Friends of Fort Cooper

10/07/2026

A new way to experience nature is coming to Fort Cooper State Park! We are pleased to announce that a new, ADA-compliant dual-headed binocular viewer is being installed within the park. It will be available for visitors to use at no cost. Installation will be completed before the end of the year.

This project was made possible thanks to a grant from the Florida State Parks Foundation and the help of the Friends of Fort Cooper.

09/13/2026

Families frequent the park for bike rides. The trees provide the shade needed on a hot summer day!

08/31/2026

It's Bat time again!

08/31/2026

Come early for the Bat Chat. Remember to call the office to reserve your spot. (352-726-0315)

07/03/2026

Come out and enjoy the park for free! 🇺🇸

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

04/17/2026

Come see the BATS TONIGHT at Ft. Cooper State Park!

🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇

Friday, April 17, 2026 6:30pm—7:30pm

Due to popular demand, the Friends of Fort Cooper will again feature a special program with observation of Florida’s bats on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Fort Cooper State
Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness.

The presentation will be given by Shari Blissett-Clark, president, Florida Bat Conservancy www.floridabats.org and board member of Bat Belfrys Inc., dedicated to conserving Florida's bats!

Visitors will start the evening in Fort Cooper’s Rec Hall with a social at 6:20 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. presentation by Ms. Blissett-Clark. Live Florida bats will accompany the program.

Following her presentation attendees will take a short hike to Fort Cooper State Park’s Bat House to witness the swarm of bats exiting their house at sundown. It is advised that walkers wear sneakers or close-toed shoes. It’s truly a remarkable sight!

Seating in the Rec Hall is very limited. Please reserve by calling the park office at (352) 726-0315. There is a $3 per car state park entrance fee. The presentation is free.