Outdoors and Nature
Our Outdoor and Nature experts, Sandra Friend and John Keatley, travel around the region exploring the fabulous springs, rivers, trails, and hidden treasures that make up our ten county Natural North Florida region.
Cyclists! Ride Through Scenic Levy County, Florida On The 2018 Tour de Melon, June 2
Cyclists! Amateur and “professional” riders will enjoy the 64th Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival and get to ride on a variety of routes through Levy County (20, 40, 60 miles on Rails-to-Trails paved Trail and 50, 100 mile road routes). This is a ride for the entire family! Here’s the “scoop”: Choose from either a Century Route or …
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park–Florida’s Newest State Park Now Open!
Gilcchrist blue Springs State Park is the latest addition to Florida’s state park system. The 400-plus acre park was previously privately owned, and in 2018 it was sold to the state of Florida. Located just a short “run” from the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County, the main spring is a second-magnitude vent pushing …
Natural North Florida’s 2018 Bay Scallop Season Opens Soon!
Pinning down the dates for the 2018 bay scalloping season isn’t as easy as it’s been in past years. Essentially, our most popular scalloping areas (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach and Horseshoe Beach) open on June 16, while northern parts of Taylor County (not including Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach) and Wakulla County open on July 1. The …
Take A Walk On The “Wild Side”– In Gainesville’s City Limits–At Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Gainesville’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park is about more than 125 acres of protected land near the intersection of South Main Street and Williston Road. The park is not only a place to connect with nature, it’s a way to protect our environment. Featuring wetlands and ponds, the park was created to improve the water quality of …
Gainesville’s Depot Park—A Downtown Destination For The Entire Family
Depot Park is one of the latest additions to Gainesville’s South Main Street District. Located at the old railroad depot, which now houses two food concessions, the park is a fun destination for the entire family. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a playground visit for the kids, or a stroll after visiting the adjacent …
Visit Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Near Williston, Florida–It’s the “Pits”!
So….what do you do with a retired hundred-plus-year-old rock quarry? If you want to create a masterpiece of flora and fauna, you move tons of rock and divert lots of water and build a park for visitors to enjoy. That, in a nutshell, is the history of Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, located just off …
Fort White–The Good Jumping-Off Spot for Ichetucknee Springs State Park!
The Ichetucknee River and springs put Fort White on the map, so to speak. Originally settled near “Fort White”, a military post built in the 19th century at the time of the Seminole Wars, this Columbia County town is truly a gateway to one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks. Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches …
A Valuable Tool For Kayak Anglers! A Guide to Kayak Fishing Trails in the Nature Coast, From Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key
What’s small enough to carry on a kayak, waterproof, and presents enough information about kayak fishing Florida’s Big Bend to keep any angler occupied for many months? It’s the new guide to Kayak Fishing Trails in the Nature Coast, compiled by William Wolfson, a summer intern at Cedar Key’s UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station. There …
Monticello, Florida–Bike Fest, May 12, 2018
The 2018 Monticello Bike Fest will take place on Saturday, May 12 and will consist of a series of pro/am bicycle rides throughout beautiful Jefferson County, in Natural North Florida. It’s a CAAM Tour Series Event, so you’ll rub shoulders with some seriouse cyclists from the southeast. Ride 10, 30, 60 or even 100 miles …
2018 Shands Saltwater Trout Tournament, Steinhatchee, April 29, Sea Hag Marina
The Shands Fishing For Kids Saltwater Trout Tournament, one of the largest and most popular fishing events in our Natural North Florida region takes place on Saturday, April 28 at Steinhatchee. Weigh-in and a celebratory fish fry will be held at the Sea Hag Marina. With some excellent (and guaranteed) payouts, this promises to be …