Special Events for Hillsborough River State Park

• THIRD WEEKEND FORT FOSTER GARRISONS
  Date: Third weekend of each month. Saturday 2:00 p.m. Sunday 11: 00 a.m. See below for dates.
  Description: Come and experience the Real Florida frontier at Fort Foster Historic Site. Fort Foster was one of the original Seminole War forts constructed in Florida during the early 1800s. Today a replica wood picket style fort has been constructed on the original site. Park Rangers and reinactors provide tours, and explain the Fort operations and living conditions, as well as telling the history of the Seminole Wars in Florida. Third weekend of each month: May 16 & 17
  June 20 & 21
  July 18 & 19
  August 15 & 16
  September 19 & 20
  October 17 & 18
  November 21 & 22
  Living History Event - December 11,12, & 13
  No Garrison Please attend: Dade Battle Reenactment - January 2 and 3, 2010.
  If you are interested in reenacting and getting involved with the Fort Foster Rendezvous and Garrison Weekends, please contact: Steve Saunders QM Sergeant, 813-684-6703. Email: fathersteve110@aol.com
  Fees: Regular fort tour fees will be charged.
  Contact: Contact the park at: (813) 987-6870 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• HRSP SUPPORTS WATERSHED AWARENESS
  Date: November 2009. Please check the website for further information.
  Description: In November, the Southwest Florida Water Management District will celebrate the Hillsborough River and the Hillsborough River watershed with a series of events along the river. In conjunction with this awareness month, several events are planned within the Hillsborough River watershed to create watershed awareness, showcase the commitment to protecting the watershed and foster proper stewardship of this important resource. Hillsborough River State Park and Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful are in partnership for an in-park river clean up program on this date. Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful tries to help solve the problems of litter. People are the problem, but people are also the solution. Marine debris is one pollution problem that society can solve with action. The cleanup is about individual solutions to a global problem. For more information on other important annual clean up dates, please contact:
  Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful
  10014 North Dale Mabry Highway, Ste 101
  Tampa, Florida 33618
  813.960.5121 phone
  813.960.5044 fax
  
  
  Want to help KHCB raise money? Use www.goodsearch.com
  Fees: Please check the website for further information.
  Contact: Call the park at (813) 987-6870 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP
  Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
  Description: Thousands of volunteers come out to remove marine debris from our shorelines.
  
  The ocean was once seen as a vast and limitless area that had the ability to absorb the trash we dumped into it. Florida's population increase, combined with a disposable society mindset, has resulted in marine debris continuing to choke our waterways and ruin our pristine beaches, threatening human health and endangering marine wildlife. Partnering with The Ocean Conservancy, Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful tries to help solve the problems of litter.
  
  People are the problem, but people are also the solution. Marine debris is one pollution problem that society can solve with action. The cleanup is about individual solutions to a global problem. Hillsborough River State Park is excited about supporting this important annual environmental program. To register for this upcoming event, please contact:
  Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful
  10014 North Dale Mabry Highway
  Ste 101
  Tampa, Florida 33618
  813.960.5121 phone
  813.960.5044 fax
  Fees: Free for volunteers
  Contact: Call the park at 813 987 6870 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• GET INVOLVED!
  Date: September 19th. Start time: 8:30 am. Ending time: 11:30 am.
  Description: Volunteer for National Public Lands Day at Hillsborough River State Park.
  
  On this date, National Public Lands Day volunteers are keeping the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 'tree army' that exemplified land stewardship from 1933-1942, to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.
  
  Hillsborough River State Park, one of Florida's original CCC state parks. Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corp, has a long Florida Park Service history and reveals the natural beauty of Florida at its best.
  
  Hillsborough River State Park has several volunteer opportunities waiting for individuals wanting to give back to the environment and devote some free time in order to be in the great outdoors.
  
  Possible (TBA) To Be Announced Projects on this service date:
  
  • River cleanups
  • Trail cleanups
  • Invasive plant removals
  • General maintenance
  • Resource management (Restoration)
  • Gardening
  
  Skills Needed:
  
  • Flexible and positive attitude
  • Must like people
  • Willingness to do a variety of outdoor jobs
  • Organizational skills
  • Work independently
  • Basic map reading
  • Suggested items for outdoor activities (Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, gloves, long pants and proper footwear.)
  • Upon arrival to the State Park:
  • Notify the staff at the Ranger Station that you're supporting the 'Service Day' and receive directions.
  • Meet at parking lot # 1
  Fees: Free for volunteers
  Contact: Call the park at (813) 987-6870 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• GET DOWN ON THE SUWANNEE RIVER......
  Date: October 15th thru 22nd.
  Description: ......And Go with the Flow!
  Come join the fun with Paddle Florida, October 15-22, 2009. Up to 200 paddlers will make the 123-mile trip from the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida to beautiful Manatee Springs State Park.
  
  Paddle Florida is held in cooperation with the Florida Park Service and the Suwannee River Water Management District. These two organizations, through partnerships with both the public and private sectors, have created the 171-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The Trail is a series of cabins, river camps and private 'hubs' that, taken together, make the Suwannee River accessible to paddlers, hikers, bikers, equestrian enthusiasts and other user groups. Paddle Florida will be using some of the facilities that have been recently completed. Check out the nightly entertainment 'round the campfires' each evening.
  
  Contact:
  Paddle Florida
  P.O. Box 5953, Gainesville, FL 32627
  1710 SW 35th Place, Unit C
  Gainesville, FL 32608
  Fees: Contact Paddle Florida for more information.
  Contact: http://www.paddleflorida.org/contact.htm or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• 17TH ANNUAL HAUNTED WOODS EVENT
  Date: October 23 & 24, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m
  Description: The Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is sponsoring the 17TH ANNUAL HAUNTED WOODS EVENT. The event promises to be a safe and fun way for families to celebrate Halloween. The Citizen Support Organization (CSO) especially needs people for set design and creation, monster make-up, and event participation. Businesses, clubs, and other organizations are invited to adopt portions of the Trail of Terror, or help out in the creation of sections of the trail adopted by other organizations. Volunteers are encouraged but not required to wear a costume. Of course, dressing-up will enhance the experience and may illicit more shrieks from those on the tour. For more information on volunteering for the Haunted Woods event go to our volunteer page: Volunteer Page
  Fees: TBD
  Contact: Call the park at 813 987 6773 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
  Date: Nov. 14th - 9am -1pm. Park gate will open at 8:00 am
  Description: In Partnership with Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful and HRSP, the park will host a river clean-up on the Hillsborough River at 9:00am. The State Park will offer (20) canoes for this important clean-up program. (No canoe fees between the hours of 9:00am until 1:00 pm) River Clean-up Program ends at 1:00pm. Canoe river clean-up opportunities are first come—first served. (Weather permitting). Paddles, lifejackets will be provided and must be worn, during the clean-up event. Guided Park Tram Tours at 10:00am and 12:00pm. Leaving form parking lot #3. River Fishing Program at 11:00am (Amp theater area near Recreation Hall). Recreation Hall for environmental talks and environmental displays (TBA). Volunteer Information - (813) 221-8733 or Volunteer@mbptree.org
  For more information: www.hrwa-fl.org
  Fees: State Park admission entrance fee is $4.00 for up to (8) people per vehicle.
  Contact: Call the park at (813) 987-6870
  
• FORT FOSTER LIVING HISTORY EVENT
  Date: Friday, December 11th, – Sunday, December 13th, 2009- 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Description: The Hillsborough River State Park would like to present a “new living history” event at the Fort Foster State Historic Site. This special event is a living history reenactment featuring military, Seminole, and civilian reenactors, and craft demonstrations. School Day- Friday 12/11/09. Admission is a $2.00 donation per student – 'scholarships' may be available for home school students and for classes of students from area schools (Teachers/Chaperones are Free). On-line school registration forms are available or by calling (813) 987-6870. The general public is also welcome on the 12/11/09, but no battle will be fought on this date. On Saturday 12/12/ 09 and Sunday 12/13/09 there will be skirmishes after 1:00 pm, as the reenactor Seminoles try to burn the bridge and the reenactor soldiers defend it. The Fort Foster State Historic Site is located adjacent to Hillsborough River State Park on U.S. 301 North, 9 miles north of Fowler Avenue and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills.
  Fees: Public admission for this event is a $5 donation per person ages 13 and over. 12 years and under free.
  Contact: Call the park: (813) 987-6771
  
• CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF FORT FOSTER
  Date: Saturday, December 12, 2009: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  Description: Historic Fort Foster brings Christmas on the Florida Frontier to life! Guests follow a lantern-lit experience through the Fort, where they encounter living history scenarios. Soldiers far from home sing carols in the Barracks. The Officers entertain ladies from Ft. Brooke/Tampa at a fine dinner in the Officers’ Mess, while fiddle music and song enliven the program. Friendly Natives gather just outside the Fort’s walls, exchanging gifts of furs, feathers, hides, and Native crafts for goods from traders and the military; the exchange is followed by Native drumming and dance. After their tour, guests enjoy hot spiced cider and holiday cookies, while living history interpreters mingle and interact. The Fort Foster State Historic Site is located adjacent to Hillsborough River State Park on U.S. 301 North, 9 miles north of Fowler Avenue and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills.
  Fees: Public admission for this event is a $5 donation per person ages 13 and over. 12 years and under free.
  Contact: Call the park at 813 987 6771 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  
• FORT FOSTER RENDEZVOUS
  Date: Thursday, February 11th, – Sunday, February 14th, 2010- 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Description: The Hillsborough River State Park will present its Annual Event at the Fort Foster State Historic Site. This event is a living history reenactment featuring military, Seminole, and civilian reenactors, sutlers, traders, and craft demonstrations. School Days- Thursday 2/11/10 and Friday 2/12/10. Admission is a $2.00 donation per student – 'scholarships' may be available for home school students and for classes of students from area schools (Teachers/Chaperones are Free). Registration forms are available on-line or by calling (813) 987-6870. The general public is also welcome on the 2/11/10 and 2/12/10. Refreshments will be available for visitors' enjoyment. (Please note: The event will offer on-going daily live firing demonstrations T.B.A. but “No battle during this annual rendezvous event”. The Fort Foster State Historic Site is located adjacent to Hillsborough River State Park on U.S. 301 North, 9 miles north of Fowler Avenue and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills.
  Fees: Public admission for this event is a $5 donation per person ages 13 and over. 12 years and under free.
  Contact: Call the park: (813) 987-6771 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  

Hillsborough River State Park Ranger Programs

• FORT FOSTER TOURS
  Saturdays: 2 PM
  Sundays: 11 AM
  
  Park admission plus tour fee of $2/adult and $1/child, ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under are free. Your step back in time will begin at the park's Interpretive Center located in parking lot #1. From there a tram will transport you to Fort Foster where you will see the only authentically reconstructed fort from the era of the Second Seminole Indian War (1830s). Allow approximately one-and-a-half hours for the tour. NO PETS.
  Special Notice: Fort Foster Historic Site Tours are cancelled (10/24 Saturday– 10/25 Sunday, due to the Annual Fall Event "Haunted Woods" at Hillsborough River State Park). Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  Call (813) 987-6771 for more details for more details.
• TRAM TOUR OF THE PARK
  Friday Evening: 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM
  Look for the tram and wave! Make plans to join us for a tram ride throughout one of the oldest State Parks in Florida. We would like to show you the points of interest in the park and you can meet some of your fellow campers. So—Finish your dinner and clean your dishes. Grab the kids! The ranger will pick you up at your campsite. Bring a friend and a smile! *Note — all programs are offered weather permitting and are for registered campers only. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  Call 813-987-6771 for more details.
• CAMPFIRE PROGRAM
  Saturday Evenings--TBA
  Contact the Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time. Everyone is invited to meet at Cedar Landing behind campsite 41 in Rivers Edge campground. Campfire programs are presented by park staff and volunteers, contact the Ranger Station for next scheduled program topic and meeting time. *Note — all programs are offered weather permitting. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  Call 813-987-6771 for more details.
• PARK PROGRAM REQUESTS
  Ongoing
  Thank you for your interest in our interpretive & educational programs at Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic Site. Due to the extreme popularity of our park programs, we are already booked for the Spring/Summer time period. We will again be accepting program requests starting in the fall of 2009. Please re-contact us in November 2009. The mission of the Florida Park Service is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. We encourage you to review http://www.floridastateparks.org/ for additional interpretive and educational programs. Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  Call the park at: (813) 987-6870 for more details.
• PROGRAMS AND SERVICE
  Ongoing
  Are you fit as a fiddle? Are you adventurous, but you don’t know what you’re going to do the third Saturday of each month? Consider spending your time as an outdoor volunteer. Hillsborough River State Park/Fort Foster Historic State Park has several volunteer opportunities waiting for individuals wanting to give back to the environment and devote some free time in order to be in the great outdoors.
  
  3rd Saturday (TBA) To Be Announced Projects:
  
  • River cleanups
  • Trail cleanups
  • Invasive plant removals
  • General maintenance
  • Resource management (Restoration)
  • Gardening
  
  Skills Needed:
  
  • Flexible and positive attitude
  • Must like people
  • Willingness to do a variety of outdoor jobs
  • Organizational skills
  • Work independently
  • Basic map reading
  • Suggested items for outdoor activities (Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, gloves, long pants and proper footwear.)
  
  These special (TBA) projects are available on every third Saturday of the month.
  
  • Upon arrival to the State Park:
  • Notify the staff at the Ranger Station that you're supporting the "Service Day" and receive directions.
  • Meet at parking lot #1
  • Start time: 8:30 am
  • Ending time: 11:30 am
  • "Stay and play for the day" upon completion of the program.
  • A completed Florida State Park Volunteer Agreement will be necessary for participation in this program. (Please click here for a printable volunteer agreement and bring with you upon arrival: Volunteer Application #1 Volunteer Application #2
  • Minor Supervision: Due to the vulnerability of young workers, and especially those under school-leaving age, adequate supervision must be provided at all times. A parent/guardian needs to remain with any individuals under the age of 18 years of age.
  For more information, contact Park Services Specialist Patrick Potts at 813-987-6870 or Email patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us.com for more details
  Call 813-987-6870 for more details.