Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park

06/12/2026

🌿 You're invited!

🌿 Be among the first to take in the view!

Join us June 17 at 4 p.m. for the ribbon cutting of The Perch, Jonathan Dickinson State Park's stunning new overlook above Kitching Creek.

Experience one of the park's newest scenic destinations and celebrate this exciting addition to the great outdoors.

05/21/2026

🥾🌿 Let’s Go Hiking at Jonathan Dickinson State Park! 🌞🌳

Looking to get outside, enjoy nature, and learn something new along the way? Join our park staff for Guided Hikes every Friday! 🍂✨

Each hike is guided by our knowledgeable AmeriCorps and park staff, so come prepared to discover the plants, wildlife, and stories that make JDSP so special. 🌎💚

Bring water, sunscreen, and your curiosity — these hikes are perfect for families, visitors, and locals looking to connect with nature. 🌞

Meet at the Kimbell Center at 2 pm every Friday. Walk is approximately 1 mile. All skill levels are welcome. Well behaved leashed dogs are also welcome.

05/19/2026

Share your passion for nature!

The rangers can't wait to hear from you! We are seeking local volunteers who offer friendly service for full and half days in the visitor center! Weekends or weekdays. Join at FloridaStateParks.org or with the QR code.

05/19/2026

🌟 Reminder: Scrub Jay Adventure Tomorrow! 🐦🌿

Don’t miss out on this chance to see Florida’s rare and beautiful Scrub-Jays up close! Join us tomorrow morning for a guided hike through their natural scrub habitat and learn about the important conservation work happening right here at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

📅 When: Tomorrow at 9:00 AM
📍 Where: Meet at the Scrub Jay Trailhead (small parking lot on the way to Pine Grove Campground)
🅿️ Parking: If the trailhead lot is full, park by the Ranger Station and take a short walk to the trailhead.

No reservations are needed, but if you're bringing a large group, let us know at 📞 561-745-5551.

What to Bring:
👟 Closed-toed shoes
💧 Water
☀️ Sun protection

Let’s get ready for an adventure and the chance to spot these amazing birds in the wild! 🐦

05/13/2026

🔥🌿 Prescribed Burn Advisory – Thursday, May 14 🌿🔥

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is planning a prescribed burn on Thursday, May 14, weather permitting. Visitors may notice smoke or fire activity in portions of the park during the operation.

📍 Location: Up to 300 acres of pine flatwoods just south of the end of SE Flora Avenue

Prescribed fire is one of the most important tools we use to keep Florida’s natural landscapes healthy and resilient. These carefully planned burns help:

🌱 Restore native ecosystems
🔥 Reduce dangerous wildfire fuel buildup
🌼 Encourage wildflowers and new plant growth
🐦 Improve habitat for birds and wildlife

All burns are conducted only under appropriate weather conditions and with authorization from the Florida Forest Service to ensure safety.

Want to learn more about prescribed fire and why it matters?
👉 https://friendsofjdsp.org/pages/prescribed-fire

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue caring for the habitats and wildlife of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. 💚

Harnessing Fire For Conservation At Jonathan Dickinson State Park, prescribed fires are a crucial tool for maintaining the health and diversity of the ecosystem. By carefully managing these controlled burns, we help restore natural communities, reduce undergrowth, and decrease the potential for more...

05/10/2026

🔥🌿 Prescribed Burn Advisory – May 11 & 12 🌿🔥

Visitors to Jonathan Dickinson State Park may notice prescribed fire activity next week as park staff conduct planned burns to help maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk.

📅 Monday, May 11: Up to 500 acres of pine flatwoods in the middle of the park
📅 Tuesday, May 12: Burn activity adjacent to the south end of SE Flora Avenue

All prescribed fires are conducted only under appropriate weather conditions and with authorization from the Florida Forest Service to ensure safety for visitors, staff, and surrounding communities.

🌱 Prescribed fire helps:
🔥 Reduce excess undergrowth and wildfire danger
🌼 Encourage native wildflowers and plant growth
🐦 Improve habitat for birds and wildlife
🌿 Restore Florida’s natural fire-dependent ecosystems

Want to learn more about the importance of prescribed fire at JDSP?
👉 https://friendsofjdsp.org/pages/prescribed-fire

Thank you for your understanding as we continue protecting and restoring the landscapes that make Jonathan Dickinson State Park so special. 💚

Harnessing Fire For Conservation At Jonathan Dickinson State Park, prescribed fires are a crucial tool for maintaining the health and diversity of the ecosystem. By carefully managing these controlled burns, we help restore natural communities, reduce undergrowth, and decrease the potential for more...

04/23/2026

🔥🌿 Prescribed Burn Advisory – April 23 & 24 🌿🔥

Visitors to Jonathan Dickinson State Park may notice prescribed fire activity later this week. The park is planning prescribed burns on Thursday and Friday, April 23–24 (weather permitting).

📍 Location: Up to 600 acres of pine flatwoods in the middle of the park

Prescribed fire is a critical tool that helps keep JDSP healthy and thriving. These carefully planned burns:

🌱 Restore natural ecosystems
🔥 Reduce excess vegetation and wildfire risk
🌼 Promote wildflowers and native plant growth
🐦 Support wildlife — including species like the Florida Scrub Jay

All burns are conducted only under the right weather conditions and with authorization from the Florida Forest Service to ensure safety.

Want to learn more about why we use fire?
👉 https://friendsofjdsp.org/pages/prescribed-fire

And check out this post on how prescribed fire has helped the Scrub Jay population here at JDSP:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14YfYRQrXZs/

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to care for this incredible park. 💚