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.

Announcements, Events, Activities

Florida Fishing: Know Before You Go
When:

  • Tuesday, October 23 – Fishing Equipment
  • Tuesday, October 30 – Baits & Tackle

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: St. Johns County Library Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine
Details: Thinking about trying your luck in our local waters? Learn all about Florida fishing during three events brought to you free from a partnership between Parks and Recreation and the Library. This program is FREE and open to all ages. For more information or to register, contact Will Pate at 904.209.3730 or mpate@sjcfl.us or Donna Frantz at 904.209.0326 or dfrantz@sjcfl.us.

Saltwater Fishing 101

  • Wednesday, October 17 – Casting
  • Wednesday, October 24 – How to Assemble a Fishing Rig
  • Wednesday, October 31 – How to Pick a Good Fishing Spot
  • Wednesday, November 7 – Traps and Nets
  • Wednesday, November 14 – Cooking Your Catch

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Usina Boat Ramp, 603 Euclid Avenue, St. Augustine
Details: Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing in Florida. Ever wonder about how to assemble a fishing rig, how to pick a good fishing spot, or how to cook your catch? This class will cover all this and more. Sign up for one class or attend the whole series of Saltwater Fishing 101. Bring your own gear and learn while you fish! This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us. *** Please note that all participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License, this is a free license from FWC.

Yoga for Kids at the Beach
When: Friday, October 19
Time: 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Where: Frank B. Butler Park East, 5860 A1A South, St. Augustine 32080
Details: Learn to relax your mind and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches, exercises and activities. Please wear loose clothing and bring your own towel or mat. This program is FREE and open to kids ages 5 to 12. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us.  Kids Beach Yoga Registration 10/19

Owl & Sunset Symphony
When: Friday, October 19
Time: 6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Beluthahatchee Park, 1501 SR 13, Fruit Cove
Details: Learn about owls and enjoy nature’s symphony as you experience the transition from light to dark. Water birds and owls often come out to join the evening symphony. A representative from The Stetson Kennedy Foundation will share some local history. Owl & Sunset Symphony Registration. This program is FREE. For more information, contact AyoLane Halusky at 904.209.0348 or ahalusky@sjcfl.us.

Owl Prowl
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 6:45 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Where: Canopy Shores Park, 804 Christina Drive, St. Augustine
Details: Learn about the creatures of the night as you explore our county parks at sunset in search of the resident owls. Bring your questions and share your stories about the nighttime forest activities. This program is FREE. For more information, contact AyoLane Halusky at 904.209.0348 or ahalusky@sjcfl.us. Owl Prowl Canopy Shores Registration

Living Sustainably Lecture Series
When: Friday, November 2
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: THE PLAYERS Community Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach
Details: We have partnered with GTM Research Reserve to bring you a lecture series focused on Northeast Florida’s conservation efforts, plants, animals, and beaches. The lecture series is FREE and light refreshments will be provided. The first lecture on November 2 will cover Sustainable Living. See how you can make changes inside and outside of your home to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable Living Registration. Additional lectures will be announced in the coming months. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us.

Moses Creek Kayak Trips
When:

  • Thursday, November 8 from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 11 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Matanzas River Access Point (east side of 206 Bridge), near 315 Coastal Drive, St. Augustine
Details: We partnered with the Matanzas Riverkeeper for a guided trip of the Matanzas River and Moses Creek. Participants will learn about the history of the area, ecology of the local ecosystems, and what you can do to help keep this area pristine.
The cost of this program is as follows:

  • SJC Resident Providing Own Boat: $20 per person
  • Non SJC Resident Providing Own Boat: $30 per person
  • SJC Resident Using a County Boat: $40 per person
  • Non SJC Resident Using a County Boat: $50 per person

Registration: Contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us. When setting up a reservation, include a phone number, email, date of the trip you would like to attend, residency status, and if you will be using a county kayak. There is a 12-foot boat minimum for those bringing their own boats.

Fishing 101 at the Pier Pavilion
When: Tuesday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 27
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: St. Johns County Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine
Details: Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing off of our county ocean pier. The first program will focus on different rigs for pier fishing while the second program will teach participants about different bait to use. All ages are welcome. This FREE educational program will be held at the pier pavilion, but feel free to bring your own fishing gear to fish on the county pier after the program (fees apply). November 13 Fishing 101 Registration. November 27 Fishing 101 Registration. For more information, contact Donna Frantz at 904.209.0326 or dkfrantz@sjcfl.us.

Night Under the Stars
When: Thursday, November 15
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Frank B. Butler Park East, 5860 A1A South, St. Augustine
Details: We have partnered with Ancient City Astronomy Club (ACAC) for an educational evening that is out of this world! ACAC will lead an Astronomy 101 class that’s all about the night sky. Bring your friends and family to learn about the constellations, star names, and more. Telescopes and binoculars will be on-hand to view the moon, planets, and other objects. This program is FREE. Space is limited. Registration is required. Night Under the Stars Registration. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or kussia@sjcfl.us.

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.