January's special treat for RVer's in Florida: meet our Manatees!

Manatee Springs, Crystal River, Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, Blue Springs, rivers, springs and bays statewide greet and embrace our gentle friends, many with calves, as they seek the warmer, shallower waters that bring them closer to our shorelines, delighting RVer's, visitors and residents.  Many State Parks, communities, RV parks, and state wildlife agents take advantage of this opportunity to celebratory educate as many as they can about these near mythical creatures.  Here are some celebrations to take advantage of this eco-cational opportunity:
 
Manatee Springs State Park
Date: Saturday, January 9, 2010. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. January 9, 2010. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Description: Save the Manatee Club and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Sirenia Project discuss the plight of the manatees and their efforts in public awareness. Fees: Regular park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072. Directions: Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.  View Google Map

Manatee Springs State Park
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2010. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Description: Ranger Tommy Pavao guided scenic paddle.  Ranger Vicki Tiseth will create an edible masterpiece while exposing the vulnerabilities of the Floridan Aquifer.  Messiness is to be expected, please dress accordingly. There is no fee to participate with the ranger program although donations to The Friends of Manatee/Fanning Springs, Inc. will be accepted. Regular park admission fees will apply. For more information, call 352-493-6072. Directions: Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.  View Google Map

Blue Spring State Park
Date: January 23-24, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Description: Fundraiser for the Orange City Community. The proceeds will benefit 'Friends of Blue Spring State Park', Educational scolarships, and other greater Orange City organizations. Fees: To be determined. Contact: info@themanateefestival.com; www.themanateefestival.com.  Directions: Take exit 114 off Interstate 4 and follow the signs. Go south on 17/92 to Orange City, about 2.5 miles. Make a right onto West French Avenue. View Google Map

Manatee Springs State Park
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Description: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Dorvan Daniels displays their T-top rescue boat and discusses injured and sick manatee rescue operations. Fees: Regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072. Directions: Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland. View Google Map

Manatee Springs State Park
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Description: Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge brings their mobile dark room and shows photographic slides of a variety of manatee rescues and transports. Fees: Regular park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072. Directions: Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland. View Google Map