Friends of Fort Cooper

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

04/17/2026

Come see the BATS TONIGHT at Ft. Cooper State Park!

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Friday, April 17, 2026 6:30pm—7:30pm

Due to popular demand, the Friends of Fort Cooper will again feature a special program with observation of Florida’s bats on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Fort Cooper State
Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness.

The presentation will be given by Shari Blissett-Clark, president, Florida Bat Conservancy www.floridabats.org and board member of Bat Belfrys Inc., dedicated to conserving Florida's bats!

Visitors will start the evening in Fort Cooper’s Rec Hall with a social at 6:20 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. presentation by Ms. Blissett-Clark. Live Florida bats will accompany the program.

Following her presentation attendees will take a short hike to Fort Cooper State Park’s Bat House to witness the swarm of bats exiting their house at sundown. It is advised that walkers wear sneakers or close-toed shoes. It’s truly a remarkable sight!

Seating in the Rec Hall is very limited. Please reserve by calling the park office at (352) 726-0315. There is a $3 per car state park entrance fee. The presentation is free.

02/28/2026

The next "Birding on Thursday at Fort Cooper State Park" is March 5th at 9:00am. This monthly birdwatching walk is led by an expert, so bring your binoculars, wear close-toed shoes, and get ready to identify some birds. Hopefully you'll get to see the new baby horned owl nesting by the lake! Entrance to the park is $3 per vehicle. Call the park office at 352-726-0315 for more information.

02/26/2026

Ft. Cooper State Park welcomes a new baby horned owl to the world! The owlet and its mom enjoy a nest close to the lake in the main section of the park. Comment with a thumbs up if you can spot the owlet.

01/06/2026

This is the last posting I will be doing for the Friends of Fort Cooper. Be kind to the new person posting. I will now be posting under Fort Cooper State Park Volunteers. This page will feature only park events and not be associated with the Friends of Fort Cooper. Please continue to see the great things the Friends are doing.

01/05/2026

01/04/2026

Citrus County Animal Services will resume its Community Cat Program on Jan. 13, following an extended suspension caused by a scheduling conflict that will continue through the holiday season.

12/30/2025

Check out Fort Cooper State Park Volunteers on Facebook

Send a message to learn more

12/23/2025

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