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 25 talks, tours, classes, and lectures hosted by the state and county parks that are happening during the month of February. Get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida winter weather (barreling forward into spring) in our slice of paradise.
Matanzas Inlet Guided Hike
Matanzas Inlet Parking Lot
February 2 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
A Walk on the Wild Side
Anastasia State Park
February 3 and 19
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. The February 3 tour takes place at 9:30am, and the February 19 tour takes place at 10am.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Bird Walk at Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park
February 4 and 16, 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
Image via Facebook
Coquina Beach Walks
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
February 4 and 18
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 February 4 tour takes place at 9:30am, and the February 18 tour takes place at 10am.
www.washingtonoaks.org
Freshwater Fishing 101
Alpine Groves Park
February 5, 9-11am
Join St. Johns County Parks and Recreation 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
Owl + Sunset Symphony
Beluthahatchee Park
February 7, 5:45-8pm
Alongside St. Johns County Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky, 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.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Family Fishing
Vaill Point Park
February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 4-5:30pm
Join St. Johns County Parks & Recreation for a hands-on, family fishing series from 4pm to 5:30pm every Wednesday in February. Each of the classes will cover different elements of learning to fish – Casting, Fish ID and Regulations, Proper Fish Handling, and Knot Tying. All children must be a minimum of 5 years old and be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This program is free, but you must register on CivicRec to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Owl Prowl
Vaill Point Park
February 6, 5:45-9:30pm
Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky and learn about the creatures of the night. The group will explore the park at sunset in search of our resident owls. Bring your questions and share your stories about the night time forest activities. This program is free and open to all ages, but you must register on Eventbrite to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Image via Facebook
Porch Talks: “The Ladies of Tea: 1700s-1900s”
Alpine Grove Park
February 8, 5-6pm
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation has partnered with the Stetson Kennedy Foundation for Porch Talks. Local experts talk about local issues on our porch talk series focused on the art, history, environmental issues, and interesting personalities. Learn about the Northwest part of St. Johns County including notable landmarks and the historical richness of the area. This part of the Porch Talks series is titled, “The Ladies of Tea: 1700s-1900s.” This program is free and open to everyone.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Bird Walk at Fort Mose
Fort Mose State Park
February 9, 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
Anastasia Marsh Discovery Walk
Anastasia State Park
February 9, 1:30pm
Guided by a Park Ranger along the beautiful Anastasia Marsh Trail, guests will discover the importance of estuarine systems and the inshore sides of barrier islands. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. The tour will meet by the Anastasia Watersports parking lot. The tour is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Exploring Estuaries
Ponte Vedra Library
February 11, 2-3pm
Estuaries are places where freshwater and saltwater meet, but they are so much more than that. Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging talk about this ecologically and economically important ecosystem. These talks are free and open to all ages. Seating is first-come, first-served.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
904 Naturalist Series: Exploring the Circles of Place
Main Library
February 12, 15, 19, 20, and 22, 3-6pm
In Exploring the Circles of Place, the group will learn about an intimate connection within your local wilderness. This is the center core of the 904 Naturalist project. Be prepared to spend observation time in nature, learning the local systems, and mapping out your area on so many levels. To connect to the natural world as the masters did, you must emerge yourself beyond the paved trail and find your own reflection in nature. This event is free, but you must register for the entire program to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Exploring Estuaries
Bartram Trail Library
February 13, 2-3pm
Estuaries are places where freshwater and saltwater meet, but they are so much more than that. Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging talk about this ecologically and economically important ecosystem. These talks are free and open to all ages. Seating is first-come, first-served.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Image via Facebook
Trout Creek Sunset Kayak Trips
Trout Creek Park
February 13 and 14, 4:30-7:30pm
Come explore Trout Creek 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, participants will get to experience a beautiful sunset on the water. Registration is between $20 and $50, depending on whether or not you are a St. Johns County resident and are providing your own boat. To register, contact Kelly Ussia at [email protected] or 904-209-0335. When setting up a reservation please include a phone number, e-mail, date of the trip you would like to attend, residency status, and if you will be using a county kayak.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Native Landscaping: Rain Gardens
The PLAYERS Community Center
February 14, 9:30-11am
Showing the flow of rainwater from your landscape saves on irrigation, decreases polluted runoff, and helps prevent flooding. St. Johns County Parks & Recreation has partnered with UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County to learn tips and tricks for successful rain gardening. This program is free and open to all ages, but you must register on CivicRec to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Guided Beach Walk
GTM Research Reserve
February 15, 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
Birding at Faver-Dykes
Faver-Dykes State Park
February 20, 9-11am
Join Peggy Cook and Dave Wiinikainen, experts from the St. Johns Audubon Society, and be introduced to birding during a walk along the Pellicer Creek at Favor-Dykes State Park. Participants can expect to see songbirds, warblers, eagles, and falcons, as well as wading birds such as egrets, white ibis, and herons. The walk is free with regular park admission of $5.
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/faver-dykes-state-park
Basics in Nature Photography
Alpine Groves Park
February 20 and 27 and March 5, 10-11:30am
Do you have a nice camera and always leave it on auto? Do you wish you could capture the amazing beauty of the nature around you? Join local photographer Nicholle Goodnight for a hands-on class to sharpen your photography skills. Participants will need to bring their own camera equipment and be at least 12 years in age. This program is free. You must attend all three classes to participate.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Astronomy Program
Faver-Dykes State Park
February 21, 7pm
Faver-Dykes State Park Rangers Joe and Mark will introduce guests to the mysteries of the stars, planets, and satellites. The program covers the mythology of the constellations, as well as new scientific discoveries in astronomy. Telescopes are not necessary, but guests are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. The program is subject to cancellation if the weather is unfavorable, so please call (386) 446-6783 to confirm. The talk is free with regular park admission of $5.
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/faver-dykes-state-park
Tour of the Old Spanish Quarries
Anastasia State Park
February 22, 10-11am
This historical look into the Old Spanish Quarries will give guests an inside perspective of how the quarry was used and how the use of coquina influenced the architecture and history of St. Augustine. For the tour, check in at the ranger station then head to the quarry parking area. The tour is free with park admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Exploring Estuaries
Anastasia Island Library
February 25, 1-2pm
Estuaries are places where freshwater and saltwater meet, but they are so much more than that. Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging talk about this ecologically and economically important ecosystem. These talks are free and open to all ages. Seating is first-come, first-served.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Let’s Talk Turtle
Anastasia State Park
February 26, 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
Night Under the Stars
St. Johns County Fairgrounds
February 27, 6:30-8:30pm
St. Johns County Parks & Recreation has partnered with Ancient City Astronomy Club (ACAC) for an evening that is out of this world. Bring your friends and family and learn all about the night sky including constellations, star names, and more! Telescopes and binoculars will be on-hand to view the moon, planets, and other celestial objects. This program is free, but you must register on CivicRec to attend.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Weed Wrangle
Mary Street Beach Access Point
February 29, 9am-12pm
Join St. Johns County Parks Naturalist Kelly Ussia and take part in a statewide volunteer effort to help rescue our public parks and green spaces from invasive species through hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines and flowering plants. This site will focus on hand pulling of the invasive Mother of Millions plants. All necessary supplies will be provided and we recommend you bring water and wear sunscreen, long pants. You must wear closed toed shoes. For more information or to find other Weed Wrangle sites in the region please visit the Florida Invasive Species Partnership page.
www.sjcfl.us/CountyNaturalist/index
Featured image via Friends of Alpine Groves Park
