Coming up is an event that reminds me of home! Being a girl who spent most of her childhood in Maine, I love black bears! Of course, they are a bit larger in Maine, but black bears are nostalgic as mascots, backyard “friends” and part of our state seal. I even moved to an area in North Lake County that boasts signs warning of black bear crossings which is something I watch for and am anxious to see. I am just waiting for them to show up in my yard! My neighbor had the excitement of having one visit her laundry room! He was a shy bear and didn’t stay to help with the laundry though.
Anyway, North Lake Macaroni Kid will be attending and hosting a booth of fun (and a giveaway of a natural nature) at the 18th Annual Florida Wildlife Festival which will be held on Saturday, October 21st in Umatilla, the Gateway to the Ocala National Forest! Your family has the opportunity to learn about Florida’s animals. Cohabitation and conservation of our beautiful resources are an important message to share with our future generations. I am certain that adults will learn a lot as well if you have never attended. The education part of this festival is multidimensional including field trips, presentations and hands on children’s activities to “promote awareness and appreciation for the Florida black bear, all native wildlife species and the unique ecosystem that serves as wildlife habitat.” Your children will be exposed to lessons in school as a build up to the festival thanks to partners of this festival. Don’t be surprised if your elementary kids come home with grand plans for a wildlife friendly yard and a desire to take a hike as a family.
In addition to the amazing educational opportunity for the family, it is a great way to get all kinds of recreational information and ecotourism right here in your backyard. Let’s face it, we could all use a break from commercialism and get some peace!
This FREE (yes, FREE) family-oriented festival at Cadwell Park begins at 9:00 am and lasts until 4:00 pm. Don’t forget to visit us for a little bird feeder craft in the Macaroni Kid tent. My MacKids will be helping out! Here are just some of the amazing activities being offered at the festival:
* FREE 2-hour field trips taking festival goers deep into the Ocala National Forest, where FWC bear biologists will lead participants through natural bear habitat and explain black bear natural history.
* FREE 1.5-hour tour of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, a national scenic highway with a rich history in adventure and exploration of the wild Florida.
* FREE 1-hour tour of the historic Carr family cabin and a presentation regarding the historic environmental contributions of the Carr family.
* Presentations such as “Living Safely in Bear Country” by FWC bear biologist Mike Orlando and Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens staff will provide an update on the new Florida black bear habitat project being designed at the Zoo.
* “Come Be a Bear,” an interactive journey in which children put on furry vests to learn how bears find food and survive in the wild.
* FREE guided Paddle Tour at Alexander Springs, a first magnitude spring and a guided Horse Back Ride hosted by Altoona Trail Riders.
* Animals from the Central Florida Zoo for everyone to see, from noon to 2:00 pm.
* Hands-on children’s activities hosted by Defenders of Wildlife offer children the opportunity to learn about our native wildlife species and how to care for our environment.
* The FWC’s popular exhibit trailer featuring native Florida wildlife.
* U.S. Forest Service’s advice on camping safely in the forest, with kids getting a chance to meet Smokey Bear!!!
…and so much more!
The festival is presented by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, Lake County, Defenders of Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, City of Umatilla, Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway and Umatilla Chamber of Commerce.
Please visit www.floridawildlifefestival.org for more details. I will see you there!
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