Story

Eden Gardens State Park

Find peace and tranquility in the paradise that engulfs Eden Gardens State Park. The park's major draw is a famous estate that was once inhabited by the Wesley family - a wealthy Florida timber family of the 1800s. The home, now a museum, provides... Full story

Baby Turtle Tale

DESTIN, FL – Henderson Beach State Park will kickoff International Literary Month with a “Baby Turtle Tale” book reading on Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. Park Rangers will have interpretive aids and present a short program on sea turtles... Full story

EVEnture

DESTIN, FL – Discover the sights and sounds of nature at night on Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. “EVEnture.” Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters will host a free hour-long night walk for the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society at Henderson... Full story

Volunteers make a difference for state parks

Cecilia Spears, Florida Freedom Newspapers

CHIPLEY, FL - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service announced that volunteer hours increased for the 2008-09 fiscal year. In a recent press release by the DEP, “more than 6,000 volunteers... Full story

Topsail nature programs

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at 7525 W. Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach has Hammerhead shark safety on Aug. 1, and on Aug 5, a Choctawhatchee beach mouse interpretive program. Both programs begin at 6 p.m. Learn about these... Full story

Florida State Park and Recreation Month in July

NORTHWEST FLORIDA - Gov. Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month. To celebrate, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service encourages Florida's citizens, families and... Full story

DEP announces changes to state park fee schedule

FLORIDA STATE PARKS - In order to continue to provide high quality visitor services and affordable nature-based recreation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service will implement a modest fee increase... Full story

Beat the summer heat at a Florida State Park 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Florida residents to plan their "staycation" at any one of Florida's 161 award-winning state parks.   "A "staycation" is a great way for travelers to get away without... Full story

Hiking the Emerald Coast

By Jennifer Otto

The Emerald Coast is more than sand and sea! The Emerald Coast is a hiker’s paradise with a number of trails just waiting to be discovered by you.   This is a nature enthusiast’s guide to hiking on the Emerald Coast. Get ready... Full story

Upgrades to park near completion

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - The numerous upgrades to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are almost complete, and the park has released a summer schedule for the tram service to shuttle visitors from the entrance to the park on Walton County Road 30A.... Full story

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