MONTHLY BIRD WALKS ON PEPPER CREEK TRAIL

 (No bird walks scheduled in June, July and August)

January 27, 2007            8 AM – 9:30 AM (Meet at 7:45 a.m.)

February 24, 2007     8 AM – 9:30 AM (Meet at 7:45 a.m.)

March 24, 2007              8 AM – 9:30 AM (Meet at 7:45 a.m.)

April 28, 2007                8 AM – 9:30 AM (Meet at 7:45 a.m.)

May 26, 2007                8 AM – 9:30 AM (Meet at 7:45 a.m.)

 (No bird walk scheduled in December 2006 so birders may participate in Audubon Christmas Bird Count)

 FREE

Novice and experienced birders are invited to take a guided bird walk on Pepper Creek Trail. Bring binoculars and field guide if you have them. This leisurely-paced walk is on an accessible paved trail winding through a hydric hammock along Pepper Creek. Please call the park office if you have questions.

 CHAMBER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Friday, December 1, 2006

FREE

Homosassa Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Christmas Tree Lighting adjacent to the Park’s Visitor Center on the first Friday evening in December to kick off the holiday season. The event includes the arrival of Santa Claus and carol singing.

 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS

December 20 - 24, 2006

5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

The community is invited to come out and enjoy the park decked out for the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas decorations during this multi-evening event. A variety of entertainments will be scheduled and refreshments will be available. 

 LU, THE HIPPO’S BIRTHDAY

Friday, January 26, 2007

Regular Park Admission

(First, second and third graders from Homosassa Elementary are admitted FREE to hippo’s birthday party)

Lu, will be celebrating his 47^th birthday in 2007, is presented with a party each year on a date near his birthday of January 26^th. Park Rangers present the hippo with a special birthday cake while visitors, staff and local school children sing “Happy Birthday” to this popular park resident. School children enjoy cupcakes and lemonade.

 STAFF ART AND CRAFT SHOW AND SALE

February 10 and 11, 2007

FREE

Annual exhibit and sale of arts and crafts by park staff (including volunteers) in the Florida Room at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park’s Visitor Center.

HOMOSASSA HERITAGE DAY

Saturday, March 3, 2007

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Film showings and Florida Room activities free

(Regular admission applies for entrance into Wildlife Park)

Exhibits and programs in the Florida Room at the Visitor Center on the history of the park and the Homosassa area. Former employees, their families and anyone interested in the heritage of the park and this area are invited to attend. Historical photos will be on display and throughout the wildlife park. Former employees may register as Homosassa Heritage Keepers and will receive a pass for free park admission on this date. 

CITRUS WATERCOLOR CLUB SHOW AND SALE

Saturday and Sunday, March 31 & April 1, 2007

FREE

Annual exhibit and sale of the work of many area watercolor artists in the Florida Room at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

 EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Donation of $5.00 for children includes admission to park; adults receive a 33% discount on park admission)

The Friends will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt for area children. Activities include an Easter Egg hunt for plastic Easter Eggs, which can then be redeemed for goodies, trinkets and savings bonds. Parents can have their children’s photos taken with the Easter Bunny (costumed character).

 SPRING GARDENING WORKSHOPS

April 11, 2007                        9:30 AM – Noon and

April 18, 2007                        9:30 AM – Noon

Regular park admission

The park’s gardening supervisor Marion Knudsen’s spring gardening workshop explains how you can use  low-maintenance native plants and xeriscaping  to conserve water resources and enjoy carefree Florida gardening. Please make reservations in advance by calling the park.

DAILY INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS AT THE PARK INCLUDE:

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

An educational program on Florida’s wildlife including Florida snakes, birds of prey, gopher tortoises, turtles and opossums.

10:30 A.M. AND 2:30 P.M.

MANATEE PROGRAMS

An educational program on the West Indian manatees and the park’s manatee rehabilitation program.

11:30 A.M., 1:30 P.M. AND 3:30 P.M.

 ALLIGATOR AND HIPPOPOTAMUS PROGRAM