The 7 Creeks Recreation Area park partners invite the community to join them on Saturday, March 7 for the 5th Annual 7 Creeks Fest. The family-friendly event is an opportunity to come out and experience the 7 Creeks Recreation Area and celebrate and explore its network of parks with more than 30 miles of trails and waterways. The festivities will last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include educational exhibitors, live music, activities for all age groups, and more. All activities are free and open to the public. Visitors can check in at the Fest Welcome Hub at Betz-Tiger Point Preserve at 13990 Pumpkin Hill Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32226.
The 7 Creeks Recreation Area park partners include Timucuan Parks Foundation, the City of Jacksonville, Talbot Islands State Parks, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, North Florida Land Trust, and Visit Jacksonville. Each year, the partners join together to host activities that highlight the beauty of the area. On March 7, visitors can enjoy guided hikes that explore the archeology and history of the area, the birds, native plants and wildflowers found in the parks, and the best way to capture images through photography.
Guests can enjoy a self-guided hike, kayak, bike a trail, or take part in the camping clinic, sound bathing experience, bingo scavenger hunt, prescribed fire equipment demo, or dip netting. There will also be a fishing clinic for young people aged 6 to 17. Registration is required for the fishing clinic; sign up at https://www.timucuanparks.org/fishing-clinic/. Food trucks will be onsite, or visitors can bring a picnic lunch. There will also be live music throughout the day on the 7 Creeks stage. Full details of the day can be found at 7creeksfest.org. Download before you head out and plan your adventure or visit the Hub for suggestions.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from the $10,000 7 Creeks Presenting Sponsor level to the $1,000 Sandhill level. Those interested should contact [email protected], call (904) 374-1107, or fill out the sponsorship form available online. Support of the event contributes to preserving healthy natural environments, deepening the community’s connection to public lands, and making it possible for the Fest’s educational and transformative engagement activities to be available for all for free.
The 7 Creeks Recreation Area is 5,600 acres of contiguous parklands in northeast Jacksonville. It includes Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, Cedar Point Preserve, Cedar Point (NPS), Jim Wingate Preserve, Bogey Creek Preserve, Pescatello Island and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. The 7 Creeks Recreation was made possible by the partnership of park agencies and supportive nonprofits working together to expand access and recreational opportunities for park visitors.
About Timucuan Parks Foundation
Timucuan Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment. The foundation originated in 1999 with the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc. to identify and assist in acquiring the most vulnerable and environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County. The acquisition of lands created the largest urban park system in the United States. TPF works with its city, state and national park partners, and other community partners to promote environmental stewardship, the health benefits of the parks and preserves, and an appreciation for Jacksonville’s special outdoor spaces. For more information, visit timucuanparks.org or follow @timucuanparks.
About Parks, Recreation and Community Services
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through recreation activities and programs, conservation and marine resources, sports and entertainment, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services serving approximately 900,000 residents in Duval County. PRCS offers over 400 parks and recreational spaces. For more information about The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, visit COJ.net/departments/parks-and-recreation.
About Florida State Parks
The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies, and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches, and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
About the National Park Service:
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve protects the natural ecology of over 46,000 acres of lands and waters and over 6,000 years of human history along the St. Johns and Nassau rivers in northeast Florida. National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov/timu, and on Facebook or Instagram.
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.
About Visit Jacksonville
Visit Jacksonville is a Destinations International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion business and leisure tourism growth in Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to VisitJacksonville.com or contact 800-733-2668.