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Friends of the Island Parks

About the Friends
    Friends of the Island Parks is a CSO (Citizens Support Organization). Florida Park Service CSOs are volunteer organizations that sponsor events, raise funds, and support the goals of the parks. The Friends of the Island Parks CSO's main focus is the support of Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island State Park.
    We join the Egmont Key Alliance and Friends of Anclote Key along with the Friends of Florida State Parks in supporting our island parks.
   
Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands are rare, natural barrier islands that are basically undeveloped. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Florida's original coast, to see many types of wildlife that depend on these ecosystems and to learn about these islands that need to be protected.
   
From the ospreys, owls and eagles that make the island their year long home to the loggerhead turtles that lay eggs on the beaches, the egrets wading in the sea grasses and the manatees and dolphins that swim in the surrounding waters, we can all appreciate and celebrate this natural environment together as Friends of the Island Parks


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Park Programs
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Guided Beach Walks Every Tuesday
11am - 12:30pm
Meet at South Beach Pavilion Cafe
Call 727-738-2908 to confirm in case of possible weather changes, etc. - PLEASE NOTE: Osprey trail walks are finished for the season and will resume in November.

Rain BarrelMake-n-Take Rain Barrel Workshops
Presented by Friends of the Island Parks
Cost: $35.00
Click for Dates and to Preregister Online
or visit the nature center in person to enroll in advance.
What: Includes your own rain barrel to take home. Learn about Florida friendly plants & watering methods. Hands-on demos, rain barrel assembly.

Contact: Sharon Meyer
Phone:
352-217-8717


Monthly Shell Show
Presented by Area Conchologists & Florida State Parks Volunteers

What:
Outstanding exhibit of shells from Honeymoon Island with hands on learning activities and videos. 
When:
3rd Saturday of the month - ongoing from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where:
Inside the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park 
Cost: Free with park admission ($8.00 per car, up to 8 people per carload)

Pancake Breakfast
Description: In case you haven't heard, Cafe Honeymoon now serves a pancake and sausage breakfast! The view is the best in the county and you can take a stroll along the beach after eating. It's an excellent way to start the day.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday mornings
Times: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 
Cash or credit cards accepted. Standard paid park admission applies!  ($8.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)

Bird Observation

Description: Best viewing is at low tide, which encourages a gathering of shore birds that feed on the exposed oyster bed and mud flats of St. Joseph Sound.  There will be spotting scopes set up and binoculars available to enhance your viewing. All are welcome including birders and non birders alike. Volunteers  will offer help in identification and assist you with your observations.
Where: Rear observation deck of the Nature Center
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays
Times: From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Best viewing is at low tide, which encourages a gathering of shore birds that feed on the exposed oyster bed and mud flats of St. Joseph Sound. 
Bring: You can optionally bring your own camera or binoculars. Special thanks to Clearwater Audubon for the migratory bird display and equipment donations, as well as expertise!
Fees:  FREE with paid park admission!  ($8.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Contact: Send email to info@islandparks.org - or call the nature center at 727-738-2903
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.


Scavenger Hunt

Description: Reading age kids can participate in a fun scavenger hunt inside the nature center and win a prize!!
Dates: Daily
Times: All day - The Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees:  FREE with paid park admission!  ($8.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Contact: Send email to info@islandparks.org - or call the nature center at 727-738-2903 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Meetings
Minutes/Reports/Newsletters
Board Meetings:
 

  • Board meetings are open to both members and the general public. 
  • Held the third Tuesday of every month except December.
  • Meet at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park. (First right past park entrance.)
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

  • Board of Directors Nominations: Are you interested in serving on the Friends' Board of Directors? Would you like to nominate someone? If so, please contact the Friends Vice President.

    General Meetings:
  • General Meetings are open to both members and the general public.
  • Held the fourth Tuesday of every month except December.
  • Meet at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park. (First right past park entrance.)
  • 7:00 p.m. General meeting begins.
  • 7:30 p.m. Guest Speakers and Special Presentations
  • 8:30 p.m. Adjournment 

  • General Meeting Topics:
    Each month, we feature a guest speaker or nature/park related presentation, artist opening or varied social activities at the General Meeting. Brief reports are given from the Park Manager, President, Treasurer and varied committees. Fun & informative! Refreshments are served!

    February 2013 General Meeting
    Tuesday, February 26, 2013 7:00 p.m. At the Nature Center
    Annual Chocolate Buffet ~ Chocolate, Refreshments & Sunset!

    January 2013 General Meeting
    Tuesday, January 22, 2013 7:00 p.m. At the Nature Center
    Artist Opening for Bill and Linda Renc of Painted Fish Gallery ~ Refreshments Sunset, and Art!

    Contact: Ray Dabkowski for upcoming meeting topics information at raydab@gmail.com
    Meeting Minutes: Click here to view minutes

    Treasurer Reports: Click here to view reports

    The minutes and treasurer reports are Adobe Acrobat PDF documents. In order to view them, you will need to have the Acrobat Reader installed. Free Adobe Reader

    Friends News: Click here to view newsletters
     
    Save a tree and view electronic versions of our current and past newsletters online! Our printed newsletter is available to all members upon request. For delivery options, contact the membership secretary.


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