Land Management to take 12 participants on a ‘Walk in the Park’

Published on January 12, 2026

January 12, 2026 – Flagler County Land Management is in its fourth year hosting its limited guided tour series called a “A Walk in the Park.” The next walk will be held at River-to-Sea Preserve in Marineland.

This tour begins at 9 a.m. sharp on January 22 at River-to-Sea, 9741 N. Oceanshore Boulevard (State Road A1A), with parking on the west side of the roadway. It is limited to 12 registrants, and participants are asked to arrive a little early for the safety briefing, and additional details about the two-hour hike – which is described as “easy” – on flat, level terrain with wide and well-maintained trails.

Forestry Supervisor Ralph Risch will guide the walk, which will last about two hours.

“We will experience the character of Florida’s barrier island scrub-coastal scrub habitat during this hike, as well as the coastal hardwood hammock community found on the estuarine side of the barrier islands,” Risch said. “Expect to see and hear many wintering migratory birds, and resident ones, too. Cool plants of the barrier islands will be identified. If we’re lucky, we may get to see bottle-nosed dolphins in the Matanzas River.”

Participants who register (an account must be created) – and sign the two waivers: liability and photo/video release. Registration is open through January 21.

Those who are participating should:

Bring a water bottle
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes
Use sunscreen and insect repellent as preferred (note: mosquitoes are reportedly “bad” this year)
Bring binoculars for enhanced bird watching
Dress for weather – could be cold and rainy or warm and sunny

Remember to register and that parking is on the west side of State Road A1A. While the Town of Marineland is in Flagler County, its mailing address is in St. Augustine – for those using GPS systems for directions.

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