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

Saltwater Fishing 101
When:

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Usina Boat Ramp, 603 Euclid Ave., St. Augustine
Details: Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing in Florida. Ever wonder what to put in your tackle box, how to measure your catch, or how to clean what you've caught? Saltwater Fishing 101 Details. Please note that all participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License. This is a free license from FWC. You must RSVP on Eventbrite to attend. This program is FREE. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Kayak Fishing
When: Wednesday, February 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Deep Creek Soft Launch, 7975 SR 207, Hastings
Details: Join Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky for a morning of freshwater fishing while you explore Deep Creek and spend time along the river. Kayak Fishing Fee and Registration Details. For more info and to register, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.

904 Naturalist Series – Circles of Place
When: February 20, 22, 23, 27 and March 1, 6
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Main Library Branch and various locations around St. Johns County
Details: Join Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky to learn about the diverse environment that surrounds us and become a 904 Naturalist. There will be four programs with each one comprised of six classes held over three weeks. The second program is focused on the Circles of Place. Use your observation skills, artistic senses, and patience to create a deeper connection with the habitats around you. Participants must be able to attend all six classes. This program is FREE and open to adults ages 18 and up. Circles of Place Registration. For more info, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.

Not in Your Backyard
When: Friday, February 22
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Anastasia Island Library, 124 Sea Grove Main St., St. Augustine
Details: We've partnered with GTM Research Reserve for a lecture about invasive plant species in Northeast Florida. Not In Your Backyard Details. Seating for this event is first-come, first-served. This program is FREE. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Dune Ecology Lecture
When: Tuesday, February 26
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Anastasia Island Library, 124 Sea Grove Main St., St. Augustine
Details: Our beaches are dynamic and unique ecosystems. Learn what makes our dunes important habitats and why we should protect them. Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging talk about one of our most precious natural resources. Seating for this event is first-come, first-served. This program is FREE. Dune Ecology Details. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Living Sustainably Lecture: Pollinators
When: Friday, March 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: THE PLAYERS Community Center, 175 Landrum Ln., Ponte Vedra Beach
Details: We have partnered with GTM Research Reserve for a lecture series focused on Northeast Florida’s conservation efforts, plants, animals, and beaches. This lecture will cover Pollinators. Learn about the many species responsible for pollinating our local, native plants including birds, bugs, and more. Living Sustainably Registration: Pollinators. This program is FREE. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Moultrie Creek Kayak Trips
When: Eight dates! March 7-10 and March 21-24
Where: Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp, 4805 Shore Dr., St. Augustine
Details: Join our Park Naturalists for a beautiful paddle of the marsh along Moultrie Creek. Participants will learn about the marsh ecosystems, animals that call it home, and history of the area. Moultrie Creek Kayak Trip Registration. These trips are FREE. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Native Landscaping Lecture Series
When: Friday, March 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: THE PLAYERS Community Center, 175 Landrum Ln., Ponte Vedra Beach
Details: We have partnered with UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County for a lecture on Florida-Friendly Landscaping with a focus on low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how to select the appropriate Florida-Friendly plants for your landscape. Native Landscaping Registration. This program is FREE, but you must register on Eventbrite to attend. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Kayak Fishing – McCullough Creek
When: Wednesday, March 13
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: McCullough Creek Soft Launch, 2310 CR 13 South, Elkton
Details: Join Park Naturalist AyoLane Halusky for a morning of freshwater fishing while you explore McCullough Creek and spend time along the river. Kayak Fishing Fee and Registration Details. For more info and to register, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.

Bats! An Educational Lecture
When: Wednesday, March 13
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: St. Johns County Agricultural Center, 3125 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine
Details: Florida is home to 13 species of bats, unique winged mammals that play an important role in our ecosystem. Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging and educational hour devoted to these amazing creatures. This program is FREE. Bats! Details. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Kid’s Beach Yoga
When: Friday, March 15
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Where: SJC Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach
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. Kid’s Beach Yoga Details. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Florida Master Naturalist Program – Coastal Restoration
When: Monday, March 18 through Wednesday, March 20
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: GTM Research Reserve & GTM Research Reserve Marineland
Details: We’ve partnered with GTM Research Reserve to offer a Florida Master Naturalist Program course focused on Coastal Restoration. This program is for adults of all knowledge levels and is comprised of classroom presentations, hands-on activities, and field trips. Coastal Restoration Registration. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

904 Naturalist Series – Exploring the Life of Birds
When: March 20, 22, 23, 27, and 29 and April 3
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Main Library Branch and various locations around St. Johns County
Details: Learn about the diverse environment that surrounds us and become a 904 Naturalist. There will be four programs with each one comprised of six classes held over three weeks. The third program is focused on Exploring the Life of Birds. Participants must be able to attend all six classes. This program is FREE and open to adults ages 18 and up. Life of Birds Registration. For more info, contact AyoLane Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0348.

Turtles of Florida
When: Tuesday, March 26
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Anastasia Island Library, 124 Sea Grove Main St., St. Augustine
Details: Turtles are unique reptiles that can occupy a multitude of habitats. Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging talk about the various turtle species that live in Florida. Seating for this event is first-come, first-served. This program is FREE. Turtles of Florida Details. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 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.