Friends of Fort Clinch

Friends of Fort Clinch The Friends of Fort Clinch State Park's mission is the preserving of natural & cultural resources, and providing recreational & educational opportunities. Lee.

Through fund raising and grant acquisitions, the Friends enable restoration projects at historic Fort Clinch, support special events and educational programming, provide tools and equipment to assist park rangers, and expand and improve the park's renowned living history program. The Friends of Fort Clinch work closely with the local community and proudly endeavor to be an integral part of Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach and Nassau County. Fort Clinch State Park preserves, protects and showcases natural and historical resources. Covering more than 1200 acres on Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park is one of Florida's first and finest state parks. With both river and ocean beach fronts there is over 2 miles of Atlantic coastline for swimming, fishing, shelling, sunbthing, and excellent bird watching. There is picnicking, campgrounds, youth camping facitities, off-road biking, Geo-seeking, hiking and Nature trails, as well as a living history interpretation at historic Fort Clinch. The natural communities in the park include maritime hammock, ancient dunes, extensive salt marshes, coastal grasslands, fresh water ponds, and miles of beautiful beaches. Alligtors, deer, bobcats, many small animals and a varied bird population live in the park. This is Florida as it originally was, in its natural state. Construction on historic Fort Clinch started in 1847 by the federal government and continued during the Civil War. occupied by Confederate forces when the war begain in 1861, it was taken by federal troops one year later, following a withdrawal order by General Robert E. The garrison operation was greatly reduced in the years folloing the Civil War and eventually ceased altogether. In 1898, the fort was reactivated for several months during the Spanish-American War. Today, Fort Clinch remains in a remarkable state of preservation. A museum details its history and each day volunteers join park rangers in bringing the fort to life through first-person interpretation. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service.

🌟 Congratulations, Ranger Clay Dickson! 🌟We’re proud to congratulate Larry “Clay” Dickson of Fort Clinch State Park on b...
09/04/2026

🌟 Congratulations, Ranger Clay Dickson! 🌟

We’re proud to congratulate Larry “Clay” Dickson of Fort Clinch State Park on being named the Florida Park Service District 2 Employee of the Month for August 2026!

Clay is the kind of Park Ranger who is always ready to step up and help—whether that means adjusting his schedule to fill a staffing need, supporting a park project, volunteering at special events, or deploying with the District Strike Team following hurricanes. His response when help is needed says it all: “Whatever you need, I’ll do it.”

Visitors may also recognize Clay from many of our community events, including the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Parade, Folk Festival, A1A cleanup efforts, and numerous projects and activities throughout Fort Clinch.

What truly sets Clay apart is the pride he takes in being a Park Ranger and his commitment to Fort Clinch, his fellow staff members, and the visitors he serves.

👏 Congratulations, Clay! This recognition is well deserved, and Friends of Fort Clinch is proud to have you as part of the Fort Clinch family!

Bull Gator captured on trail cam near Willow Pond.
07/27/2026

Bull Gator captured on trail cam near Willow Pond.

Bull Gator at Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island. Captured wit...

This big guy smiles for the trail cam near Willow Pond!
07/26/2026

This big guy smiles for the trail cam near Willow Pond!

07/24/2026

Best Friends of Fort Clinch

Along the shoreline of Fort Clinch State Park, where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean meet the mouth of the Amelia River, a remarkable gathering takes place every day. The beach is not only a place for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Florida’s coast. It is also a vital habitat for a diverse community of shorebirds and coastal birds that depend on this unique environment.

The birds of Fort Clinch Beach are an important part of the park’s natural story. Their presence reflects the health of the coastal ecosystem and reminds us of the delicate connection between wildlife, land, and sea.

Early morning walks along the beach often reveal flocks of shorebirds moving gracefully with the tides. Birds such as sanderlings, sandpipers, plovers, and gulls can be seen searching the shoreline for tiny crabs, insects, and marine organisms carried in by the waves. Their quick movements across the sand are part of an ancient rhythm, one shaped by migration, seasons, and the constant movement of the ocean.

Fort Clinch also provides habitat for larger coastal birds, including brown pelicans, herons, egrets, and ospreys. Pelicans glide just above the water before diving in search of fish, while ospreys patrol the skies looking for their next meal. Herons and egrets carefully navigate the shallow waters, demonstrating the patience and precision of skilled hunters.

The beach and surrounding coastal habitats are especially important for migratory birds that travel thousands of miles each year. For these visitors, Fort Clinch offers a place to rest, refuel, and continue their incredible journeys. Protecting these spaces ensures that future generations of birds and people can continue to experience this natural wonder.

Visitors can help protect Fort Clinch’s feathered residents by keeping a respectful distance from nesting areas, keeping dogs on designated trails and away from sensitive habitats, properly disposing of trash, and avoiding disturbances to resting birds. Even small actions make a meaningful difference in preserving the balance of this coastal ecosystem.

Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Friends of Fort Clinch

Interested in becoming a member of Friends of Fort Clinch? Visit: www.FortClinch.org

Setting the Flagpole with a Crane at Fort Clinch State Park
07/11/2026

Setting the Flagpole with a Crane at Fort Clinch State Park

MACS Crane and Rigging setting the flagpole from outside the Fort C...

07/09/2026

🇺🇸 Friends of Fort Clinch would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make our new flagpole project a reality. What began as a vision to enhance the historic entrance to Fort Clinch State Park became a true community effort, made possible by the generosity, dedication, and support of so many individuals and organizations.

A special thank you goes to the park staff, volunteers, members of the Friends of Fort Clinch, local businesses, and every donor who believed in this project. Your partnership and commitment continue to strengthen our mission of supporting one of Florida's most treasured historic sites.🇺🇸

Sincerely,
Board of Directors
www.FortClinch.org

Interested in becoming a member? Visit www.FortClinch.org

https://youtu.be/96lQwAYTVb0A great evening spent with our donors and other volunteers! Our 2026 FORT Project was replac...
07/05/2026

https://youtu.be/96lQwAYTVb0
A great evening spent with our donors and other volunteers! Our 2026 FORT Project was replacing the old flagpole in the parade field with a new pole and flag. The new flag is 15X25 feet with 35 stars. This is a representation of what was here in 1864. This video highlights the Flag Raising Celebration Event at Fort Clinch on July 3, 2026. Thank you donors for helping us make this project a great success!

Our 2026 FORT Project was replacing the old flagpole in the parade ...

Great day with the volunteer soldiers taking down the old flagpole in the parade field!
06/16/2026

Great day with the volunteer soldiers taking down the old flagpole in the parade field!

Fort Clinch volunteer soldiers reenact chopping down the old wooden...

Address

2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, FL
32034

Telephone

(904) 277-6777

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