FLORIDA PARK SERVICE CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

~ There are many events across the state to celebrate the environment. ~

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service is proud to host many events this weekend in recognition of Earth Day. Florida State Parks will commemorate Earth Day this year with events focusing on environmental education and nature-based recreation for the whole family.

Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in Earth Day events every year.

“Earth Day is a time for us all to reflect on our beautiful environment and to continue to work together on ways to protect it,” said Donald Forgione, DEP’s Florida Park Service Director. “Florida’s 171 state parks and trails protect and conserve our natural resources, while providing excellent opportunities for recreation and fun.”

The first official Earth Day was held in 1970. With the mission of uniting the world toward a common cause of environmental protection and conservation, the United Nations observed the first global Earth Day with the annual ringing of the Peace Bell on March 21, 1971.

The following events will be hosted by state parks in honor of Earth day 2013:

Earth Day Guided Hike and Recycle Camp Site Program

Saturday April 20

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Wales

Earth Day Beach Clean-Up

Saturday April 20

8 to 10 a.m.

Henderson Beach State Park

Destin

Celebrate Earth Day with Exotic Plant Removal

Saturday April 20

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Spring Hill

Island Earth Day Celebration at Honeymoon Island

Saturday April 20

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday April 21

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Dunedin

Earth Day Event with Special Exhibits

Saturday April 20

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Homosassa

Earth Day Event with Drum Circle

Saturday April 20

9 a.m. to sunset

Koreshan State Historic Site

Estero

18th Annual Earth Day Celebration

Saturday April 20

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bahia Honda State Park

Big Pine Key

Earth Day Celebration Weekend

Saturday April 20 through Sunday April 21

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Palm Coast

Earth Day Celebration

Sunday April 21

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oscar Scherer State Park

Osprey

Earth Day: Celebrate All Things Green!

Sunday April 21

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Coconut Grove

Viva Florida! 500

Florida’s state parks and trails are joining the Florida Department of State in commemorating 500 years of Florida history throughout 2013. This significant milestone marks the anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s landing on the east coast of a mysterious land – a land he named La Florida. Join us throughout 2013 as we commemorate Florida's rich heritage and the events that have shaped the state. Learn more at the Florida State Parks Viva Florida 500 webpage.