|
The Friends of SavannasThe Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to support the preservation, maintenance, and interpretation of Savannas Preserve State Park. Many of the events and educational programs that occur at the park are supported by this organization, whether it be through the mediums of providing the funds or manpower necessary to make the event successful. Many of its members also volunteer at the park to help carry out the mission of the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park and the Florida Park Service through their time and dedicated service. See our Code of Ethics
|
PLEASE NOTE
Effective 12/16/2021
Jensen Beach Entrance
Habitat Restoration is currently ongoing near the Jensen Beach Entrance. Expect periodic, short-term closures of the White Trail and the Blue Trail that leads out to the observation deck.
Effective 12/27/2021
Basin Marsh Treatment
Invasive Plant Treatment will begin along the Basin Marsh, on both the north and south sides of Walton Road. Hand crews and airboats will be present targeting aquatic invasive vegetation.
North Fork St. Lucie River
Invasive Plant Treatment is ongoing along the buffer islands of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This project does not impact public areas of the park, but nearby communities may see hand crews targeting invasive vegetation.
Effective 12/16/2021
Jensen Beach Entrance
Habitat Restoration is currently ongoing near the Jensen Beach Entrance. Expect periodic, short-term closures of the White Trail and the Blue Trail that leads out to the observation deck.
Effective 12/27/2021
Basin Marsh Treatment
Invasive Plant Treatment will begin along the Basin Marsh, on both the north and south sides of Walton Road. Hand crews and airboats will be present targeting aquatic invasive vegetation.
North Fork St. Lucie River
Invasive Plant Treatment is ongoing along the buffer islands of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This project does not impact public areas of the park, but nearby communities may see hand crews targeting invasive vegetation.
Park Hours: Open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days of the year. Plan Your Visit
Current Park Closures
Weekend Park Education Center Information Desk
Effective September 26, 2021: The weekend Education Center Information Desk permanently closed, until further notice, for building renovations. Park maps and information are available at park kiosks. To speak with a staff member for park-related questions, please call (772) 398-2779.
Gopher Tortoise Trail
Effective September 30, 2021: Gopher Tortoise Trail: partial, temporary closure (see map below). Updated 10/25/21/dg
Effective September 26, 2021: The weekend Education Center Information Desk permanently closed, until further notice, for building renovations. Park maps and information are available at park kiosks. To speak with a staff member for park-related questions, please call (772) 398-2779.
Gopher Tortoise Trail
Effective September 30, 2021: Gopher Tortoise Trail: partial, temporary closure (see map below). Updated 10/25/21/dg
Online Shopping
Effective January 1, 2022: The standard processing fee charged by the online payment system (Square) will be applied to credit card purchases. This step will maximize profits for the Friends of Savannas to contribute towards supplies and materials needed for events, tours, and educational programs, as well as for enhancements and maintenance of the Park itself. Thank you
Animal Adoptions PIONEER DAY Events Gift Shop Guided Hikes Membership Native Plants
Guided Hikes: January 9 - April 17, 2022
Guided Hikes: Spring 2022
Traverse the park with a park naturalist as your guide. Hike up to one mile of trails while experiencing the beautiful sights and sounds of Savannas Preserve State Park.
Reservations required by visiting link to: FALL GUIDED HIKES
Guided hikes are free with park admission ($3 per car).
Hikes last approximately 2 hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Flatwoods Hikes: start at the Pavilion in the Education Center parking lot, located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St Lucie.
Hawk’s Bluff Hikes: start at the Hawk’s Bluff Trailhead, located at approximately 4698 NE Savannah Road, Jensen Beach.
|
Miss Lucie's Pioneer Day Take a step back in time during our 13th annual Pioneer Day Festival sponsored by the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park. Visitors will experience living history as they explore how people in Florida lived circa during the mid-19th century. Treasure Coast history largely revolves around the Pineapple Farming Industry. By 1895, the Jensen Beach area was known as “The Pineapple Capital of the World”. Captain Thomas E. Richards and his family, including his daughter Lucie Richards, were credited with planting some of the first pineapple plantations in the area. Lucie began writing a series of letters to her old friend in New Jersey that detailed her daily life as a Florida Pioneer. Her letters provide invaluable insight into what the life of a Pioneer entailed. Join us on Pioneer Day as we explore the life of Miss Lucie. WHEN: Saturday - January 22, 2022 10 AM – 12 PM & 1 PM – 3 PM Activities & demonstrations are the same during either timeslot. ENTRY FEE $3 per person. Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. TICKETS: available to purchase on-line - starting January 17 or at the entrance to the Event (exact change preferred). Link to purchase event tickets: Miss Lucie's Pioneer Day ACTIVITY BAGS: available to purchase on-line on January 17. A limited number of Activity Bags will be available for purchase at the Event. WHERE: Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952. |
Pioneer Day Activity Bags: jam-packed with wood spinning tops, paper dolls, tin punching supplies, button spinners, a pre-made corn husk doll, a Pioneer Passport, and more; earn other goodies from the "General Store". Perfect for families to craft and play together, these are recommended for children ages 6 and up. Activities and Demonstrations: will showcase constructing a corn husk doll, grinding corn and coffee beans, clothes washing with a washboard and lye soap, and more! An outdoor, walk-through mini museum will display historic artifacts and the story of the Richards’ Family Pineapple Plantation. A self-guided hike offers visitors an opportunity to follow the “The Secret Life of a Pineapple” from a tiny slip to a mature fruit. We look forward to sharing this experience with you!! |
Looking for a unique opportunity?
Are you interested in learning about biology, land management, volunteer recruitment and park outreach?
Savannas Preserve State Park is currently recruiting for FLCC A.N.T. 2022 members!
FLCC Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Non-native plant Terminators) provides hands-on service opportunities designed to develop leaders in the fields of land management, resource-based recreation, and park facility management.
A.N.T. members serve an 11-month term focusing their time on removing non-native plants from the 7,000 acres of Savannas Preserve State Park.
Members are provided a monthly stipend, an education award, free on-site housing, on-the-job training, health insurance, and more! To learn much more about this unique opportunity and apply, click and go to: Americorps.gov
Gopher Tortoise Trail: partial, temporary closure. 09/30/2021
|
Effective 09/30/2021: a segment of the Gopher Tortoise Trail is temporarily closed. Deemed a "sensitive area," it will remain closed for the protection of the habitat until further notice. Area: west of Canoe Launch Road, between the Equestrian Parking Lot and the Outdoor Classroom. Visitors planning to come on-site with an equestrian trailer should call the Education Center several days prior to arrival for up-to-date guidelines for parking and unloading: (772) 398-2779. Please see the map for additional details. |
Folk Jam and Song Circle, 2nd Sunday Every Month
|
Enjoy the wonder of old-fashioned porch music right here at Savannas Preserve State Park. Pull up a chair and listen or bring an instrument and join in the jam.
Folk Jams are held the second Sunday of each month from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. The song circle will take place outside under a pavilion near the Education Center. This program is free with paid park admission of $3 per vehicle (with up to 8 people). Admission can be paid via 3 different methods: 1) in person with exact cash 2) on-site using your phone, the posted QR Code and a credit card or 3) prior to arrival online by visiting https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/savannas-preserve-state-park. A porta-potty is available for use. No registration required. The Savannas Preserve State Park is located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St Lucie. |
|
|
|
Native Plant Sales 2022
|
Become a Member of the Friends of Savannas!
|
In addition to individual, family, and corporate memberships, you can give a gift membership to a friend or family member. What a great way to support the Park! After you select Individual or Family, you can choose Gift as an option. Be sure to notify the recipient to expect an email confirming their membership. |
Like us on Facebook!
A Flyover Video Through The Savannas PreserveCheck out this video by one of our previous resident volunteers, Alan Nyiri! It gives you an amazing taste of what the Savannas Preserve State Park has to offer for you, your friends, and your family.
Watch the video about Florida State ParksDonate to Savannas Preserve State Park through AmazonSmile |
Shop at AmazonSmile and Amazon will make a
donation to Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park.
donation to Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park.
