The Real Florida℠ Connection

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR Last year I saw an amazing act of motherly love. I was leaving Bald Point State Park and saw a mama black bear with two cubs crossing the road. One of the cubs got distracted and stopped following its sibling and mother. When mama noticed the cub wasn’t with her, she stood tall on her back legs and scanned the other side of the road. Undaunted by speeding cars, she galloped back to the stranded cub and then herded her family safely into the park’s woods. Florida State Parks protect wildlife and provide accessible places where visitors can see some of nature’s most remarkable creatures, many of which show familiar behaviors of maternal instincts. Most of Florida's endangered and imperiled species find refuge in state parks. Florida scrub-jays, found only in our state, would face extinction were it not for the protected sand scrub carefully managed by park staff in places like Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Oscar Scherer State Park and Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Other charismatic but increasingly rare birds such as American oystercatchers and swallow-tailed kites also find shelter in state parks.   No matter the species, and no matter how large or small, there is something special about providing the food and habitat that nurtures life. Each year, Mother’s Day gives us a chance to appreciate all of nature’s moms and all they do. Consider taking a mom in your life to a state park this month. A memorable walk on a paved path or along a wooded trail, a glass bottom boat ride to see manatees, a day at the beach. Observe the amazing wildlife. Many of the creatures you will see rely on state parks to provide safe places where families can take care of their young. Best, Eric Draper

FEATURED STORIES  CELEBRATING ANIMAL MOMS IN STATE PARKS In honor of the hard-working women who mean so much to us, here are five animal moms that raise their young in Florida's state parks. A HAVEN FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES May 21 is National Endangered Species Day. We’ve highlighted just a handful of these rare and amazing species that rely on Florida State Parks. WHERE TO SEE THE FLORIDA PANTHER While rarely seen by people, the elusive Florida panther does reside in some of Florida's state parks. A panther sighting makes for a memorable experience. TIPS FOR A (NOT SO) CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH WILDLIFE With an abundance of animals both big and small, wildlife watching is one of the most exciting activities available at Florida State Parks. SPOTLIGHT CELEBRATE THE BEST OF FLORIDA'S MUSIC, ARTS AND CULTURE  The 69th annual Florida Folk Festival will be held virtually on May 28-30, 2021. Check out some of the best music, art and culture that Florida has to offer - entirely from the comfort of your home! Performances will be broadcast digitally on YouTube and social media. This three-day celebration will highlight the stories, dance and music that make Florida unique. Sit back and relax as performers showcase a wide variety of music and storytelling influenced by generations of Florida families and communities. To see an updated event schedule and list of performances, visit the Florida Folk Festival's official webpage.