learn about the birds of prey, songbirds, herons and many varieties of shore birds they will see during the tour. This bird walk is being held as part of “Global Big Day” for migratory birds. It’s suggested that participants wear sunscreen, appropriate footwear and outerwear as necessary, and bring binoculars. The tour is free, but space is limited so reservations are required. Call (904) 471-0116 to reserve a spot on the tour.
www.nps.gov/foma/index
A Look Into the Historical Old Spanish Quarry
Anastasia State Park
November 9 & 24, 10am
Get an inside look at the coquina that was quarried at Anastasia State Park and learn all about its history and how it influenced life and architecture in the Ancient City. Guests should check in at the Ranger Station and then meet for the program in the quarry parking area by the front entrance gate. The tour is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Fishing 101
St. Johns County Pier
November 13 & 27, 9am
Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing off of our county ocean pier. The first program will focus on different rigs for pier fishing while the second program will teach participants about different bait to use. All ages are welcome. This free educational program will be held at the pier pavilion, but feel free to bring your own fishing gear to fish on the county pier after the program (fees apply). For more information, contact Donna Frantz at 904.209.0326 or dkfrantz@sjcfl.us.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Let’s Talk Turtle
Anastasia State Park
November 14 & 28, 1:30pm
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
Kid’s Nature Journaling
Anastasia Island Library
November 14, 2:30pm
Learn how to make nature journals with Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia. This program is free and open to kids grades 2nd through 7th. No registration is necessary. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904-209-0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
A Night Under the Stars
Frank B. Butler Park
November 15, 6-8pm
St. Johns County Parks and Rec is partnering with the Ancient City Astronomy Club for an educational evening that is out of this world. ACAC will lead an Astronomy 101 class that will teach participants all about the night sky. Bring your friends and family to learn about the constellations, star names, and more. Telescopes and binoculars will be on hand to view the moon, planets, and other objects.
www.eventbrite.com/e/night-under-the-stars-tickets
GTM Research Reserve Lecture
Marineland
November 20, 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
Anastasia Marsh Discovery Walk
Anastasia State Park
November 21, 12:30pm
Hosted by the park, guests will be guided on the Anastasia Marsh Trail by a park ranger. Along the way, they can learn all about the importance of estuarine systems and the inshore sides of barrier islands. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. The tour will meet in front of the Ranger Station and is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Kid’s Yoga at the Beach
St. Johns County Pier
November 30, 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.
