The Real Florida℠ Connection – Springs and Springtime

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR Almost twenty years ago, a long drought exposed a treasure trove deep in Newnan's Lake near Gainesville. At the bottom of the lake, a high school teacher and his students discovered the world’s largest cache of prehistoric dugout canoes. An investigation revealed more than 100 canoes built by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Archaeologists studied the canoes to learn about the people who built and paddled them. Now, you can see the results of that effort in a new exhibit at the Silver River Museum at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. Last month, I attended the ribbon-cutting for “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas,” created by the Florida Museum of Natural History. After traveling around the country, the English-Spanish bilingual exhibit found its long-term home at the Silver River Museum. We’re grateful to the Felburn Foundation for supporting a new museum wing to house the exhibit, and to Marion County Schools for being a terrific partner in making Silver Springs the best place in Florida to learn about springs. You can see “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas” at Florida Springsfest this Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8 at Silver Springs. Last year’s Springsfest was the most-attended ever and we have high hopes for this year. I recently attended a meeting of state park educators and interpreters — park staff and rangers whose job is telling the story of Florida’s natural resources. I was impressed by their commitment and enthusiasm, and many park educational events such as Springsfest are the result of their hard work alongside park friends groups, volunteers and partners. I’m proud that in Florida, dozens of freshwater springs are protected in state parks. New springs parks such as Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park make me optimistic for the future. In this issue of the Real Florida℠ Connection, we’re excited to share the newest protected spring at an addition to River Rise Preserve State Park. Your visit helps us protect Florida’s springs — find a state park near you.   See you in a park soon, Eric Draper

FEATURED STORIES Florida Springsfest this Weekend The Florida Springsfest at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala kicks off this weekend, March 7 and 8! Springsfest combines entertainment and educational activities for the whole family to increase understanding of Florida's unique freshwater springs. Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Here Many of the 100 miles of beaches protected by Florida State Parks provide nesting habitat for sea turtles. As nesting season begins, park staff and biologists are preparing to monitor nests and keep them safe. The majority of nesting takes place between March and October. State Park System Grows to Protect Important Habitat Florida State Parks are growing! Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the addition of 17 acres to River Rise Preserve State Park in Columbia County as well as a 47-acre parcel to Bulow Creek State Park near Ormond Beach, in Volusia County. Dig Deep into Archaeology in State Parks Do you ever think about what’s under your feet? Archaeologists do! Most of what we know about  Florida’s long inhabitation by Native Americans comes from their work uncovering hidden artifacts. Florida State Parks protect this evidence and tell the story the state’s past. FEATURED EVENTS Feeling Crabby? March 7, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area At Flagler Beach The tidal salt marsh of this park is home to the Atlantic blue crab, a popular seafood item and keystone species of the local ecosystem. Learn how to catch these tasty crustaceans in a hands-on program. Learn more Find Nature in Miami March 14, Oleta River State Park Join park rangers for a guided nature hike and learn about native and invasive species of plants and animals in South Florida, what we can do to help our local ecosystems and how those actions benefit everyone. Learn more Yoga in the Park March 21, Big Lagoon State Park Relax and unwind at Big Lagoon State Park. This serene coastal park is the perfect venue for yoga. Start your Saturday right with this free, one-hour event.      Learn more Ghost in the Seashell March 24, Koreshan Historic State Park Join a park naturalist to learn about seashells and the mysterious creatures that reside inside. Find out how shells are created and built. Hold and see the shells of specimens that lived in the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay. Learn more Find more Florida State Park events