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Fire Fest at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, October 22, 2016

October 13, 2016
On October 22, 2016 from 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM a fun-filled family event will take place at Jonathan Dickinson State Park - Fire Fest 2016. The Halloween-themed event welcomes the community to learn about the importance of prescribed fire in Florida and focuses on increasing awareness and appreciation of Florida’s unique wildlife and plants, recreational opportunities, and rich natural history.

Located just south of Stuart, in Hobe Sound, Jonathan Dickinson State Park teems with wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, and over 15 natural communities. The Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designation Wild and Scenic River, runs through the park and offers saltwater and freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and swimming in designated areas. With 10,500 acres of land to explore one can enjoy many more recreational opportunities including hiking, geocaching, camping, in season horse-back riding, and off-road biking on the park’s award-winning trails.

The most significant and effective tool used to protect and maintain the park’s natural communities and wildlife habitat is prescribed fire. In the early 1970’s Park Rangers, Biologists, and Park Managers recognized that fire is a natural part of Florida’s landscapes. However, wildfire, specifically fire that is started naturally from lightning strikes, is an unacceptable and unsafe way of managing our natural areas, so the Florida Park Service began its prescribed burn program.

Many species benefit from prescribed fire, some of which would not survive without it, like the state threatened gopher tortoise and federally endangered Florida scrub-jay.  Our philosophy is to manage the land according to scientifically accepted fire intervals in a given ecosystem, and wildlife and plants thrive in response. A secondary but major benefit of prescribed fire is to the surrounding communities. If we continue to use fire as a management tool, the homes, roads, and people nearby will be much safer.

Fire Fest welcomes everyone to view prescribed burning up close and talk to trained fire crew. Two fire demonstrations take place during the event, including one in the afternoon and one in the evening after sunset – something you don’t want to miss! Smokey Bear will be there to support the crew too!

There’s much more to Fire Fest than the burn demos too, with hayrides, swamp buggy trail rides, bounce houses, live music, children’s art activities, fire truck and helicopter demonstrations, spooky trail, live animals, marshmallow roasting, exhibitors, and much more! The event costs $6 for park entry for up to 8 people per vehicle. Hayrides, swamp buggy trail rides, and the bounce house and game area require additional fees; all other activities are free. So come on out, bring your friends and family, and spend a day the in the park!

For more information, visit friendsofjdsp.org or contact the Kimbell Education Center in the park at 561-745-5551, or email libby.reinert@dep.state.fl.us
Fire Fest is  sponsored by the Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Inc. Activity proceeds go towards purchasing an off-road wheelchair for park visitor use. 

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located at 16450 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455.