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

904 Naturalist Workshop: Exploring the Circle of Place
6:00 - 9:00 p.m., January 6, 13, 27, Solomon Calhoun Community Center
Details: Learn about connecting with our local wilderness. This program takes place in the classroom and in the field. Trips will take place on January 9, 16, and 24 with times and locations to be announced soon.904 Naturalist Workshop: Exploring the Circle of Place registration and details.

Wellness Walk: Sunset Stroll
5 - 6 p.m. | January 8 | Vaill Point Park
Learn about the different flora and fauna found in St. Johns County's parks while enjoying the sunset. Sunset Stroll Registration

Living Sustainably Zoom Event
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | January 12 | Virtual Program
Learn how to make your life more sustainable and how to make a bigger environmental impact. Living Sustainably Zoom Event Registration

Owls and the Sunset Symphony
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | January 15 | Beluthahatchee Park
Learn about owls and enjoy nature's symphony as you experience the transition from light to dark. Owls and the Sunset Symphony Registration

Trout Creek Kayak Trips
10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | January 21, 22, & 24 | Trout Creek Park
Explore Trout Creek with St. Johns County Park Naturalists and learn about the unique history and diverse wildlife of this area. Trout Creek Kayak Trips Registration

Porch Talks in Historical Switzerland Florida
1 - 3 p.m. | January 23 | Alpine Groves Park
Join us to learn about the historical richness of Northwest St. Johns County. Porch Talks Registration

904 Naturalist Workshop: Exploring the Life of Mammals
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | February 3, 17, 24 | Solomon Calhoun Community Center
Learn about mammals native to Northeast Florida. This program takes place in the classroom and in the field. Trips will take place on February 6, 7, 20, and 21 with times and locations to be announced soon. Exploring the Life of Mammals Details and Registration

Living with Snakes and Gators Zoom Event
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | February 9 | Virtual
Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for a family friendly presentation to learn about snakes and alligators found in Florida. Living with Snakes and Gators Registration

Saltwater Fishing
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | February 10, 17, 24, & March 3 &10 | Usina Boat Ramp
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. Saltwater Fishing Registration

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.