Tuesday, February 11, 2014
A TREASURE IN CITRUS COUNTY
We have a real treasure here in Citrus County, Homosassa to be precise.
The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is the most visited park in the state system and is home to one of the largest volunteer corps in any such facility.
A few things going on at the park are covered in this guest article by Susan Strawbridge, Park Services Specialist.
WILDLIFE PARK FOCUSES ON ARTISTS AND FITNESS AS FEBRUARY THEMES
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is starting the new year with the introduction of monthly themes focusing on our natural and cultural resources and opportunities in Florida State Parks.
February will have two themes. The first will spotlight artists; famous and current. This theme was selected to celebrate the famous American artist Winslow Homer who visited Homosassa later in this life to enjoy the fishing opportunities and natural beauty of the Homosassa area. This inspired him to create 11 beautiful watercolors in February 1904. An exhibit of prints of Homer’s Florida and tropical watercolors is featured in the Florida Room at the Park’s Visitor Center.
Keeping with the artists’ theme, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park will be hosting two art shows in February. The first will be the Wildlife Park Arts & Crafts Show at the Visitor Center on Saturday, Feb. 15. This show and sale will display the arts and crafts of members of the community. The show and sale will include paintings, photography, crafts, and books.
On the following weekend, Feb. 22 and 23rd, the art work of members of the Citrus Watercolor Club will be exhibited with original paintings, prints, cards, and more offered for sale. The Club’s membership consists of 135 members. About 35 members will be exhibiting their work at the annual art show. The Club will donate 20 percent of all sales from the Arts in the Park show to the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
In February, the Park will also promote many ways to get fit in Florida State Parks. In addition to the Park’s monthly bird walks and ongoing Tai Chi classes, the Park will introduce a series of four exercise/fitness classes on alternating Monday mornings in the Florida Room. These will be taught by Patti and Steve Griffith and will focus on improving balance, range of motion and strength. These exercises and practices are useful in improving a person’s ability to perform normal, daily tasks.
Citrus County Audubon will lead a monthly bird walk on Pepper Creek Trail on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8:00 a.m. Meet at 7:45 a.m. if you are interested in participating. Register by calling (352) 628-5343.
As you can see, we have a lot planned for February and encourage you to visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to enjoy the Winslow Homer exhibit, both art shows in the Visitor Center, and opportunities to get out and exercise by joining the new exercise/fitness class or joining the bird walk on Pepper Creek Trail.
CONTACT: Susan Strawbridge, (352) 628-5445, Ext. 1002
