Riverside Arts Market Earth Day Event
2026-04-25 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, Florida, 32204, United States
Come out to the Riverside Arts Market on Saturday, April 25, as we celebrate Earth Day. We will be joining St. Johns Riverkeeper and RAM to highlight the different environmental and river-friendly efforts going on in Jacksonville. Stop by our table to learn about the many wonderful natural spaces that we promote and protect! Jacksonville has one of the largest park systems available for the community to explore and enjoy!

We will be stationed in the plaza directly across the street from RAM at 715 Riverside Ave. where we will have a table set-up amongst over a dozen other organizations and businesses in our community. There will also be demonstrations on topics like Florida Friendly Landscaping, rain barrels, plastic-free seed starting, and stormwater runoff.

BONUS! The River Taxi will be providing two short boat trips, one at 11:00 AM and one at 11:45 AM. You can get your ticket ahead of time at https://www.jaxrivertaxi.com/ – click “calendar”, select April 25th, and scroll to the bottom. You can also get a ticket in-person at the event, availability pending. Tickets are a sliding scale $5-$15 per person. River Taxi is generously donating all proceeds to support St. Johns Riverkeeper.

The Riverside Arts Market is a weekly, free, family-friendly event held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the Fuller Warren Bridge at 715 Riverside Avenue. We will see you there!

Sip, Shop and Meet Tim Gilmore – A Fundraising Event for Timucuan Parks Foundation
2026-05-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Cabana Life Boutique, 315 11th Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, Florida, 32250, United States
Cabana Life Boutique at 315 11th Ave. N. in Jacksonville Beach is hosting a fundraising event for Timucuan Parks Foundation on May 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come join us and meet Tim Gilmore, author of 24 books, the creator of jaxpsychogeo.com, and the founder of JaxbyJax Literary Art Festival. He writes about the haunted South, psychogeography, and the South’s place in America’s cultural divide.

Enjoy lite bites, bubbly and 10 percent off your purchase at Cabana Life Boutique. A portion of every Cabana Life purchase will benefit Timucuan Parks Foundation.

Celebrating the life of Mark Middlebrook
2026-05-08 10:00 | Palms Presbyterian Church, 3410 3rd St. S., Jacksonville Beach, Florida, 32250, United States
The family of Mark Middlebrook invites everyone to join them as they celebrate his life at a Memorial Service on Friday, May 8, followed by an interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Mark Middlebrook, former executive director of Timucuan Parks Foundation, passed away on March 1 at his home in Spring City, TN.

Mark was instrumental in shaping Jacksonville’s wilderness parks and preserves. In 1999, he began working with the City of Jacksonville’s Preservation Project to acquire and protect natural and environmentally sensitive lands. His leadership and vision helped build one of the most impressive urban park systems in the nation and laid the groundwork for what would become the Timucuan Parks Foundation.

Mark’s wife, Gayle, along with his three sons, invites the public to join them in honoring his life and legacy.

Memorial ServiceMay 8, 2026 at 10 AMPalms Presbyterian Church (3410 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250)

The service will also be available virtually at https://palmschurch.org/worship/worship-online/. The link will go live 5 minutes before the start of the service.

IntermentMay 8, 2026 at 2:30 PMJacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218)

Guided Firefly Hike
2026-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Join the Timucuan Parks Foundation for a magical evening outdoors at the guided Firefly Hike on May 9, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 PM.

As dusk settles over the landscape, participants will be led on a guided walk to experience one of nature’s most enchanting seasonal phenomena—fireflies illuminating the night. Along the way, your guide will share insights about local ecosystems, nighttime wildlife behavior, the history of this special property, and the importance of preserving Jacksonville’s unique parklands.

This relaxed, family-friendly experience is designed to connect guests with nature in a meaningful and memorable way. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring insect repellent, bottled water and a sense of curiosity as we explore the glowing world of fireflies together.

Pricing (non-refundable):

$20 per person (Non-Members)

$10 per person (Timucuan Parks Foundation Members)

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Come discover the magic of the night with the Timucuan Parks Foundation.

The event location and details will be emailed to attendees before the event.

Not a Member? It’s just $25 annually to become a Park Friend. Join now and save on future outings.

** REGISTRATION IS CLOSED BECAUSE THE EVENT IS FULL. **

Garden Maintenance at Castaway Island Preserve
2026-05-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Join us on Monday, May 11, for our monthly pollinator garden maintenance at Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S. from 9 a.m. until noon.

Wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and a hat. Bring work gloves if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment, and insect repellent.

Volunteers can earn community service hours. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can be accessed at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Wild Amelia Nature Festival Eco-Expo
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Main Beach Park, 32 N Fletcher Avenue, Amelia Island, Florida, 32034, United States
Join us on Saturday, May 16, in Fernandina Beach for the Wild Amelia Nature Festival Eco-Expo! We will be set up at the Main Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to talk about what the Timucuan Parks Foundation does and the wilderness parks and preserves we love!

This awesome event is part of Nassau County’s Opening of the Beaches. It has a little something for everyone, including live animal exhibits, hands-on nature projects, music by local artists and more! Come out and get in touch with nature beside the ocean, and stop by and say hello!

Castaway Island Preserve Cleanup
2026-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Volunteer with us at Castaway Island Preserve. Please meet at the park at 2921 San Pablo Rd. S. to help with litter pickup and the monthly maintenance of the garden from 9 a.m. until noon.

Wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and a hat. Bring work gloves if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment, and insect repellent.

Volunteers can earn community service hours. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can be accessed at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Cleanup at Helen Cooper Floyd Park in Mayport
2026-06-08 18:15 - 20:30 | Helen Cooper Floyd Park, 3600 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, Jacksonville, Florida, 32233, United States
Evening cleanup at Helen Cooper Floyd Park in Mayport. Join us at 6:15 p.m. at the park at 3600 Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy (A1A) in Mayport to help remove litter. We will work until approximately 8:30 p.m.

Please dress accordingly and wear closed-toe shoes. If you have work gloves, please bring them, along with a full reusable water bottle. We will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment and insect repellent.

Community service hours can be earned while helping with this project. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can found at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Beach and Peach Urban Park Cleanup
2026-06-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Southside Community Center, 10080 Beach Blvd., Florida, 32246, United States
Join us on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Beach and Peach Urban Park to help us with cleanup and trail trimming. We will meet in the parking lot of the Southside Community Center at 10080 Beach Blvd.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and a hat for sun protection. If you have work gloves, bring them along with sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. We’ll provide extra water, snacks, tools, and insect repellent.

Community services hours can be earned at this event. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or scout leader. Those from 16 to 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on a liability waiver. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list are available at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Camp Cooking Workshop
2026-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
Join the Timucuan Parks Foundation for an evening of outdoor culinary fun and food at Castaway Island Preserve on Friday, June 12 from 6:00–8:00 PM. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or brand new to cooking outdoors, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to create delicious, simple meals in the backyard, at the campground, or on the trail.

Chef Mark, an experienced outdoor cook who has prepared meals for groups of all sizes and in a variety of outdoor environments, will demonstrate practical techniques, easy recipes, and camp-friendly cooking tips that anyone can master. Participants will enjoy a full camp-style tasting menu featuring appetizers, an entrée, and dessert.

Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and your love of the outdoors — all are welcome!

Pricing (non-refundable):

$15 per person (Timucuan Parks Foundation Members)

$30 per person (Non-Members)

Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Not a Member? It’s just $25 annually to become a Park Friend. Join now and save on future outings.

Register Here

Register Here

TPF at the Mayport Waterfront Market
2026-06-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Mayport Waterfront Market, 4542 Ocean St., Jacksonville, Florida, 32233, United States
Stop by and see us on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mayport Village Waterfront Market. We will be talking to folks about Jacksonville’s wilderness parks and preserves and how we work to protect and promote these amazing natural spaces. You can learn about the programs we provide, volunteer events that help maintain the parks and preserves, and how you can become a member and help us continue to serve the community.

The Mayport Waterfront Market happens on the third Saturday of every month at 4542 Ocean St. It is organized by the Mayport Waterfront Partnership and is designed to highlight the area’s rich fishing heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors to shop, connect, and celebrate coastal living.

The market will feature local farmers, artisans & makers, food trucks, nonprofits & community organizations, and more. For more information, visit https://mayportwaterfrontpartnership.org/mayport-village-waterfront-market/mayport-village-waterfront-market

Shorebird Stroll in Amelia Island State Park
2026-06-28 08:00 - 09:30 | FL
Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Sunday, June 28, for a Shorebird Stroll in Amelia Island State Park. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and start in the parking lot with an approximately 1-mile walk to the Amelia Island Critical Wildlife Area. A biologist will be leading the way and discussing Florida’s beach-nesting birds, coastal environments, and will give you tips for sharing the shore with sensitive wildlife. There will also be a fun (optional) activity for those who wish to document what they see during the walk.

This event is open to people of all ages and birding levels. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and curious minds!

For more information, visit Shorebird Stroll Tickets, Sunday, June 28 • 8 AM – 9:30 AM | Eventbrite.

Post July 4th Cleanup at Huguenot
2026-07-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Huguenot Memorial Park, 10980 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, Florida, 32226, United States
Help us clean up Huguenot Memorial Park after the 4th of July. Join us on Sunday, July 5, from 9 a.m. until noon. We will be picking up litter throughout the park, including on the beach. We will provide directions for entering the park and where to meet as soon as possible.

Remember to wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you can get dirty, and a hat. Please bring work gloves, if possible, along with sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will have additional gloves, work equipment, water to refill bottles, snacks, and extra insect repellent.

All are welcome to join for the post-4th of July cleanup. A parent, guardian, or scout leader must supervise children under the age of 16. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on a volunteer liability waiver, which can be found at timucuanparks.org/volunteer. Community service hours can also be earned at this cleanup event.

Green Chamber Marketplace at Riverside Arts Market
2026-07-11 10:00 - 15:00 | FL
Join Timucuan Parks Foundation for a Hands-On Leave No Trace Activity – Plastic Free July

Timucuan Parks Foundation, along with StreetSide Lemonade, will join the North Florida Green Chamber at the Riverside Arts Market on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the annual Green Chamber Marketplace for Plastic Free July.

Visit our booth, where we will be teaching the principles of Leave No Trace: Enjoy Nature, Protect Nature. Test your environmental stewardship skills with our interactive Leave No Trace activity! All ages are invited to sort common outdoor items and litter into the proper categories while learning how plastic pollution impacts wildlife, waterways, and natural spaces. This fun, family-friendly activity highlights simple actions everyone can take to reduce single-use plastics, pack out trash, and leave parks and natural areas better than they found them. Discover how small choices can make a big difference for birds, wildlife, and our community during Plastic Free July and beyond.

Those who participate in our Leave No Trace Plastic Free July Game will be eligible for $2 off a regular-priced item at StreetSide Lemonade.

When you sign up to become a member of Timucuan Parks Foundation, you will receive a complimentary 32-ounce glass jar and beverage of your choice. Existing TPF members will receive $3 off their lemonade refill. Wear your TPF shirt to show your support!

The Riverside Arts Market is a weekly, free, family-friendly event held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the Fuller Warren Bridge at 715 Riverside Avenue. We will see you there!

TPF at Mayport Village Waterfront Market
2026-07-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Mayport Waterfront Market, 4542 Ocean St., Jacksonville, Florida, 32233, United States
Visit us at Mayport Village Waterfront Market at 4542 Ocean St. on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can learn about all we do and how to become a member! TPF works to protect and promote Jacksonville’s wilderness parks and preserves. We lead events throughout the parks, many just for members, volunteer projects that help maintain the parks and preserves, and programs that bring the community into these natural spaces.

The Mayport Waterfront Market happens on the third Saturday of every month. It is organized by the Mayport Waterfront Partnership and is designed to highlight the area’s rich fishing heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors to shop, connect, and celebrate coastal living.

The market features local farmers, artisans & makers, food trucks, nonprofits & community organizations, and more. For more information, visit https://mayportwaterfrontpartnership.org/mayport-village-waterfront-market/mayport-village-waterfront-market

TPF Members Only: Nature At Night
2026-07-18 19:00 - 21:00 | FL
Whooo’s ready for adventure? Join Hanna Park Ranger Stephen for an exploration of Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in the evening hours! During the 1.5-2 mile walk in the woods and on the beach, discover the mysterious world of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians as we explore their habitat, listen for their calls, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some of them. Afterwards, gaze up at the stars through the telescopes of the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society.

Free but registration required. Space is limited.

Open to TPF Members and Donors only. Not a Member? It’s just $25 annually to become a Park Friend. Join now and save on future outings.

Meeting location and time will be emailed to participants before the event.

Register Here

Seaton Creek Historic Preserve Cleanup
2026-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Seaton Creek Historic Preserve, 2145 Gold Star Family Parkway, Jacksonville, FL, 32218
Volunteers are needed at Seaton Creek Historic Preserve on July 22 to help with park cleanup and some trail trimming. Join us at 2145 Arnold Rd at 9 a.m., and we will work until about noon.

Please bring work gloves (if you have them), clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, a hat, and a full reusable water bottle. We suggest sunscreen and insect repellent. We will have additional water, snacks, work equipment and insect repellent.

Community services hours can be earned at this event. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or scout leader. Those from 16 to 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on a liability waiver. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list are available at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Young Professionals Full Moon Beach Walk
2026-07-29 19:00 - 21:15 | FL
Moonrise at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park by TPF.

Join fellow Young Professionals for an evening under the full moon at one of Jacksonville’s most beautiful parks—Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park!

All Young Professionals are welcome! Bring a friend and/or meet new people.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville FL 32233

The entrance fee is $5 per carload.

Please arrive at the entrance gate no later than 7:00 PM to give you time to drive to the beach location. Hanna Park closes the gate at 7:20 PM, and late arrivals will not be admitted. All guests must exit the park by 10:00 PM.

PROGRAM

We’ll gather at the beach at Parking Lot 10/11 around 7:15-7:30 PM before the moonrise at 8:39 PM. After a brief welcome and icebreaker, the evening is yours to enjoy!

Walk along the shoreline

Relax in a chair or on a blanket

Build a sandcastle

BRING

Comfortable beach attire and a hat

A full reusable water bottle

Snacks

Beach chair or blanket

** Please Let Us Know If You Are Coming!! RSVP below. **

Register Here

Castaway Island Preserve Cleanup
2026-07-30 08:30 - 11:30 | Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Volunteer with us at Castaway Island Preserve and help pick up litter throughout the park. Please meet at Castaway at 2921 San Pablo Rd. S. near the education center.

Wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and a hat. Bring work gloves if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment, and insect repellent.

Volunteers can earn community service hours. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can be accessed at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Discover North Florida Through Art!
2026-07-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Story and Song, 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, United States
Discover North Florida through art! Join Jacksonville artist Kathy Stark for a captivating visual presentation featuring her artwork, her trail guide The Wilderness of North Florida’s Parks, the SEE JACKSONVILLE! park poster project, and her new KEEP FLORIDA WILD poster series. Kathy will also discuss her role as a Timucuan Parks Foundation Parks Ambassador before concluding with an overview of the Foundation’s efforts to protect North Florida’s Wilderness Parks. All are welcome!

Friday, July 31st at 2 pm at Story & Song in Fernandina Beach, FL

Hike Into History: Willie Browne
2026-08-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Theodore Roosevelt Area, 13165 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32225, United States
Join the Timucuan Parks Foundation on a fun walk on a relatively wide natural hiking trail that winds through tall oaks and overlooks vast expanses of salt marsh. The walk will be approximately 1.5 – 2 miles (but you are welcome to continue all the way to Spanish Pond for a ~5-mile walk). Tim Gilmore, author of “The Wilderness and Willie Browne,” will share some of his research.

“Passionate letters of gratitude poured in from all over, from the Caribbean to the Arctic Circle, though Willie Browne never traveled further than the Georgia state line, never had a phone, nor electricity. He did, however, have countless friends. When he died alone in his cabin in the woods in 1970, he left to the Nature Conservancy hundreds of acres of marshes, hardwood forest and bluffs overlooking the St. Johns River. Though he would never have chosen it, his became the face of the conservation movement in much of the South, beloved of environmentalists and hikers, artists and writers. Half a century later, more people know Willie Browne than ever. And they still say they can feel his presence in these woods.”

Tim’s book is Willie Browne’s story. Theodore Roosevelt Area is a special place.

Pricing (non-refundable):

$10 per person (Timucuan Parks Foundation Members)

$20 per person (Non-Members)

Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Not a Member? It’s just $25 annually to become a Park Friend. Join now and save on future outings.

Register Here

Sheffield Regional Park Cleanup
2026-08-07 08:00 - 11:00 | Sheffield Regional Park, 3659 New Berlin Rd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32226, United States
Join us and Collect and Connect on Friday morning to clean up Sheffield Regional Park. We will be picking up litter throughout the park at 3659 New Berlin Rd.

Remember to wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you can get dirty, and a hat. Please bring work gloves, if possible, along with sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will have additional gloves, work equipment, water to refill bottles, snacks, and extra insect repellent.

Volunteers can earn community service hours. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can be accessed at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

TPF at Mayport Village Waterfront Market
2026-08-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Mayport Waterfront Market, 4542 Ocean St., Jacksonville, Florida, 32233, United States
We will be back at the Mayport Village Waterfront Market on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out and visit the market at 4542 Ocean St. and pay us a visit. Learn more about Jacksonville’s wilderness parks and preserves and how we work to protect and promote these amazing natural spaces. You can learn about the programs we provide – many just for members, volunteer events that help maintain the parks and preserves, and how you can, as a member, help us continue to serve the community.

The Mayport Waterfront Market happens on the third Saturday of every month. It is organized by the Mayport Waterfront Partnership and is designed to highlight the area’s rich fishing heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors to shop, connect, and celebrate coastal living. The market features local farmers, artisans & makers, food trucks, nonprofits & community organizations, and more. For more information, visit https://mayportwaterfrontpartnership.org/mayport-village-waterfront-market/mayport-village-waterfront-market

Castaway Island Preserve Garden Maintenance and Litter Cleanup
2026-08-17 08:30 - 11:30 | Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Volunteer with us at Castaway Island Preserve on Monday, August 17, for our monthly garden maintenance and litter cleanup. Please meet at the park at 2921 San Pablo Rd. S. at 8:30 a.m. and we will work until approximately 11:30 a.m.

Wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and a hat. Bring work gloves if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment, and insect repellent.

Volunteers can earn community service hours. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can be accessed at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Exchange Club Island Cleanup
2026-08-18 08:30 - 13:00 | FL
In partnership with JaxParks, Timucuan Parks Foundation will be headed out to Exchange Club Island on August 18 to clean up the litter throughout the island and along the shoreline. If you would like to volunteer for this cleanup project, RSVP is required HERE so that we can arrange transport by boat. We will plan to work from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. You will get instructions for meeting the boat when you sign up.

As with all volunteer projects, please wear closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and a hat. Bring work gloves if you have them, sunscreen, insect repellent and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will provide additional water, snacks, work equipment, and insect repellent.

Volunteers can earn community service hours. Children under 16 must be supervised by their parent/guardian or scout leader. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the liability waiver before starting work. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list can be accessed at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Great Southeast Pollinator Census
2026-08-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
You can be part of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Come out to Castaway Island Preserve on Friday, August 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to help with this citizen science project. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Duval County Master Gardener Volunteers will host the event to gather useful data to help researchers identify trends and examine how weather affects pollinator populations and how honey bees influence native bee populations.

You will be asked to choose a pollinator plant and record the number of times an insect lands. You don’t have to know all the names of the bees and butterflies, just what category to put your pollinator under.

The pollinator census will be happening at other locations around town on Friday and Saturday morning as well. For details on additional locations, visit https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/duvalco/2026/07/31/duval-county-locations-for-the-great-southeast-pollinator-census/

This is a multi-state citizen science project that was started by the University of Georgia in 2017 with 50 gardeners counting pollinator landings on plants. Since then, it has expanded to South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

International Coastal Cleanup
2026-09-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32233, United States
Join us for International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. We are looking for volunteers to help remove litter from the shorelines and around the park at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Cleanup is scheduled for 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Volunteers should meet at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park at 500 Wonderwood Dr. At the front gate, let the attendant know you are there for the cleanup, and they will direct you to the meeting location.

Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves (if you have them), sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses and water (in a reusable water bottle). TPF will have additional work gloves, equipment and supplies and will also provide snacks and water. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or scout leader. Volunteers are eligible for community service hours. The waiver and a form to join TPF’s volunteer list are available at https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/.

Talbot Tidewater Celebration
2026-09-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Ribault Club, Ft. George Island, Jacksonville, FL
The Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks invites everyone to the 7th Annual Talbot Tidewater Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26. A day full of activities is being planned at The Ribault Club at 11241 Ft. George Rd. on Ft. George Island from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about the islands’ rich Timucuan history, natural beauty, and abundant recreational opportunities. Take part in guided hikes, hands-on activities for kids, local and state conservation exhibitors, and more. Stay tuned for details on kid-friendly activities that will require reservations.

The Talbot Tidewater Celebration is held annually on National Public Lands Day and is supported by Florida State Parks, the National Park Service, and the Timucuan Parks Foundation.
