Tuesday, 9 a.m.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park -- Park staff will lead a two-mile hike interpreting the area’s vegetation and wildlife.

Wednesday, 10 a.m

Rainbow Springs State Park-- A park ranger will lead participants on a paddling excursion to learn about Florida's habitats, waterways and history.

Wednesday, 6 p.m.

The Barnacle Historic State Park -- The state park will hold a Yoga by the Sea class for all experience  levels on the park’s grassy front lawn at The Barnacle overlooking Biscayne Bay. Participants should bring a mat, blocks and a strap.

Thursday, 9 a.m.

Florida Caverns State Park -- Participants will enjoy an invigorating walk on one of the park’s cave tours.

Friday, 7:30 a.m.

Ochlockonee River State Park -- Join a guided walk and learn about the red cockaded woodpeckers in their native habitat.

Friday, 9 a.m.

Falling Waters State Park -- Enjoy a guided walk of our nature trails with a park ranger. During the  walk, the natural sink system of Falling Waters and the historic activities within the park will be discussed.

Friday, 8 a.m.

Three Rivers State Park -- Participants will go on a ranger-led walk along nature trails. During the walk, the natural sink system of Falling Waters and the historic activities within the park will be discussed.

Friday, 9 a.m.

Ravine Gardens State Park -- The Putnam County Health Department, along with other local agencies, will host Step Up! Putnam Style at Ravine Gardens State Park. The event will feature heart-healthy activities, games and prizes for all ages.

Saturday, 8 a.m.

Torreya State Park -- Participants will hike through the parks extensive trail system and explore Florida’s natural resources.

Saturday, 9 a.m.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park -- Rangers will lead participants on a 2.5 mile-hike along the park’s a rare coastal dune lake while interpreting Florida's wildlife and vegetation. Participants should meet at Morris Lake Nature Trail off of Hwy. 98.

Saturday, 10 a.m.

Curry Hammock State Park -- Rangers will lead a ½-mile hike through the rockland hammock and interpret the Florida Keys' wildlife and vegetation.

Saturday, 10 a.m.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park -- The 109 stairs that ascend the lighthouse provide an excellent exercise opportunity, and park rangers and volunteers will be present to provide assistance. Step Up, Florida! participants will receive free park admission.

Saturday, 10 a.m. --

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park --Visitors are invited to participate in a ½-mile, ranger-led walk through the park’s gardens and learn about the area’s cultural history and floral architecture designed by Alfred B. Maclay.

Saturday, 11 a.m.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park -- The state park will host a Historic Hike through the park. Maps and bottled water will be provided.

Sunday, 9 a.m.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park -- Enjoy a ranger-led walk through pine forests and across Wilson Creek. Participants can also climb the Hobe Mountain Tower Trail.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Key Largo Hammock State Park -- Participants will go on a two-hour, ranger-led hike in park’s subtropical woods. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

St. George Island State Park -- Join park staff for a one-hour beach walk. During the guided walk, park rangers will identify sea shells, shore birds and answer questions about the beach habitat.

Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway -- Hosted by Putnam County, visitors will walk along the Diamond Trail Loop and participate in a scavenger hunt and nature craft activities.

February 13, 8:30 a.m.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park -- Join yoga instructor Anne Marie Phelan in a hour-long session  on the beach.

February 14, 1 p.m.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park -- Participants will join us for a ranger-led walk on one of the park’s nature trails and explore a variety of native flora, fauna and wildlife.

February 16 -- 8:30 a.m.

St. Andrews State Park -- Join park staff for a beach walk from Gulf Pier to the Jetties and back. A park ranger will be available to answer questions on the park's natural, cultural and historical resources.

February 16, 10 a.m.

Lake Manatee State Park -- Designated trails throughout the park will be marked with ½, one, and two-mile markers for hiking.

February 16, 1:30 p.m.

Fort Clinch State Park -- Visitors are invited to a two-mile beach walk sponsored by the Nassau County Health Department. Registration at the pier parking lot begins at 1:30 p.m., and the walk begins at 2:00 p.m. Participants are recommended to wear closed-toed walking shoes. Park admission fees are waived for those participating in the walk.

February 17, 7 a.m.

Highlands Hammock State Park -- The state park will host a free 5K walk/run. The first 500 participants will receive a Step Up, Florida! Shirt; drinks and snacks will be provided. An introduction to Tai Chi will follow the walk/run.

February 17, 8:30 a.m.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park -- Follow in the footsteps noted naturalist and artist William Bartram on a guided hike of the north rim of Paynes Prairie. The hike will cover 3.5 miles and last approximately three hours.

February 17, 9 a.m.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park -- Participants will enjoy a 12-mile guided tour on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, and learn about the history, geology, water, flora, fauna, restoration, and archeology of the Preserve.

February 17, 9 a.m.

Lake Louisa State Park -- Participants will join a ranger-led hike along our nature. The excursion will begin at the beach parking lot.

February 17, 9 a.m.

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail -- Participants will bicycle the 12-mile state trail while observing native plants and wildlife. The guided tour will highlight the trail’s history of cattle ranching, citrus groves, small railroad towns, steam engines and archeology. A bike helmet and maintained bicycle are required.

February 17, 11 a.m.

Rainbow Springs State Park -- A ranger-led walk will interpret Florida's habitats and history. Gather on the veranda at the Visitors' Center at 10:45 a.m.

February 18, 9 a.m.

Alafia River State Park -- Participants will enjoy a ride on the state park’s mountain bike trails. RSVP's are required.

February 18, 9 a.m.

Bahia Honda State Park -- Meet with a park ranger at the East entrance to the Wings and Waves Butterfly Garden for a beach cleanup and nature walk on Loggerhead beach. Learn about the wrackline, birds, butterflies and unique plants.

February 19, 9:30 a.m.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park -- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, in cooperation with the Citrus County Health Department, will hold a Step Up, Florida! walk. Participants will enjoy the park’s native Florida wildlife as they follow park trails and elevated boardwalks.

February 19-24, Times vary

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park -- For six days, rangers will lead walks in the park 10 a.m. February 20, 9 a.m.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park -- Visit the state park to walk, run, bike, swim or surf. The park features a 30-minute Coastal Hammock Trail through various coastal ecosystems.

February 21, 8 a.m.

DeLeon Springs State Park -- Begin with a swim in the spring with the Mermaids swimming group, then join the group at 9:00 a.m. for a breakfast at the Sugarmill Restaurant. At 10:00 a.m. a park ranger will lead a one-mile walk on a nature trail.

February 21, 8 a.m.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park -- Come out to the park for a walk or run on the beach on the approximately 1.25-mile beach.

February 21, 10 a.m.

Long Key State Park -- Join a park ranger for a two-hour walk along the Golden Orb Trail. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles long and features various plant communities including coastal scrub and tropical hardwood hammock.

February 23, 10 a.m

Tomoka State Park -- A park ranger will lead participants on a one-mile hike, interpreting the history and plant life of Tomoka State Park.

February 23, 11 a.m.

Nature Coast Trail -- Run, walk, bike, and skate your way to healthier living. Watch our healthy snack demonstrations, bicycle safety presentations and more.

February 24, 8 a.m.

Perdido Key State Park -- Take a one-hour walk on the beach at Perdido Key State Park. Meet at the park’s east entrance.

February 24, 9 a.m.

Sebastian Inlet State Park -- Come out to Sebastian Inlet State Park for a two-mile ranger-led walk.  Participants will learn about different ecosystems, local history and wildlife.

February 24, 9 a.m.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park -- Join park rangers for a hike on a paved tram path, then to the beach for a 2.5-mile round trip hike while interpreting Florida's vegetation and wildlife.

February 24, 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.

Caladesi Island State Park -- Come out to the park for a ranger-led trail walk. Park rangers will discuss the natural and cultural resources of Caladesi Island including vegetation, wildlife and recreational opportunities.

February 24, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Egmont Key State Park -- Participants will enjoy a ranger-led trail walk. Tours will focus on the history and natural resources of Egmont Key. Visitors are recommended to take a ferry from nearby the Fort De Soto County Park to access Egmont Key.

February 24, 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.

Honeymoon Island State Park -- Join park rangers for a walk at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the park’s nature trail to explore the barrier island’s natural resources and history. There will be a 12 p.m. beach walk offered to discover natural resources that wash up on the shore, such as coral, shells and drift wood.

 

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Life in Paradise or not

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_southwest_brit/2007/02/explore_a_cave_.html