The Florida State Parks Foundation and Live Wildly announced the second annual Explore the Corridor Week, scheduled to run from April 26 to May 3, 2025. This initiative aims to promote exploration and stewardship of Florida’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
This year, 19 state parks will participate, all situated within or adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor—a vast 18-million-acre network stretching from the Panhandle to the Everglades. Established in 2021, the Corridor represents the largest conservation effort in Florida, protecting a rich diversity of wildlife, including nearly 2,000 species such as the iconic Florida panther, manatees, and Gopher tortoises.
“Florida’s state parks provide the best and easiest way to experience the Florida Wildlife Corridor,” stated Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation. “Explore the Corridor Week offers a unique opportunity to connect with wild Florida while contributing positively to our award-winning state parks.”
Participants can look forward to a variety of events designed to foster connections with the environment. Highlights include a river cleanup at Blackwater River State Park (participants are encouraged to bring their own boats), a safari tram tour at Silver Springs State Park, and multiple cleanups and invasive plant removals at various locations throughout the corridor.
This week-long event welcomes individuals, families, students, corporations, and community groups to engage in the stewardship of Florida’s natural spaces, though space at each event will be limited. Interested attendees are encouraged to check the official Explore the Corridor Week website for a complete list of activities and registration details.
For those unable to participate in person, each park hosting volunteer events has set up an Amazon wishlist for much-needed supplies that can be donated to support the efforts.
“Our goal is that involvement in Explore the Corridor Week will inspire a lasting love and respect for wild Florida,” expressed Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “With events accessible to everyone, this initiative encourages memorable experiences that have a positive impact on our environment.”
Last year’s inaugural Explore the Corridor Week saw over 300 volunteers contribute upwards of 1,200 hours of service. Such community involvement highlights the spirit of volunteerism within Florida’s system of 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, all of which are supported by more than 10,000 volunteers who collectively donate over 1 million hours of service each year.
Mark your calendars for April 26 to May 3, 2025, and join in the celebration of Florida’s natural beauty!
