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McKee Botanical Gardens

McKee Botanical Gardens, located in Vero Beach, has something for everyone! This 18-acre wild place of natural beauty offers classes, programs, workshops, and special events. The gardens have always operated sustainably, thus environmental stewardship is taught and encouraged through the programs offered.

Saunter along the paths and discover the diverse and stunning botanical collection. Children will love exploring the Children’s Garden. Service Animals are welcome. The paths accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Be sure to stop by the Garden Cafe and Gift Shop.

McKee Botanical Gardens is recognized by the Garden Conservancy as a preservation project of national significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn more about McKee Botanical Gardens here: https://mckeegarden.org/

Photo Credit: David Gale

Lake Istokpoga Park

At nearly 28,000 acres, Lake Istokpoga is the 5th largest lake in Florida. Located in Sebring, Lake Istokpoga Park is an outdoor delight. Saunter along the nature trails, pier, and boardwalk. There’s plenty of parking for your vehicle with a trailer and a double boat ramp to launch into the lake that averages four to six feet deep. Enjoy your lunch at one of the picnic tables under Spanish-moss-draped trees or in a pavilion.

Lake Istokpoga Park can be found on the north shore of Lake Istokpoga. Look for wading birds, songbirds, waterbirds, raptors, and more along this Florida Birding Trail.

Fun Fact: Ospreys build more nests in this little county park than they build in most other places in the US.

For more information: https://www.highlandsfl.gov/…/parks_and…/parks/parks.php

Photo Credit: Ileana Rodriguez

Black Water Creek

Black Water Creek meanders through the Seminole State Forest in Lake County. Only canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding are permitted. The launch point lies within the Forest and has a picnic table where you can refuel before heading out or after a day of paddling. Be sure to call Seminole State Forest for a pass to launch.

Black Water Creek is 19 miles long and flows into the Wekiva River. Numerous small streams and springs, including Moccasin Spring pictured here, flow into Black Water Creek. The waterway gets its name from the undisturbed dark tannic water. The stream is narrow and the canopy of trees will help shade you from the hot Florida sun.

As part of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Black Water Creek provides the opportunity to view plenty of wildlife. Because this is truly wild Florida, remain quiet and you are sure to see otters, ibises, turtles, and alligators. Look for a variety of wading birds, migratory birds, and the endangered Florida Scrub-Jay. Perhaps a Florida Black Bears bear will wander along the creek as you paddle along.

For more information click here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Seminole-State-Forest

Photo Credit: Gabrielle Milch

Colt Creek State Park

Hike, bike, paddle, or horseback ride through 5000 acres of wild Florida.
Located in Lakeland, Colt Creek State Park is waiting to be explored.

Colt Creek State Park was purchased in 2006 and became Florida’s 160th state park. The land had previously been used as a cattle ranch, for silviculture, and for lime rock mining. A few of the large pits dug for lime rock mining reached the aquifer. Today, the water that flows up from the aquifer has created lakes that provide habitat for wildlife.

There are 15-miles of multi-use trails that lead you through wetlands, open vistas, and longleaf and slash pine forests. Discover an abundance of wildflowers and the pollinators who rely on them. Look for fox squirrels, turkeys, bobcats, otters, gopher tortoises, a variety of birds including eagles, and of course, alligators.

Rent a canoe or kayak or bring your own. Paddle Mac Lake, Middle Lake, or Little Lake as you share the water with wading birds and turtles.

Bring your horse and ride through creeks, and streams while admiring the beauty of the three lakes.

RV, tent, primitive, equestrian, and group camping sites are available. Star-gaze at one of the darkest sky sites in Florida. Pavillions are a perfect place to host your outdoor event.

Bring your lunch and cook it on one of the provided grills or simply enjoy it at one of the picnic tables. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are welcome. Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars since Colt Creek State Park is designated as a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/par…/colt-creek-state-park

Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park features Whitewater Branch Creek which is spring-fed. It took thousands of years for the flowing water to form two ravines that are up to 120 feet deep with 45-degree angles. As the water flows through the banks, it carries soil and sand into the St. Johns River.

During the Great Depression, Ravine Gardens State Park became one of nine New Deal state parks in Florida. The Federal Works Progress Administration created a fascinating garden that featured over 270,000 plants on the slopes of the ravine. The park opened to the public on July 4th of 1933.

Today, the ravines have been left to naturally transform back to the way Nature intended. Ravine Gardens State Park continues to inspire with its five acres of formal gardens, stone features, fountains, water features, and historic gardens including hundreds of azaleas.

Bike, hike, or drive Main Park Drive Loop, a 1.8-mile paved road that winds around the ravines and offers incredible views of the ravine. Hike Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile shady trail through the ravine. Trod through muddy and steep paths and cross over historic suspension bridges and stone staircases. Look for birds. foxes, skunks, armadillos, opossums, squirrels, otters, turtles fish, alligators and other wildlife.

Numerous picnic sites equipped with tables and grills are available to visitors. A wheelchair-friendly playground is waiting for you to enjoy. A large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms are available for larger gatherings or events at the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center.

Pets are welcome in Ravine Gardens State Park and on the trails when they are kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash. Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka in Putnam County.

For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/ravine-gardens-state-pa…

Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam – IOF Volunteer