Flagler County Land Management will host a guided nature walk at River-to-Sea Preserve in Marineland on January 22, 2026, continuing its fourth year of the “A Walk in the Park” limited tour series.
The tour begins at 9 a.m. sharp at River-to-Sea Preserve, located at 9741 North Oceanshore Boulevard on State Road A1A. Parking is available on the west side of the roadway. The walk is limited to 12 participants, and those who register are asked to arrive early for a safety briefing and additional details about the hike.
Forestry Supervisor Ralph Risch will guide the two-hour walk, which is described as easy and takes place on flat, level terrain with wide and well-maintained trails.
Risch explained what participants can expect during the tour. “We will experience the character of Florida’s barrier island scrub-coastal scrub habitat during this hike, as well as the coastal hardwood hammock community found on the estuarine side of the barrier islands,” Risch said. “Expect to see and hear many wintering migratory birds, and resident ones, too. Cool plants of the barrier islands will be identified. If we’re lucky, we may get to see bottle-nosed dolphins in the Matanzas River.”
Participants must create an account to register and sign two waivers covering liability and photo and video release. Registration remains open through January 21.
Those participating should bring a water bottle and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended, as mosquitoes have reportedly been bad this year. Binoculars are suggested for enhanced bird watching. Participants should dress for unpredictable weather, which could range from cold and rainy to warm and sunny.
While the Town of Marineland is located in Flagler County, its mailing address is in St. Augustine. Those using GPS systems for directions should be aware of this distinction.
