The free event will take place on National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the historic Ribault Club
Jacksonville, Fla., Sept. 15, 2022 – Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks with support from Florida State Parks, the National Park Service and Timucuan Parks Foundation is hosting the 4th annual Talbot Tidewater Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ribault Club on Ft. George Island Cultural State Park at 11241 Ft. George Rd. Everyone is invited to the event which will be filled with activities and fun for all ages. The Talbot Tidewater Celebration takes place each year on National Public Lands Day created to raise awareness of natural spaces like Talbot Island State Parks and Timucuan Preserve.
There are many games, exhibits and educational opportunities planned for the day including the Junior Ranger Angler Fishing Clinic. The fishing clinic is open to kids ages 6 to 17 who will learn casting, knot tying and ethical angling as well as local Gullah Geechee and Timucua fishing heritage. The first 75 registered kids who complete the clinic will receive a free fishing pole. Registration is required and can be done by emailing talbottidewater@gmail.com.
Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks have lots of other events planned for the day including a kids' fun run, guided hikes, guided canoe rides, a shark tooth collection exhibit, local and state conservation exhibitors, a Talbot History exhibit, and live music. Florida Fish and Wildlife Marine Rescue will also be doing mock manatee and dolphin rescues. Visitors can bring their own picnic lunch or purchase food at the event. In addition, there is a chance to win some great prizes like birding tours, kayak excursions, wildlife photography lessons, Jumbo Shrimp tickets and more.
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.