Birding and Bird Photography Opportunities in Natural North Florida

Blogger Note: Despite over fifty years as a photographer, my expertise in the art of bird photography is lacking. I thank my friend Rick Davidson, for this story and some excellent photos. I wish I had his patience! Our area is fortunate to have so many parks and wildlife management areas, but we’re also fortunate …

Four Unforgettable Pit Stops Off I-75 That Fit Your Schedule

Whether you’re trekking up north to visit friends and family, or heading to south Florida for a beachy vacation, spending hours driving on I-75 can be a real drag. Thankfully, there are some great pit stops just off the interstate that capture the beauty and culture of Natural North Florida. Our family-friendly guide to I-75 …

10 Wonderful Waters For Summer Heat in Natural North Florida

For folks looking to escape the summer heat, Natural North Florida provides countless opportunities to cool down with its extensive collection of springs, rivers, lakes, and coastline. Most of Florida’s 700 identified freshwater springs are located in North Florida or along the Gulf Coast, and more than 40 are open to the public. Our section …

O’Leno State Park and Its Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy

One of Florida’s first state parks, O’Leno State Park was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, and features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, …

Cedar Key’s Shell Mound, a “Sea Kayaker’s Playground”

While the town of Cedar Key is 24-miles off the beaten path, at the western (Gulf) end of SR24, Shell Mound is a bit farther! “The Shell Mound Unit of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is adjacent to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. This unique feature was created by archaic period Eastern Woodland Indian cultures …

Heading to Cedar Key, FL With Your Boat? Don’t Forget The Backwaters Near The #4 Channel

Anglers and boaters headed to Cedar Key are sometimes put off by the crowds at the downtown boat basin.  Yes, they’re closer to the Gulf of Mexico, and there’s an inside and an outside ramp.  If you use the inside ramp, you’ll be in the shallow boat basin and if your boat has a T-top …

Head to Natural North Florida For Great Paddling Adventures!

Here’s a quick look at some of the great paddling in Natural North Florida!                

Madison County – A Taste of Florida Agriculture

From coast to coast, the state of Florida abounds scenic prairies, grasslands and farm county. It’s an agricultural hub, supplying many fruits, vegetables and livestock to citizens locally and nationally. North Florida counties like Madison County maintain a soil rich in nutrients and a climate ideal for harvesting plants and produce. Want to get a taste …

An Afternoon Down on the Historic Suwannee River

Lafayette County is located east of Tallahassee, FL, and northwest of Gainesville, FL. It’s a rural county, home to prairie-like flatlands, well-known parks and fresh-water springs and rivers. Lafayette offers visitors a slice of the original Florida culture as it’s rich in history, shaded by century old oaks and is home to the famous Suwannee …