The 7 Creeks Recreation Area partners have released the schedule of activities for the fourth annual 7 Creeks Fest on Saturday, March 8. The organizers have put together a host of free, family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including guided nature hikes, birding hikes, a camping clinic, hands-on science activities, kayaking, canoeing, and much more. The activities will be held in various parks throughout the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, including Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, Bogey Creek Preserve, Cedar Point, Cedar Point Preserve, and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. Everyone is invited to celebrate and explore the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, one of Jacksonville’s most scenic and valuable assets.
 
The Welcome Hub at Betz-Tiger Point Preserve at 13990 Pumpkin Hill Rd. will have more than 20 environmental exhibitors with hands-on educational activities, musical acts throughout the day, and food trucks. The music will start at 10:30 a.m. with Steel Bamboo. Shifty Gears takes the stage at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Nan Nkama Pan-African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and finally, the Fiddle Folk. Visitors can pick up a Bingo card at the welcome table to participate in the fest-wide Bingo Scavenger Hunt, and the first 100 who get Bingo will win a special park prize. Three shuttles will be available to bring guests to the various parks and activities.
 
There will be guided nature hikes with JaxParks and Sierra Club, birding hikes with the Duval Audubon Society, wildflower and native plants hikes with the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, an archaeological hike with UNF Archaeology Lab and UNF Professor Keith Ashley, traditional Gullah Geechee fishing practices presented by the Cosmo Historical Preservation Corporation, a Hike into History with park rangers at Cedar Point, a photography hike with professional nature photographer Will Dickey, kayaking in Pumpkin Hill Creek with Adventure Kayak, canoeing at Cedar Point boat ramp, a camping clinic, dip netting and more.
 
Guests can explore Bogey Creek Preserve independently and take a selfie at its selfie stations. There will also be a youth fishing clinic for ages 6 to 17, but space is limited, and registration is required. To reserve a spot for the youth fishing clinic, go to 7CreeksFest.org. Visitors are encouraged to bring full reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Refill stations for water will be scattered throughout the Fest.
 
Timucuan Parks Foundation, the City of Jacksonville, Florida State Parks, North Florida Land Trust, and Visit Jacksonville, with the help of some community partners, work each year to host the 7 Creeks Fest to showcase the 7 Creeks Recreation Area to the community and lead an exploration of the natural spaces. Volunteers will be cleaning up the south end of the 7 Creeks Recreation Area on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to get ready for the Fest. Those interested in helping can meet at the Cedar Point Boat Ramp at 9023 Cedar Point Rd. Visit timucuanparks.org/volunteer for more information.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and range from the $10,000 7 Creeks Presenting Sponsor level to the $1,000 Sandhill level. Those interested should contact fest@timucuanparks.org or call (904) 374-1107. Sponsors to date include Jaxport, the Rotary Club of East Arlington, Rogers Towers Attorneys at Law, England-Thims & Miller, Geosyntec Consultants, Vystar Credit Union, Zebco, ABB, SWCA Environmental Consultants, and JEA.
 
The 7 Creeks Recreation Area is 5,600 acres of contiguous parklands in northeast Jacksonville. It includes Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, Cedar Point Preserve, Cedar Point (NPS), Jim Wingate Preserve, Bogey Creek Preserve, Pescatello Island, and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. The 7 Creeks Recreation was made possible by the partnership of park agencies and supportive nonprofits working together to expand access and recreational opportunities for park visitors.
 
About Timucuan Parks Foundation
Timucuan Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment. The foundation originated in 1999 with the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc. to identify and assist in acquiring the most vulnerable and environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County. The acquisition of lands created the largest urban park system in the United States. TPF works with its city, state and national park partners, and other community partners to promote environmental stewardship, the health benefits of the parks and preserves, and an appreciation for Jacksonville’s special outdoor spaces. For more information, visit timucuanparks.org or follow @timucuanparks.
 
About City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Community Services
The City of Jacksonville Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through recreation activities and programs, conservation and marine resources, sports and entertainment, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services serving approximately 900,000 residents in Duval County. PRCS offers over 400 parks and recreational spaces. For more information about The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, visit COJ.net/departments/parks-and-recreation.
 
About Florida State Parks
The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies, and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches, and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
 
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida's irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements.  NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.
 
About Visit Jacksonville
Visit Jacksonville is a Destinations International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion business and leisure tourism growth in Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to VisitJacksonville.com or contact 800-733-2668.