darksky

Colt Creek State Park

Hike, bike, paddle, or horseback ride through 5000 acres of wild Florida.
Located in Lakeland, Colt Creek State Park is waiting to be explored.

Colt Creek State Park was purchased in 2006 and became Florida’s 160th state park. The land had previously been used as a cattle ranch, for silviculture, and for lime rock mining. A few of the large pits dug for lime rock mining reached the aquifer. Today, the water that flows up from the aquifer has created lakes that provide habitat for wildlife.

There are 15-miles of multi-use trails that lead you through wetlands, open vistas, and longleaf and slash pine forests. Discover an abundance of wildflowers and the pollinators who rely on them. Look for fox squirrels, turkeys, bobcats, otters, gopher tortoises, a variety of birds including eagles, and of course, alligators.

Rent a canoe or kayak or bring your own. Paddle Mac Lake, Middle Lake, or Little Lake as you share the water with wading birds and turtles.

Bring your horse and ride through creeks, and streams while admiring the beauty of the three lakes.

RV, tent, primitive, equestrian, and group camping sites are available. Star-gaze at one of the darkest sky sites in Florida. Pavillions are a perfect place to host your outdoor event.

Bring your lunch and cook it on one of the provided grills or simply enjoy it at one of the picnic tables. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are welcome. Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars since Colt Creek State Park is designated as a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/par…/colt-creek-state-park

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

“This park is like nothing else in Florida. Being able to see the stars at night in unbelievable detail was absolutely worth the trip.” Jonathan Holmes, IOF Contributor

There is a place in Florida that is world-renowned for stargazing. Designated as a Dark Sky Park due to the absence of light pollution, the stars and planets can be enjoyed the way nature intended.

Located in Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is part of the headwaters to the Everglades and is the largest remaining dry prairie ecosystem in Florida. Once spanning coast to coast and from Lake Okeechobee to Kissimmee, the prairie has been reduced to a mere 10% of its original expanse.

Throughout the years, humans have altered the prairie to suit their needs. The State Park is working to restore the land to pre-European influence. Over 70 miles of ditches and canals have been restored to swales and sloughs. Old plow lines are slated for reconditioning, and a cattle pasture will be restored to native shrubs and grasses. As a fire and flood dependent ecosystem, these efforts will allow the prairie to thrive once again.

The most famous resident of the prairie is the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Critically endangered, the sparrows rely on a healthy prairie ecosystem for survival. Crested Caracaras, Burrowing Owls, Wood Storks, Swallow-Tail Kites, and White-Tail Kites find refuge at the park. Watch for Bald Eagles, White-tailed Deer, and Indigo Snakes. Native wildflowers are abundant. Look for Blazing Stars, Yellow Bachelors Buttons, Meadow Beauty, Pipewort, and Alligator Lilies.

There is plenty to do at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve. Hiking, horseback riding, and biking are wonderful ways to experience Nature up close. Camping, primitive camping, and equestrian camping are offered for those who want to spend the night. A ranger-led prairie buggy tour and an astronomy pad are spectacular ways to enjoy the park.

For reservations, times, fees, and more click here:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/kissimmee-prairie-prese…

Photo Credit – Jonathan Holmes