{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2021-08-16T19:28:37","modified_gmt":"2021-08-16T19:28:37","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ <\/strong>PARKS & NATURE
\n<\/strong>
\nCentral Florida Parks & Forests<\/strong>
\n
\n<\/strong>Rock Springs Run State Reserve
\n<\/strong>Apopka
\n407-884-2008
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n14,000 acres in Orange and Lake counties serves as habitat preservation, watershed protection, and a popular destination for recreational activities.<\/p>\n

Tosohatchee State Reserve
\n<\/strong>Christmas
\n407-568-5893
\nhttps:\/\/myfwc.com\/recreation\/lead\/tosohatchee\/<\/a>
\n28,000 acres border 19 miles of the St. Johns River in east Orange County, creating a mosaic of freshwater marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks.<\/p>\n

Blue Spring State Park
\n<\/strong>Orange City
\n386-775-3663
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\nMuch more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming, the park plays a critical role in the survival of one of Florida’s most beloved residents, the manatee.<\/p>\n

Anastasia State Recreation Area
\n<\/strong>St. Augustine
\n904-461-2033
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\nOne of the state’s busiest state parks is only 1.5 miles from historic downtown St. Augustine, offering coastal camping, fishing, sun bathing, surfing, sail boarding, swimming, nature trails, and picnicking.<\/p>\n

Faver-Dykes State Park
\n<\/strong>St. Augustine
\n904-794-0997
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n1,450 acres along Pellicer Creek forms an aquatic preserve for fishing, boating, and canoeing in a setting of pine flatwoods and mesic hammock that offer a rich habitat for wildlife.<\/p>\n

Highlands Hammock State Park
\n<\/strong>SR634, Hammock Road
\nSebring 863-386-6094
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomoka & Bulow Creek State Parks
\n<\/strong>Ormond Beach
\n386-676-4050
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\nTomoka is ideal for camping, boating, fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Bulow Creek encompasses 3,230 acres of upland forest, hardwood swamp, saltmarsh, and tidal creeks.<\/p>\n

Silver River State Park
\n<\/strong>Ocala
\n352-236-7148
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n5,000 acres include nearly 20 miles of river frontage and springs to support 14 distinct plant communities.<\/p>\n

De Leon Springs State Park
\n<\/strong>De Leon Springs
\n386-985-4212
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n603 acres are highlighted by the 72-degree spring for seasonal swimming and fishing. This recreation area provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.<\/p>\n

Hontoon Island State Park
\n<\/strong>DeLand
\n386-736-5309
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n1,650-acre island park is accessible only by private boat or a passenger ferry service, offering an island paradise for fishing, camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, picnicking and nature study.<\/p>\n

Highlands Hammock State Park
\n<\/strong>Sebring
\n863-386-6094
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n4,896-acre park is home to a virgin hardwood forest, cypress swamp, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, bayheads, and marsh.<\/p>\n

Lake George State Forest
\n<\/strong>De Leon Springs
\n386-985-7822
\nhttps:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Divisions-Offices\/Florida-Forest-Service<\/a>
\nSt. Johns River borders 3.5 miles of the forest to offer a wealth of ecologically valuable communities and riverfront recreation.<\/p>\n

Lake Griffin State Park
\n<\/strong>Fruitland Park
\n352-360-6760
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n425 acres of woodlands and freshwater swamp offers some of the state’s finest bass fishing. Campsites combine with boat ramp, picnic area, and nature trail.<\/p>\n

Lake Louisa State Park
\n<\/strong>Clermont
\n352-394-3969
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n4,372-acre park lies on the shores of Lake Louisa, part of a 13-lake chain connected by the Palatlakaha River. Activities include swimming, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, and nature study.<\/p>\n

Lake Kissimmee State Park
\n<\/strong>Lake Wales
\n863-696-1112
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n5,930 acres offer outstanding fishing, bird watching, picnicking, camping, boating, and hiking on 13 miles of scenic trails.<\/p>\n

Little Big Econ State Forest
\n<\/strong>Geneva
\n407-971-3500
\nhttps:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Divisions-Offices\/Florida-Forest-Service<\/a>
\nForested land supports a wide variety of wildlife and provides a roaming corridor linking the Econ Basin to the Tosohatchee State Preserve and public land along the St. Johns River.<\/p>\n

Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area
\n<\/strong>Melbourne Beach
\n321-984-4852
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\nAtlantic beach offers some of the finest surfing in Florida off the tips of two barrier islands. The area is a favored for picnicking, swimming, surfing, fishing, shrimping, clamming, crabbing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and camping.<\/p>\n

Seminole State Forest
\n<\/strong>Leesburg
\n352-360-6675
\nhttps:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Divisions-Offices\/Florida-Forest-Service<\/a>
\nKnown for its diversity, the forest features more than 13 different natural communities, each with unique plants, animals and physical characteristics.<\/p>\n

Tiger Bay State Forest
\n<\/strong>Daytona Beach
\n386-226-0250
\nhttps:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Divisions-Offices\/Florida-Forest-Service<\/a>
\n23,425 forested acres in central Volusia County extends north and south of U.S. Highway 92 to offer a wealth of recreational opportunities.<\/p>\n

Wekiwa Springs State Park & Lower Wekiva River State Preserve
\n<\/strong>Apopka
\n407-884-2008
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a>
\n7,000 acres of unspoiled scenery in the state park combines with the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve, showcasing 18,000 acres of environmentally significant land including miles of riverfront.<\/p>\n

Welaka State Forest
\n<\/strong>Welaka
\n386-467-2388
\nhttps:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Divisions-Offices\/Florida-Forest-Service<\/a>
\nEcosystems include wetlands, flatwoods, hammocks, sandhills, and bayheads and a diversity of plant and animal life along the St. Johns River.<\/p>\n

National Recreation Areas<\/strong>
\n
\nLake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>
\nDe Leon Springs
\n386-985-4673
\nhttps:\/\/www.fws.gov\/refuges\/<\/a>
\nProtecting abundant wildlife, the refuge surrounds the 2,200-acre Lake Woodruff, Lake Dexter, and scores of other waterways.<\/p>\n

Ocala National Forest
\n<\/strong>Silver Springs
\n352-236-0288
\nhttps:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/<\/a>
\nThis vast wooded region offers a wealth of natural getaways, from more than two dozen primitive campsites to complete resort facilities.<\/p>\n

Osceola National Forest
\n<\/strong>Olustee
\n386-752-2577
\nhttps:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/florida<\/a>
\nThe forest is crossed by a 21-mile segment of the National Scenic Trail with hundreds of miles of dirt roads for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.<\/p>\n

Regional Gardens<\/strong>
\n
\nDickson Azalea Park
\n<\/strong>100 Rosearden Drive
\nOrlando 407-246-2283
\nhttps:\/\/www.orlando.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Historic Bok Sanctuary<\/strong>
\n1151 Tower Boulevard
\nLake Wales 863-676-1408
\nhttps:\/\/boktowergardens.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Harry P. Leu Gardens
\n<\/strong>1920 North Forest Avenue
\nOrlando 407-246-2620
\nhttps:\/\/www.leugardens.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ravine State Gardens
\n<\/strong>1600 Twigg Street
\nPalatka 386-329-3721
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

Sugar Mills Botanical Gardens<\/strong>
\n950 Old Sugar Mill Road
\nPort Orange 386-767-1735
\nhttps:\/\/www.volusia.org\/services\/community-services\/parks-recreation-and-culture\/parks-and-trails\/park-facilities-and-locations\/historical-parks\/sugar-mill-gardens.stml<\/a>
\n
\nUniversity of Central Florida Arboretum
\n<\/strong>4000 Central Florida Boulevard
\nOrlando 407-823-2761
\nhttps:\/\/arboretum.ucf.edu\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Washington Oaks State Gardens
\n<\/strong>6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard
\nPalm Coast 386-446-6780
\nhttps:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

County Recreation Resources<\/strong>
\n
\nFlagler County Parks<\/strong>
\n386-313-4020
\nhttps:\/\/www.flaglercounty.gov\/departments\/parks-recreation<\/a><\/p>\n

Lake County Outdoor Sports
\n<\/strong>800-798-1071
\nhttps:\/\/www.lakecountyfl.gov\/<\/a>
\n
\nOrange County Parks & Recreation
\n<\/strong>407-836-6200
\nwww.orangecountyfl.net<\/a><\/p>\n

Osceola County Recreation
\n<\/strong>407-742-7800
\nStadium & Sports Complex
\n407-933-5400
\nhttps:\/\/www.osceola.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Seminole County Parks & Recreation
\n<\/strong>407-665-2001
\nhttps:\/\/www.seminolecountyfl.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Volusia County Parks
\n<\/strong>386-257-6000
\n386-736-5953
\n386-423-3300
\nhttps:\/\/www.volusia.org\/services\/community-services\/parks-recreation-and-culture\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Additional Websites<\/strong><\/p>\n

Florida Division of Forestry
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Divisions-Offices\/Florida-Forest-Service<\/a><\/p>\n

Florida Trail Association
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.floridatrail.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Florida National Forests
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/florida<\/a><\/p>\n

National Audubon Society
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

National Wildlife Refuge System
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/refuges\/<\/a><\/p>\n

National Recreation Directory
\n<\/strong>https:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE Central Florida Parks & Forests Rock Springs Run State Reserve Apopka 407-884-2008 https:\/\/floridadep.gov\/parks 14,000 acres in Orange and Lake counties serves as habitat preservation, watershed protection, and a popular destination for recreational activities. Tosohatchee State Reserve Christmas 407-568-5893 https:\/\/myfwc.com\/recreation\/lead\/tosohatchee\/ 28,000 acres border 19 miles of the St. Johns […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":846,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Orlando3\/WatsonBUnderwood\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}