Wakulla Springs State Park to Host Annual Wakulla Wildlife Festival in March

by Jeff Hugo

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs State Park will host the Wakulla Wildlife Festival on March 19 and 20, 2010.  The Wakulla Wildlife Festival will invite participants to be immersed in the rich heritage and diverse ecosystems that envelop them in the Wakulla Springs Watershed.  Wakulla Springs State Park will be the hub of activities designed to educate, inspire and empower positive change by connecting individuals with their environment and heritage.  The 2010 festival will also highlight the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks.

The Wakulla Wildlife Festival caters to the diversity of its participants by offering fine art, exceptional music, activities for children and families and environmental experiences both rare and compelling. 

Visitors might seek the unexpected on a night cruise down the Wakulla River as the ruby-red eyes of alligators dance in the reflected light of a flashlight.  Others may prefer to quietly celebrate a serene sunrise with morning light dancing through the silvery strands of Spanish moss dangling from ancient cypress limbs.  Still others would choose to be escorted to the remarkable aqueous geologic “eyes” of seldom seen windows on a submerged underground cave system.

All can enjoy viewing the wildlife and heritage of the region through the eyes of gifted artists during the Art Opening on Friday evening and the continuing Wildlife Art Show on Saturday.  There will be fine pottery and carvings that create the essence of past cultures and mimic the natural designs of our environment.  Photography, paintings and drawings will capture the magical moments of the region that the artists have seen, desired to hold captive and shared.

During the Art Opening on Friday evening, March 19, guests can be serenaded by the contemporary Native American flute of Jonny Lipford and retire to the Ball Room Restaurant in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge for a fine meal.  A master of the Native American flute, Jonny Lipford’s music embodies the festival’s spirit.  Visit www.reverbnation.com/jonnylipford to sample his work.

Nature lovers can hone their wildlife-watching skills and senses as they scan the budding branches of Wakulla Springs State Park.  They can seek out butterflies, those remarkable ambassadors of the insect kingdom, to be invited into their yard or witnessed on a sojourn in the wild.  They can tune their ears to the songs of the park’s spring birds.  Or they can join a group of photographers to utilize that new camera to capture moments of outdoor splendor.  

For those who seek the rare, the unusual or the one-of-a-kind, the Wakulla Wildlife Festival celebrates the giant trees who are the champions of its forests.  Aquatic “gems” in the form of sapphire blue and emerald green sinks wait to be explored.  An adult and accompanying child can investigate together the amazing workings of carnivorous plants.

Families and children can experience special moments together if they choose to take part in the specially designed Children’s Tours available Friday night and Saturday.  Like the Premium Guided Tours, pre-registration is required.  For a minimal fee, both child and accompanying adult can participate in these hands-on activities.  Children will delight in the colorful and mystical world of spiders, be captivated by the art and science of bird banding and revel in the sight, sounds, smells, and textures of wetland wonders. Sign-up is easy at www.WakullaWildlifeFestival.org . 

Children will squeal with delight as they play a game, create a craft or get their faces painted under the Children’s Activities tent.  The children’s activities are part of the many exhibitors who will introduce visitors to magnificent wildlife, area nature centers and museums, and recreational opportunities. 

Living History Demonstrators will present a proud heritage of ingenuity and hard work.  There will be the brutal power of the blacksmith as he bends iron to his whim and the gentle grace of the spinner as she creates thread from various fibers.  Basket makers, cow hunters and soldiers from past Florida conflicts will offer a glimpse into past lives.

All the while, the bluegrass sounds of Coon Bottom Creek, Scrub Oak and Pickin’ and Grinnin’ will quicken the pulse and set toes to tapping.  These local bands are an absolute delight.  Their upbeat sound along with the spirited clogging of the Hot Pepper Steppers is sure to entertain.

It is easy to become part of the celebration.  Simply visit www.WakullaWildlifeFestival.org for a complete listing of activities on March 19 and 20, 2010.  Please register on-line early for the premium tours as they often fill up fast.  Make the Wakulla Wildlife Festival a time to get outdoors and make memories with family and friends!

Out of town guests can discover true Southern hospitality during a stay at the Wakulla Springs Lodge (http://floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings/default.cfm ), the Inn at Wildwood (www.InnatWildwood.com ), or the Best Western Wakulla Inn and Suites (http://www.bestwestern.com/wakullainn ).  Visitors can also enjoy the taste of locally fresh caught seafood at many area restaurants.

For more information about this event, visit www.WakullaWildlifeFestival.org . For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org .

This event will take place:

Friday, March 19 - Saturday, 20, 2010
Wakulla Springs State Park
550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, Florida

Click here for a photo gallery from the 2009 Wakulla Wildlife Festival!

All photos by Mary Katherine Westmark, Wakulla.com

This information originally published on January 29, 2010.

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mkwestmark

 

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