Parks

ECO – events brought to you by TREE HILL NATURE CENTER The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Natural Estuarine Research Reserve has a calendar chock full of activities. Every Saturday they have a different hike, beach exploration, or event for those that want to explore the First Coast’s rich eco-heritage. Most are free. See their website for a full calendar and more info at gtmnerr.org. Dec 5 Orchid Potting Clinic Presented by the Jacksonville Orchid Society, 10am-1pm. Bring questions for members and/or orchids for repotting. Repeats every month on the first Saturday. Hagan Ace Hardware, 12501 San Jose Blvd, 772-7404. Dec 10 …

  By name alone, PorchFest conjures images of jug bands, old men in rocking chairs alongside their old hound dogs, and one hell of a hootenanny once the hooch sets in. It’s entirely possible that one or all of those things may be found on November 7th during  in Springfield. However, I don’t want to misrepresent the event or lead you completely astray—this is a family friendly event. PorchFests are held annually across the United States and Canada. They were started in Ithaca, New York, in 2007. The underlying idea was to bring local musicians and neighborhoods together to create …

In November will host nature photographer as its latest Artist in Residence. On November 7, 2015 Rick will share with the public photographs he has taken within the preserve and around the world. This event will take place in the barn from 11am to 1pm. Call 904 251-3537 for more information. About Rick Rasmussen Rick’s passion for the outdoors started in his early years, when he hunted and fished with his father. Unlike some photographers who visit game farms for opportunities, Rick prefers working with his subjects in their natural environment, portraying the animals doing what they do naturally – …

The third annual is now just around the corner. Music festival attendees are excited for this weekend, filled with top notch performances, Ghoul-themed costumes, decorative campsites and reunions with old friends. But this year’s Suwannee Hulaween experience goes even further. Set in the midst of oaks trees and moss in the friendly confines of the Suwannee Music Park a major transformation will take place this upcoming Halloween weekend, as the entire festival grounds will be decorated to the nines with a brilliant array of art installations for performers and music lovers to devoir. The Spirit of Suwannee Lake, the epicenter …

Cultural Fusion, Year of the River, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens BY LYNDSAY PLEMMONS, Assistant Manager of Marketing at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens what: Jacksonville Manatee Festival when: November 14, 2015, 10am–4pm where: Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens info: www.jacksonvillezoo.org The word “inspiration” is mentioned frequently, especially when talking about important causes like animal conservation. Cultural Fusion and Year of the River have opened our eyes to the idea that everyone becomes inspired in different ways. In many cities, zoos, museums, and cultural groups end up competing over the same customer. Through , we are working to benefit each other …

Friends of Hemming Park unveiled a new collaboration that will enhance our city’s central park with improvements beginning next year. has partnered with to help establish a main stage near Hogan Street. Black Sheep Restaurant Group has also plans to open a kiosk in the park’s café area near the corner of Laura and Monroe streets. “There is so much momentum building behind Downtown Jacksonville, and Hemming Park is at the heart of it,” says Jacksonville . “These announcements represent a significant investment in the future of this integral park, and will contribute to even more energy and activity for …

Many park enthusiasts consider the Talbot Island State Parks as the premier park experience in Northeast Florida-rare undeveloped barrier islands on the edge of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Our land’s ancestors-Native American, French, Spanish, British-all knew this area well. The Talbot Islands are surrounded by natural beauty and exciting wildlife – marsh birds swarm over the wetlands, redfish tails break the Intracoastal Waterway and creek waters, crabs skitter over the pristine beach, ospreys soar across the landscape with watchful eyes. Explore the diverse island habitats by hiking Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh …