Outdoors

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks wants to encourage its guests to be inspired through literature. In honor of Literacy Month, Florida State Parks will offer free entry into any state park from Sunday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Sept. 13, with a library book, a library card, or a book donation. The event will offer great opportunities for individuals and families of all ages to experience the enjoyment of fine literature in some of the choicest natural settings anywhere.

Well last Monday at 11 a.m., fall officially started, and almost immediately our weather turned glorious. We’ve had lower temperatures and humidity, and being outdoors feels great. As expected Wakulla wildlife is responding to the cooler temperatures. For instance, on September 10, I led a small group on a kayak trip on Buckhorn Creek near Sopchoppy, and the hint of impending fall was already in the air, for rather than seeing perhaps a dozen Eastern Kingbirds in the few miles we paddled, we observed flocks of hundreds–many times!

When people compare a map of Florida as it is currently to a map reflecting predicted development by the year 2060, there is usually a gasp.

The Florida Division of Forestry is hosting a grand opening for the new Wakulla State Forest Trails. The grand opening will be held at the parking pavilion off of Bloxham Cutoff Road, State Road 267, approximately two miles east of the State Rd 61 and State Rd 267 intersection. Explore a range of different ecosystems and enjoy the stunning views of Wakulla State Forest on the Wakulla State Forest Trail System. This recreation area features one designated Trailwalker and one Trailtrotter trail.