Florida State Parks Foundation

05/27/2026

🔦The world’s most prominent outdoor publication is shining a spotlight on Florida’s award-winning state parks!

National Geographic recently published a deep dive into parks across the state, with top picks for birders, boaters, divers, gardeners and more. Here are some of National Geographic’s choices — check out the full article below for the complete list.

Nature lovers🌱: Highlands Hammock State Park

Spelunkers🦇: Florida Caverns State Park

Snorkelers and scuba divers🤿: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

What are YOUR favorites? Let us know!

05/25/2026

Today, we join you in remembering and honoring the brave members of our U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives for our country.

In addition to pristine beaches, crystal-clear springs and miles of trails, our state parks also offer many places to pause, reflect and feel gratitude on Memorial Day.

As a reminder, most of Florida's state parks are offering free admission today, Monday, May 25, to commemorate the holiday.

05/23/2026

Planning to visit your favorite state park and enjoy FREE admission this Memorial Day weekend? We are too! 🇺🇸🌴

Keep in mind — our state parks are beloved by millions, and several parks could experience increased visitation over the next few days.

If you’re nearby and able, consider traveling to the park via bicycle or on foot! Parking lots may be at capacity, but visitors on foot or bikes will typically still be admitted if the park is under capacity. You can always call the park or check their official website for the latest updates, too!

05/22/2026

The 74th annual Florida Folk Festival — a Memorial Day weekend tradition for decades — is underway at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs!

One of the oldest and most beloved folk festivals in the nation, the Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of Florida’s rich cultural heritage. Our music, art, food, and stories, passed down through generations, come alive again this weekend.

This year’s festival will feature more than 300 live performances, as well as demonstrations, workshops, traditional dances and more!

(Please note: The Florida Folk Festival is a ticketed event.)
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📍Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park | White Springs, Florida
🎟️ stephenfostercitizensupportorg.ticketspice.com/florida-folk-festival-2026
🌐 floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival

05/21/2026

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is offering FREE admission to Florida State Parks for Memorial Day weekend: Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25!

Florida's natural wonders offer the perfect setting to spend time with family and friends while reflecting on the brave people who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. 🇺🇸

Florida State Parks are free during Memorial Day Weekend!

Florida State Parks will offer free admission for most parks from May 23-25, inviting visitors to enjoy the outdoors while honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife, Skyway Fishing Pier, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks.

For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/free-admission-memorial-day-weekend

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📍: Bahia Honda State Park

💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information.

05/20/2026

Summertime almost here? ✅

More state parks to explore? ✅

A beautiful, updated Florida State Parks poster from our friends at Jelly Press? ✅

Just in time for your summer road trips, the oh-so-popular state parks checklist poster is back and freshly updated with Florida's newest state park: Shoal River Headwaters State Park!

Get yours today 👉 https://secure.everyaction.com/L09VjhL_c0-RKzbEBodGDg2

05/18/2026

We are feeling energized and inspired after our Florida State Parks Foundation board meeting last week! 💚

Our dedicated board members gathered last week in Northwest Florida for visits to Camp Helen State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, and each park put on a spectacular show! These parks are home to fascinating history, rare natural resources and breathtaking beaches, and they all have wonderful park staff and Friends groups caring for them every day. Thank you for being such gracious hosts!

As always, we are amazed and grateful to have incredible board members who are passionate in their pursuit of the Foundation’s mission to preserve, protect, sustain and grow Florida’s award-winning state parks. THANK YOU for all that you do!

Friends of Camp Helen State Park Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Friends of Grayton Beach and Deer Lake State Parks

05/17/2026

Impact⚡️Flashback | District 5

Park Impact Grants week wraps up with a stop in South Florida and the Florida Keys!

2021:
• Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park & Dagny Johnson State Park — New benches for visitors

2022:
• Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks (for Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park) — Motorized wheelbarrow
• Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park — Support for “A Visitor’s Guide to Jonathan Dickinson State Park” publication

2023:
• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — Interpretive video
• Friends Of Oleta River State Park — New waste management receptacles

2024:
• Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park — New sheds to support sea turtle program
• Friends Of Oleta River State Park — Wooden bridge restoration

2025:
• Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park — “Let’s Make the Savannas Shine” visitor experience improvements series

2026:
• Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park — Accessible viewing platform overlooking Kitching Creek
• Fort Pierce Inlet State Park — New utility terrain vehicle (UTV)

05/16/2026

Impact⚡️Flashback | District 4
Today, we’re turning our focus to the Tampa Bay area, Southwest Florida and all of District 4!

2021:
• Friends of Koreshan State Park — Educational exhibit

2022:
• Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park — Accessible path to Butterfly Garden
• Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc. (Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park) — Support for Visitor Center

2023:
• Friends of Anclote Key State Park and Lighthouse — New tractor for park maintenance
• Friends of Myakka River (Myakka River State Park) — Cargo bikes

2024:
• Friends of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park — Mobile plant propagation shade house
• Friends of Koreshan State Park — Historic painting and rug restoration

2025:
• Dade Battlefield Society — Historic breastworks restoration

2026:
• Friends of Koreshan State Park — All-terrain, powered wheelchair
• Paynes Creek Historic State Park — Support for historic reenactment facilities and materials

05/15/2026

🤩Amazed, thrilled, grateful — we are running out of words to say just how much we appreciate our friends D&L Bonsai Nursery and everyone who supported the Foundation at the nursery's annual Customer Appreciation Day! Your generosity led to a contribution of more than $2,000 that will directly benefit our state's parks, trails and historic sites! THANK YOU!

Do you …

☀️ Live in Central Florida?
🌿 Love plants, trees and all things green?
🏝️ Want to support our award-winning parks, trails and historic sites?

Then we’ve got a great idea for your weekend. Our friends at D&L Bonsai Nursery near Ocala are holding their annual Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 2, and they have selected the Foundation as their official charitable partner for 2026!

For 12 years, D&L Bonsai Nursery has welcomed people from all over to enjoy food, raffles, vendors, artists and more — all set against a beautiful, green backdrop of plants, trees and vegetation.

We’re honored that all proceeds from this year’s event directly benefit the Florida State Parks Foundation.

Visit for more information: https://dlnursery.com/calendar/customer-appreciation-day/