Situated above the sea wall facing St. Joseph Sound, the Nature Center affords spectacular views of sea
Situated above the sea wall facing St. Joseph Sound, the Nature Center affords spectacular views of sea 
grass beds, mangroves, mud flats, and offers observation of shore birds, Osprey, and abundant marine life.
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Finishing Up!
GRAND OPENING: The grand opening was held Thursday May 10, 2007.

CLASSROOM TRAINING & MEETINGS ARE NOW BEING CONDUCTED AT THE CENTER
Nature Center Volunteer training is currently being conducted in the classroom at the new nature center. Call the center at 727-738-2903 to inquire about enrolling in future volunteer training sessions. The Friends of the Island Parks are now holding meetings at the center as well. Meetings are open to the public. The  general meetings feature interesting nature subjects each month. See the home page of this website for meeting dates and times and nature topics. 

NEW NATURE TRAIL NOW OPEN
A new self guided nature trail featuring interpretive signs along the way is now open. This easy 1/4 mile loop is well marked. The trail is located near the nature center building and provides quick access to visitors. This trail features views of mangrove swamps and expansive sea grass beds of St. Joseph sound. Look for the beautiful Southern redcedar trees, Sable palmettos, and various native plants including prickly pear cactus which blooms in spring and then produces fruit in mid summer, muhly grass which turns purple around October, and common wildflowers such as spanish needles and lantana which are regula bloomers year-round. Various butterflies and birds are commonly encountered. A gopher tortoise burrow may be found here, and evidence of raccoon (tracks/scat). Visitors are cautioned to stay on the well defined trail at all times. Rainy weather may cause the trail to become flooded in places. Poison ivy, biting insects and sand spurs may be encountered. Rattlesnakes are present on the island. Closed toe shoes are recommended. No fishing or kayak launching permitted from the seawall anywhere in this area along the trail or at the nature center building site.

NATURE PROGRAMS NOW BEING OFFERED UPON REQUEST
We offer guided walks and nature programs on a variety of topics. These range from 30 and 45 minute walks to wildlife obesrvation, to classroom based presentations and workshops in our media room. Come and learn more about the beach, barrier island ecology, and the plants and animals that inhabit the island. Please call the center at 727-738-2903 for details.

Front entrance as viewed from the Nature Center parking lot. October 7, 2006
Front entrance as viewed from the Nature Center parking lot. October 7, 2006

Back side of Nature Center as viewed from the service road.
Back side of Nature Center as viewed from the service road.

Honeymoon Island State Park Nature Center - Welcome Desk
Honeymoon Island State Park Nature Center - Welcome Desk

Honeymoon Island State Park Nature Center - Knotty Pine Interior and New Carpet Installed
Honeymoon Island State Park Nature Center - Knotty Pine Interior and New Carpet Installed


The view from the deck overlooking St. Joseph Sound..