Conch Republic Outdoor Travel News

17/12/2024

The light from the St. Augustine Lighthouse shines each evening, created by a bulb that is magnified by the original Fresnel lens from France that was installed in 1874 — celebrating 150 years in 2024!

➡️ staugustinelighthouse.org

📸 Photo by

💡💡💡

17/12/2024

His job was to protect the birds. But nobody was there to protect him.

17/12/2024

There are many different ways to tour Kingsley Plantation. From the 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM Ranger Talks, to the audio tour, a pre-scheduled field trip, a walk through the 1798 Planter's home, or a formal grounds tour, there are options available for every visitor.

Plan which tour experience is right for your visit at https://ow.ly/H8wz50UoxTx

17/12/2024

With only a few weeks left in 2024, we are looking back at some major accomplishments in trail information and community outreach from the year. Did you know we did all this?

⭐We launched an updated interactive map with new layers and real-time updates
⭐We created a new Hiker Hang Tag program—which provided over 660 hikers with rapid-response trail closure info.
⭐ In Colorado, we installed town-side trail kiosks in Leadville and Salida!
⭐ In New Mexico, we began CDT-inspired murals in Grants and Lordsburg.
⭐ In Montana, we strengthened partnerships in Glacier National Park and worked to improve trail access in the Park.
⭐Across the CDT, we celebrated Pride on the Divide, Latino Conservation Week, and amplified Indigenous voices through our Connections to the Land Film Series and Indigenous Youth Hiking Group (NM).

✨ This work is made possible by individuals like YOU who donate to support our work. Help us continue strengthening communities and protecting the CDT.

➡️ Donate now at cdtcoalition.org/donate/ to make a lasting impact along the CDT.

📷Jasmine Star
📍Wolf Creek Pass, CO. Ute, Pueblos, and Diné Bikéyah Lands.

17/12/2024

Luna Sea Productions Presents: Music Musings ft. Jockey Jord, Glenn Harman & George Chapman in the Back Stage Listening Room on Fri., Dec. 20!

Tickets + Info: thekeywesttheater.com 🎶

Musical Musings is part of the 3rd annual Cayo Hueso Original Music Series, bringing audiences and artists together for an unforgettable evening of songs and the stories that inspired them.

17/12/2024

FSU snaps two-game losing streak with neutral site win vs. Tulane. 8-3 on the season now.

17/12/2024

Manatees congregating at Three Sisters Springs (part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge) during the recent cold snap. Photo by David Schrichte. Though manatees may appear fat, they actually lack the blubber of many marine animals and need warm water temperatures to survive. Their danger zone is below 68°. Fortunately the waters in the springtred rivers around Crystal Springs range between 68° and 74° year-round. Why it’s important to protect Florida’s springsheds (the land that surrounds springs) and also access routes for the many springs that manatees depend on.

17/12/2024

⏳ Time’s almost up to test your Leave No Trace knowledge AND enter to win new gear from ENO!

💡 Hint: 200 feet from water is a key number you’ll want to know!

Don’t miss your chance to win new gear—take the quiz: https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/leave-no-trace/leave-no-trace-quiz/ 🌟 🌿

17/12/2024

17/12/2024

On the 3rd day of Christmas Gulf Islands National Seashore provided the opportunity to experience ... 3 fishing clinics.

This year the seashore acquired new fishing gear and hosted three free fishing clinics for youth and adults in the Fort Pickens Area. This event wouldn't have been possible without volunteers and interns.

We hope to host more in 2025!

To learn more about the Let's Go Fishing program https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fishing/junior-ranger-fishing.htm

NPS/Dutton

17/12/2024

To tackle climate change and reverse species loss, we must first connect with people who can make a difference. Serigne Ndiaye, a 2024 Center for Conservation Initiatives intern, is starting from the ground up.

“During my internship, I gained valuable hands-on experience in land management practices, such as identifying and treating invasive species,” he says. His internship prepared Serigne for his new role as biological scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s Imperiled Species Division.

Photo: Serigne Ndiaye in the native plant nursery at Blowing Rocks Preserve. © Sarah Kittredge.

TNC in Florida’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) engages scientists and the public, pioneering new conservation strategies while nurturing a love for nature and the passion to protect it. Read the 2024 Impact Report to learn more about how TNC in Florida’s CCI creates a world where people and nature thrive.

17/12/2024

Foggy morning on top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Monday, December 16, 2024. Museum hours: 9 AM-6 PM seven days a week.

📍staugustinelighthouse.org

📸: Starr Cox, Director of Archaeological Conservation

17/12/2024

"Hey, ranger, what is the best time of year to see the cavern?" It all depends on you and what you want to get out of your national park!

The cavern is consistent throughout the seasons, staying at 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) all year. That means it is sweater weather and long pants in the cave all year round. Our famous Brazilian Free-tailed bats migrate to warmer climates during the winter months, so you cannot see them. However, there is the rest of the park to consider. Plants flower at different times, and many birds nest or migrate through the park. Visitation tends to drop in the winter, with the busiest time being in the summer and around holidays.

It is up to you to decide when to come to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but there is no wrong choice!

Photo: NPS/M.Bray

17/12/2024

Pensacola Lighthouse
Pensacola, Florida - 1858 (1825**)