Nature wins: How the great outdoors united Floridians throughout 2024

More: Oscar Scherer State Park in Sarasota County listed on stifled Florida DEP overhaul plan

A second wave of support to protect natural spaces came in September, when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed controversial changes to state parks like Oscar Scherer, triggering public outcry. Though the DEP reversed course, the incident highlighted tensions between economic gains and the preservation of Florida’s sensitive natural ecosystems.

As outdoor spaces become more vital for social and environmental justice, Floridians and environmental leaders continue to advocate for the connection between nature, livelihoods, and community impact.

Want to support Florida’s booming recreation economy while protecting its natural beauty? Here are five must-visit natural spaces where you can make a difference:

• Oscar Scherer State Park | 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
  • Why visit: One of two state parks in Sarasota County, Oscar Scherer is most unique because of its proximity to Nokomis Beach in Osprey. The 1,400-acre park includes 15 miles of trails, a nature center and is home to a large population of Florida scrub jays, a territorial species of small birds only found in Florida. Sarasota native and environmental researcher, Jon Thaxton, began publishing his research on the park and the scrub jay in the early 1990s. Thaxton’s research and preservation have been duplicated statewide yielding protections throughout the park for animals and the ecosystem for over three decades.
  • Annual visitation data: 250,000 annually
  • Ways to support the park: Donate to the ADA-compliant boardwalk expansion at Lake Osprey. The project is organized by Friends of Oscar Scherer Park.
• Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park | 354 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32309
  • Why visit: One of Florida’s first land-owning African-American communities was situated in what is now Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. A former plantation owner sold land near the park’s two lakes to several formerly enslaved families. They created one of Florida’s first landowning African American communities, which was intertwined with area tenant farmers and the wage workers who later built and tended to Maclay’s gardens. The 1,176-acre Florida State Park doubles as a botanical garden and historic site. Park rangers lead educational hikes that explore the heritage of the Overstreet Community regularly in win.ter or by request.
  • Annual visitation data: Park numbers not available from Florida State Parks
  • Ways to support the park: Volunteer alongside Friends of Maclay Gardens or join a community group dedicated to the protection and preservation of the historic Maclay House and Gardens as well as the surrounding park lands.
• Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
  • Why Visit: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is tucked away and hidden in plan sight in south St. Petersburg. The nature preserve is lush, however, and offers 245 acres of diverse ecosystems, including hardwood hammocks, wetlands, and pine flatwoods. It’s a haven for wildlife like gopher tortoises and birds of prey, which visitors can view at the preserve’s aviary. With six miles of trails and boardwalks, this urban oasis is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and reconnecting with nature. The preserve has several camping sites as well as rentable cabins for overnight stays.
  • Annual Visitation Data: Approximately 120,000 annually
  • Ways to Support: Join the Friends of Boyd Hill group to volunteer or donate to programs like the Birds of Prey initiative, which aids in raptor rehabilitation and education
• Hillsborough River State Park | 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
  • Why visit: Hillsborough River State Park combines natural beauty with adventure. Paddle through the river’s Class II rapids, hike shaded trails, or camp under the stars. The park was established in 1938 and now offers a mix of recreation and history, with a preserved Fort Foster replica showcasing indigenous history such as Florida’s Second Seminole War history.
  • Annual visitation data: 250,000 annually
  • Ways to support the park: Donate to the Citizen Support Organization for park upgrades or participate in educational programs hosted by the park.
• Highlands Hammock State Park | 5931 Hammock Road Sebring, FL 33872
  • Why visit: One of Florida’s oldest parks, Highlands Hammock showcases a stunning collection of ancient live oaks and lush ecosystems. At over 9,000 acres visitors can explore elevated boardwalks through swamps, hike nine diverse trails, or bike a scenic loop road. The park is loaded with wildlife, including wild boar, deer, otters, and alligators, and features a Civilian Conservation Corps museum. It’s the perfect Central Florida state park to view wild orange groves and a nighttime firefly experience hosted by Friends of Highlands Hammock select summer months.
  • Annual visitation data: 300,000 annually
  • Ways to support the park: Contribute to the Friends of Highlands Hammock, which funds park improvements and environmental education programs.