St. Johns County Naturalist Programs

Explore St. Johns County

AyoLane Halusky, County Naturalist   |   P: (904) 209-0348   |   F: (904) 209-0321   |   E: ahalusky@sjcfl.us

Activities at St. Johns County Parks may be scheduled for school trips, home school groups, Scouts, 4-H and other youth or adult groups. Park Naturalist Programs are free and open to the public. Contact AyoLane Halusky, County Naturalist at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or call (904) 209-0348 to schedule activities.

Events & Activities

Beach Clean-up at Vilano – Help keep Vilano Beach clean! Join us on Friday, October 1, at the Vilano Beach Pavilion, 2750 Anahma Dr., and protect what you love. All necessary supplies will be provided, and there will even be prizes! For more information and to select a time slot, click here.

Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants Guided Walks –

  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | September 24 | Canopy Shores Park
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | October 13 | Vaill Point Park

Join Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky and learn about wild edibles and medicinal plants found in our parks. Register Here.

Owl Prowl

  • 7:15 - 9:30 p.m. | September 23 | Alpine Groves Park
  • 6:15 - 8:30 p.m. | October 28 | Vaill Point Park
  • 6:15 - 8:30 p.m. | October 29 | Canopy Shores Park

Learn about these fascinating creatures of the night and explore the park at sunset in search of our resident owls. Register Here.

Sunset Under the Sea

  • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | September 24 | Mussallem Beachfront Park
  • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | September 29 | Mussallem Beachfront Park/li>

Beach walks are back! Join Parks Naturalist Kelly Ussia for a fun and engaging sunset walk on the beach and learn about the amazing wildlife that call the ocean their home. Register Here.

Saltwater Fishing

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Usina Boat Ramp

  • October 6 | Fish I.D., Rules, and Regulations
  • October 13 | Picking the Right Pole: How to Reel in the Big One
  • October 20 | Tackle Box Necessities
  • October 27 | Bait
  • November 3 | Nets and Traps
  • November 10 | Surf Fishing

Bring your fishing gear and learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing. Participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License from Florida Fish and Wildlife. Register Here.

Florida Master Naturalist Program: Invasive Plants of Florida
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. | September 7 - 28 | Zoom + Field Trip
Learn more about invasive plants in Florida in this virtual course. This course also features a field trip. Register Here.

Bats!
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | October 12 | Anastasia Island Branch Library
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | October 13 | Bartram Trail Branch Library
Florida is home to 13 different species of bats. Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging and educational conversation about these unique winged mammals that play an important role in our ecosystem. For more information, email or call 904.209.0335.

Vision

To provide St. Johns County residents and visitors with opportunities to become better educated about the wilderness systems, historical relevance and sharing St. Johns County's Blue and Green-Ways areas along side the natural communities, mutually benefiting from each other.

Mission

To provide opportunities for the visitors and citizens of St. Johns County to experience and learn about our local natural and historical areas, creating a deeper connection while supporting sustainable communities that work with the Earth's natural systems.

Goals and Values

  • Education: Offering programs that teach individuals and groups about our environment, flora and fauna, local history, and the interaction between natural systems and the developed world. These programs are designed to foster connections with the environment by dispelling fears and fables and empowering individuals with knowledge, safe wilderness practices, and positive experiences.
  • Exploration: Come kayak and hike through our Green- and Blue-way spaces with a trained naturalist. Develop a life-long connection with the environment while exploring our passive parks and waterways. Offering group and individual tours, special events and programs. Public and private, day and overnight trips can be arranged seasonally.
  • Preservation: As we come together as a community that understands the value of our natural areas, we can develop ways to promote, protect, and preserve local wilderness and waterways for future generations. The St. Johns County Naturalist Program will work with local conservation groups and volunteers in environmental programming, events, and clean-ups.

Programs & Activities

  • Nature Walks and Programs
  • Kayaking
  • Master Naturalist Classes
  • Volunteer & Educational Opportunities
  • Explore Blue-way and Green-way Trails

SJC Parks and Recreation – Where everybody plays.