State park weekend events offer reprieve from rainy days

-Special weekend events allow guests to explore Florida’s state parks-

NORTH, FL - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks invites visitors to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend as the rain clears and state parks across North Florida open their doors for special events beginning Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15.

This weekend’s special events in North Florida include:

Fall Pruning Workshop and Volunteer Workday

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee

Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Visitors are invited to attend a pruning workshop led by park staff and assist with a workday in the gardens. Participants will learn valuable information on correct pruning techniques to use in home landscaping as well. Volunteers are asked to wear work gloves, bring pruning equipment and meet at the Visitor’s Center in the historic Maclay Gardens. Park entrance fees will be waived for participants. For more information, call (850) 487-4115.


Breakfast with a Ranger

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach

Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

The rangers of Topsail Hill will answer questions about park wildlife during this special event. The cost of this event is $4.00 for breakfast or participants may bring their own. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Participants should park at the day-use area off of Highway 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. This event is free for participants who choose to bring their own breakfast. For more information, call (850) 267-0299.

Suwannee Dulicmer Retreat

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs

Friday, November 13, Noon – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This two-day event offers in-depth instruction and techniques on the mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer and autoharp musical instruments. Traditional music is celebrated with workshops offered for beginning, intermediate and advanced students, taught by nationally recognized instructors. Concerts featuring the masterful instructors are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings in the park auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for public admission are $10.00. Admission to the two day event is $85.00, which includes all workshops, jam sessions, concerts and discussion groups. For more information, call (386) 397-7005.

History of the American Soldier

Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach

Saturday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.

This program includes a timeline of men and women portraying soldiers from each major military conflict in United States history. Visitors can bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit on the fort parade ground during the presentation. Admission to the park and program is free with a canned food donation benefitting the Barnabus Center’s. For more information, call (904) 277-7274.