The free event will take place on National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the historic Ribault Club
Jacksonville, Fla., Sept. 24, 2024 – The community is invited to join Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks for the 5th Annual Talbot Tidewater Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event is at the Ribault Club in Fort George Island Cultural State Park at 11241 Ft. George Rd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Talbot Tidewater Celebration is held yearly on National Public Lands Day with support from Florida State Parks, the National Park Service and Timucuan Parks Foundation. The day was created to raise awareness of natural spaces like Talbot Islands State Parks and Timucuan Preserve.
Many activities are planned throughout the day, including games, exhibits, educational opportunities, and the Junior Ranger Angler Fishing Clinic. This free event is open to kids ages 6 to 17, but registration is required. Email talbottidewater@gmail.com to reserve a spot. The first 75 kids who register will receive a free rod and reel. The fishing clinic will teach casting, knot tying, ethical angling, and local Gullah Geechee and Timucua fishing heritage.
Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks has planned guided hikes, birding hikes, canoe rides, a geocaching hike, a shark tooth collection exhibit, and local and state conservation exhibitors. Florida Fish and Wildlife Marine Rescue will also perform mock manatee and dolphin rescues. Visitors can bring their own picnic lunch or purchase food at the event and enjoy live music throughout the day.
More information about the Talbot Tidewater Celebration and National Public Land Day event can be found at talbotislands.com, on the Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks Facebook page, or by contacting friendsoftalbotislands@gmail.com.
About Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks
The Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks is a nonprofit membership organization that serves as the community service organization for Amelia Island State Park, Big and Little Talbot Islands State Parks, Fort George Cultural State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park, Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, and George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park. Created in 1997, In recent years the Friends have provided funding for a variety of equipment and projects that might not otherwise be possible, such as an ATV and pickup truck, interpretive signs and kiosks, distribution of riptide educational brochures and lifesaving equipment, support for the turtle and shorebird nesting programs, training of park staff, and other projects that enhance park operations. Funds are generated through memberships, firewood/ice/t-shirt/misc. product sales at Little Talbot Island SP, generous donations, and special events like the Talbot Tidewater Celebration. For more information, visit www.talbotislands.com or follow @friendsoftalbot.
About Timucuan Parks Foundation
The 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. The Timucuan Parks Foundation works with its park partners, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks and the City of Jacksonville, 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.