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Sat. May 19th at 10am at the Nature Center

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Friends of the Island Parks

W E L C O M E       F R I E N D S

    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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Rain BarrelMake-n-Take Rain Barrel Workshops
Presented by Friends of the Island Parks
Cost: $35.00
Date: At Island EarthDays!

Click to Preregister Online
or visit the nature center.
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)

Kayak Demo Day
Presented by
Osprey Bay Outfitters

and Cafe' Honeymoon

Description:
Want to try kayaking, or try out different types of kayaks? Osprey Bay Outdoors and Cafe' Honeymoon invite you to test paddle kayaks, learn about new designs, and have lots of fun. There will be a selection of kayaks including Eddyline, Ocean, Necky, Hurricane, Aqua Sports, Native Watercraft, Heritage and Old Town name brands.
Dates: 3rd
Saturday of the month
Time:
10:00 am to Noon
Where:
Meet near Cafe' Honeymoon on the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park
Contact:
Osprey Bay Outfitters 727-524-9670
Fees: 
FREE entrance to event with paid park admission!  ($8.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)


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 2012
    - Chocolate Buffet
    March 2012 - Nature Program
    April 2012 - Art Opening TBA
    May 2012 - Weather Program
    June 2012 - Ice Cream Social
    July 2012 - Art Opening TBA
    August 2012 - TBA
    September 2012 - TBA
    October 2012 - Art Opening
    November 2012 - Annual General Meeting
    December 2012 - Holiday Party

    Contact: Ray Dabkowski, President for upcoming meeting topics information at raydab@gmail.com
    Meeting Minutes
     
    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


    LATEST MINUTES:
    Minutes Sep 2011
    ARCHIVES:
    2011 Minutes:
    Minutes Jan 2011
    Minutes Feb 2011
    Minutes Mar 2011
    Minutes Apr 2011
    Minutes May 2011

    Minutes June 2011
    Minutes July 2011
    Minutes Aug 2011 (none)
    Minutes Sep 2011

    2010 Minutes:
    Minutes Jan 2010
    Minutes Feb 2010
    Minutes Mar 2010
    Minutes Apr 2010
    Minutes May 2010
    Minutes June 2010
    Minutes July 2010
    Minutes Aug 2010 (none)
    Minutes Sept 2010
    Minutes Oct 2010
    Minutes Nov 2010
    Minutes Dec 2010

    Latest Treasurer Reports: 
    Finances Sep 2011
    ARCHIVES:
    2011 Reports:
    Finances Jan 2011
    Finances Feb 2011
    Finances Mar 2011
    Finances Apr 2011
    Finances May 2011
    Finances June 2011
    Finances July 2011
    Finances Aug 2011
    Finances Sep 2011

    2010 Treasurer Reports:
    Finances Jan 2010
    Finances Feb 2010
    Finances Mar 2010
    Finances Apr 2010
    Finances May 2010
    Finances June 2010
    Finances July 2010
    Finances Aug 2010
    Finances Sept 2010
    Finances Oct 2010
    Finances Nov 2010
    Finances Dec 2010
    View / Receive Friends News
     
    "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. The newsletters are Adobe Acrobat PDF documents. In order to view them, you will need to have the Acrobat Reader installed. Click for free Adobe Reader


    Archived Newsletters:
    2010: Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall 
    2009: Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall 
    2008: Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall 
    2007: January | April | July | October 
    2006: January | April | July | October 
    2005: January | April | July | October 
    2004: January | April | July | October

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    Recommended Reading from the Nature Center's Book Selections:
     
    Yesteryear I Lived in ParadiseStop by the nature center to purchase your copies. Friends members enjoy a discount at the register!

    Great Women Exploring Nature
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