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Parks, Trails and
Greenways
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Jackie Host
128 S E 61st Street
Keystone Heights 32656-6460
352-473-8095
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“VISIT THE REAL FLORIDA”
What would you say if someone left you 700,000 acres of prime real
estate in Florida? Would you believe over 100 miles of beaches,
springs, rivers, forests and swamps, with many botanical treasures and
wildlife have been put aside just for you? Well, it’s true.
Despite financial hardship, wars and struggles with growth management,
Florida has 160 state parks for you to enjoy and hopefully preserve for
future generations.
The Florida Park Service, established in 1945 has twice been awarded the
nation’s “Gold Medal” for having the best state parks in
America. Besides outstanding recreational opportunities our
parks have museums, lighthouses, forts and farms to visit. They
provide numerous educational programs which give us a unique window into
our heritage and natural resources including battle reenactments, arts
and crafts shows and Native American festivals.
Visit www.floridastateparks.org online or call 850-245-2157 to find a
park near you. www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/outdoor/recinventory.html
will provide an interactive map of recreation areas throughout Florida.
Did you know you also own 1,400 miles of greenways and trails? The
Office of Greenways & Trails of Florida was recognized by American
Trails as “Best Trails State in America”. Florida is home to the
longest segment of the East Coast Greenway a national trail connecting
Calais, Maine to Key West. You can find out more about greenways
at www.floridatrailsnetwork.com and www.visitflorida.com.
Also, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has been working hard to create a
nationwide network of trails from former rail lines for us. Find
out more about this program at www.railstotrails.org and find a trail
near you at www.trailLink.com.
The best way to support your parks, greenways and trails is to go to
them; plan a family or garden club event in one. Promote healthy
life styles by visiting the Real Florida; it belongs to you.
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