P r o t e c t P a y n e s P r a i r i e
Facebook Posts
2 years ago
This world, as a glorious apartment of the boundless palace..., is furnished with an infinite variety of animated scenes, inexpressibly beautiful and pleasing, equally free to the inspection and enjoyment of all his creatures." William Bartram. Thank you Tom Tompkins for the use of these marvelous photos from Sweetwater Park, Paynes Prairie, Gainesville, Fl. ... See MoreSee Less
2 years ago
Eyes on Paynes Prairie. ... See MoreSee Less
Why Net-Casting Spiders Have Such Enormous Eyes
iflscience.com
The net-casting spider has eight eyes. But two of those peepers – the spider's secondary eyes – are particularly enormous, and scientists had never been able to explain exactly why they came to be...2 years ago
Let's make sure it stays a nature preserve.. no hunting, logging, grazing here!Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a Nati... ... See MoreSee Less
2 years ago
Paynes Prairie is ranked number 3.
www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/hiking-spots-fl/ ... See MoreSee Less
These 16 Epic Hiking Spots In Florida Are Completely Out Of This World
onlyinyourstate.com
Caverns, waterfalls, beaches, bison and so much more can be seen hiking on these amazing paths through Florida.2 years ago
They are not going to gag us. Word has it that there is a new management plan being prepared which includes cattle grazing. As of yet we have not seen it. Here's some text from the most recent DEP management plan (2013) for our park. Let's make sure that they adhere to their own stated goals.
" Archie Carr wrote of Paynes Prairie: There is no telling the things you see on the Prairie. The sun rises at one end and sets at the other. To a taste not too dependent upon towns, there is always something, if only a new set of shades in the grass and sky or a round-tail muskrat bouncing across the blacktop, or a string of teal running low with the clouds in the twilight in front of the winter wind. The Prairie is a solid thing to hold to in a world all broken out with man. There is peace out there, and quiet to hear the rails call, and the cranes bugling in the sky (Carr 1964:162)
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a complex and diverse system of uplands and freshwater wetlands. The Paynes Prairie ecosystem supports a variety of plant and animal life and provides critical habitat for many species. Paynes Prairie has profound cultural significance as well. Humans have frequented it since prehistoric times. In the 1600s, the largest cattle ranch in Spanish Florida was based at the prairie. In 1774, William Bartram referred to the prairie as the Great Alachua Savanna and provided a glimpse of both the natural and cultural significance of the prairie at that time. Today, the prairie remains an important part of the local culture with many people sharing a great affinity for the vast plain.
The park has a Scope of Collections Statement that is based on four themes: cultural resources, geology and hydrology, ecology, and recreation. These themes should guide the development of any additional collections and the acceptance of future donations. The park should review its Scope of Collections on an annual basis.
Land use planning and park development decisions for the state park system are based on the dual responsibilities of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP). These responsibilities are
to preserve representative examples of original natural Florida and its cultural resources, and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for Florida's citizens and visitors. " Thank you Dick Vautrinot for the use of this photo. ... See MoreSee Less
2 years ago
Why we are fighting to save Paynes Prairie. Thank you VSI Aerial.The La Chua Trail on Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now… ... See MoreSee Less
2 years ago
Wednesday, 10am, April 20, 2016 ... See MoreSee Less
Prairie visitors center re-opens today
gainesville.com
After six months and $750,000 in renovations, the Visitors Center at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park re-opens Wednesday with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting.2 years ago
Tuesday, April 10, 2016 at noon. Melissa Ross reports for Florida Politics – “Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham will host a free environmental webinar [tomorrow] for those interested in becoming politically engaged around environmental issues in the state. The online event is in partnership with…1000 Friends of Florida, and is set for…noon….Graham and Hand (former Chief of Staff to Alvin Brown)…are the co-authors of America, the Owner’s Manual, which provides guidance on how to improve outcomes with government, and are releasing an updated version later this year.” Read Bob Graham to Host Free Environmental Advocacy Webinar. e.groupspaces.com/click/6vh5u-botin-2841pu4mju?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffloridapolitics.com%2Farchives%2F20... ... See MoreSee Less
Bob Graham to host free environmental advocacy webinar - Florida Politics
floridapolitics.com
Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham will host a free environmental webinar next week for those interested in becoming politically engaged around environmental issues in the state. The onlin...2 years ago
The making — and attempted taking — of our state parks - Orlando Sentinel
digitaledition.orlandosentinel.com
: Jim A. Stevenson is former chief naturalist for Florida State Parks and retired as senior biologist for the Department of Environmental Protection.2 years ago
3 Great College Towns for a Weekend Getaway Gainesville, Florida. Located between Atlanta and Miami, and home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a quintessential college town. Often called "Gator Nation," the university is known for its superlative athletics. Tailgating football games here is as serious as academics. The campus offers a mixture of green spaces and iconic buildings, plus plenty of opportunities to enjoy recreational outdoor activities and culture. And at night, you can soak up a vibrant nightlife downtown.
Beyond its flourishing nightlife, Gainesville also boasts thriving music, dance and art scenes that are all close to campus. The Bo Diddley Plaza -- named after the famous rock 'n' roll singer -- offers a summer evening concert series that takes place each Friday and lasts into the fall. Other famous musicians from Gainesville include Tom Petty and the members of the alternative rock band Sister Hazel. What's more, the Dance Alive National Ballet -- a highly-lauded national Ballet company -- also performs an annual series of shows. And for art enthusiasts, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art features 11 galleries and is conveniently located on campus.
If you're an animal lover or nature-seeker, carve out some time to explore Paynes Prairie, which is home to alligators, horses, bison, birds and more. There is ground access as well as deck access, so visitors who want to view the Prairie but not get too close to the wildlife are able to do so comfortably. And if you enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding, make sure to check out the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, which is accessible from the Prairie. Plus, if you want to hit the beach, you can easily map out a daytrip from Gainesville to top beach spots, such as Jacksonville Beach, Crescent Beach and Daytona Beach, which are each within a two-hour drive of Gainesville. ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/3-great-college-towns-weekend-134837493.html ... See MoreSee Less
3 Great College Towns for a Weekend Getaway
ca.finance.yahoo.com
Whether you're visiting with a high school student or you're yearning to relive your undergrad memories, consider spending a weekend in these great college towns. An easy road trip from Chicago, beaut...