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.
10TH ANNUAL ROCK THE DOCK FISHING TOURNAMENT, April 28 & 29, Panacea, Florida
10TH ANNUAL ROCK THE DOCK FISHING TOURNAMENT April 28-29, 2018 Woolley Park | Panacea, Florida There are many reasons to love the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament, but it’s definitely the fishing itself that is the star attraction. Anglers come from throughout the region to test their skills in the coastal waters of Wakulla County. …
A FEW WADE OR PADDLING OPTIONS FOR FISHING NATURAL NORTH FLORIDA’S GULF COASTLINE
Updated page, originally posted 10/7/17 While Florida’s Big Bend boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental United States, it has surprisingly few places one can fish without a powerboat. There are several paddleboat launches, ranging from primitive to improved, but with no beaches or barrier islands, wade-fishing is a limited option. …
Learn About North Florida’s Flora and Fauna At Gainesville’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Whether Gainesville is your Natural North Florida destination or if you’re just passing through on I-75, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. It’s located about a mile west of the Archer Road exit (SR24) on the expressway. Named for Lake Kanapaha (Timicuan tramslation: palmetto leaf and house, referring to the typical Timicua …
Gainesville’s Morningside Nature Center–Take A Walk In Our Woods
With over 7 miles of trails and one of the last-remaining examples of a fire-dependent longleaf pine forest, Morningside Nature Center is an excellent outdoor destination–within the city limits of Natural North Florida’s largest city. The largest of Gainesville’s nature parks, Morningside covers 278 acres and is easily accessed from East University Avenue and SR20. …
Relax, Hike, Camp–and Enjoy Florida’s Suwannee River State Park
Located just off US90, between the towns of Live Oak and Madison, in Natural North Florida, Suwannee River State Park isn’t one of our largest parks, but it certainly is one of the most scenic. It’s upstream of the confluence of the mighty Suwannee River and the lesser “upper” Withlacoochee River, right where the highway …
Lake Butler, Florida–One of Natural North Florida’s Hidden Treasures
Florida’s Union County isn’t big. In fact, it was originally part of several other counties, and its history can be confusing. In an effort to simplify matters and not “rewrite history”, here’s a direct quote from the county’s current website: “The area that is now Union County, Florida was originally part of St. Johns County …
Visit Panacea, Florida and The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and Museum
Panacea’s Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory is the “real deal”, founded by Jack Rudloe in the early 1960s to provide marine specimens to scientists and researchers. The facility has grown over the years, to become a full-fledged tourist attraction, while still delivering sea creatures of all sorts to educators and scientists. A trip through the …
Wild Florida Adventures, December 2017 Events
Greetings Outside Enthusiasts! I’ve just updated the Wild Florida Adventures event calendar for the rest of the month of December with the link here www.localendar.com/public/bbarker This weekend we’re planning two fresh water paddles as the coastal tides aren’t that conducive to good water levels. Plus with the lower temps, its better to paddle venues that …
See Gainesville’s Butterfly Rainforest–And Be Swept Away By Beautiful Creatures
As part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville‘s Butterfly Rainforest is truly one of the wonders in our Natural North Florida region. The immense screened-in facility, full of flowers and plants (and butterflies!) serves not only as a destination for nature lovers and photographers, but as an adjunct facility for the research team …
Cool Weather Brings Good Spotted Seatrout Bite to Natural North Florida’s Gulf Coast
A typical winter day near Steinhatchee’s Sea Hag Marina! Everyone wants a limit of spotted seatrout! Cool air temperatures that follow the arrival of cold fronts to Natural North Florida’s west coast usually drop Gulf and river water temperatures down a degree or two. Feeling that drop, and the likely onset of winter, spotted seatrout …