Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks

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Islamorada, FL
Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks

The Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks support 7 parks in the Florida Keys. They participate in community outreach, fundraising, and events.

06/19/2026

Big Welcome to Corliss Castro, the new Park Manager for Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks.

Corliss hails from Stock Island, Florida, with Cuban and Puerto Rican roots that reflect her vibrant heritage. Since 2008, Corliss has dedicated her career to the Florida Park Service, rising through the ranks from an OPS Secretary to her current role as Park Manager III. Her journey has taken her across many Florida State Parks, where she has gained invaluable experience in all aspects of park operations—from disaster response and storm recovery to interpretive programs, volunteer management, community outreach, resource management, and even leading prescribed fire crews. Corliss is committed to fostering a strong, cohesive team built on integrity, respect, and teamwork. She believes in leading by example and working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the community to enhance the parks’ natural beauty and educational opportunities. She is enthusiastic about this new chapter and looks forward to contributing her leadership, ideas, and passion to the continued success and stewardship of Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Corliss enjoys spending quality time with her husband Shane, engaging in outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, fishing, and exploring Florida’s State Parks.

06/18/2026

It's INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Pack a picnic. Pick a Park and enjoy the natural surroundings.

06/17/2026

What am I?

06/16/2026

We take this opportunity to recognize the Heritage Trail team, whose daily work helps keep this 116‑mile stretch clean, safe, and beautiful. Four dedicated rangers empty 215 garbage cans every day, but caring for this place is something we all share.

Every moment on the trail — whether fishing, biking, or walking — is a chance to teach the next generation by example. How we handle our trash has an equal part in those teaching moments. Please take note of the signage along the trail. What you pack in, please pack out. The small bins are meant for small items, and larger things like umbrellas, chairs, or broken gear are best carried back out.

When each of us takes that extra moment to do the right thing, it inspires others and helps protect both our natural spaces and the people who care for them. Together, we can keep the trail a place we’re proud to enjoy and pass on to others.

06/15/2026

Come experience the natural beauty of the Florida Keys at Curry Hammock State Park, and explore this unique ecosystem firsthand!

Paddle your way through our scenic 1.7-mile kayak trail that winds around the park and discover why kayaking is the most popular recreational activity at Curry. Enjoy the famous mangrove tunnel as you get up close and personal with the red mangroves that surround the park, creating a truly immersive Florida Keys experience.

Along the way, you may spot incredible wildlife including manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, tarpon, mangrove snapper, barracuda , shore and wading birds, and much more.

Don't have a kayak? No worries! We offer convenient self-service kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals through Whenever Watersports, making it easy to get out on the water and start exploring.

Whether you're looking for adventure, wildlife viewing, or simply a peaceful day on the water, Curry has something for everyone.

Stop by and see all that Curry has to offer—we look forward to welcoming you!

Thank you for supporting Florida's State Parks. 🌴🛶🐢☀️

06/14/2026

Celebrating Flag Day

06/13/2026

Among her many duties, park biologist Becky Collins works to protect local tree snails and butterflies. She spends extensive time in the field throughout area state parks. During her most recent visit to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, the first botanical state park in Florida, she encountered some local residents. The Liguus tree snail, recognized by its brown stripes, is specific to Lignumvitae Key.

06/11/2026

Message from Curry Hammock State Park recognizing another outstanding volunteer - 🌟 Deb Wright! 🌟

Deb has brought an incredible sense of humor, positive attitude, and unmatched work ethic to our park. She quickly became an absolute favorite among both our volunteers and staff, always bringing an energy that lifts up everyone around her. Whether she is stepping up to help a team member or greeting a guest, Deb summarizes what it truly means to be a team player.

She is a favorite among campground guests as well, always willing to lend a helping hand and ensuring check-ins and check-outs ran smoothly. More than once, she proved she could outwork the rest of us on shift! 💪

Before many of us even started our day, Deb could often be found watching the sunrise and capturing beautiful photos of the park's wildlife and scenery. Her appreciation for nature and enthusiasm for sharing it with others helped showcase what makes our park so special. 🌅📸

We're also proud to celebrate Deb reaching the milestone of over 500 volunteer hours and rapidly approaching an impressive 1,000 volunteer hours! That level of dedication is truly something to be proud of. 🏆

Thank you, Deb, for your hard work, friendship, laughter, and commitment to our park and visitors. You've made a lasting impact on both our staff and guests, and we are grateful for everything you do. Way to go, Deb! ❤️🏕️

📍 Curry Hammock State Park

Address

Islamorada, FL
33036

Website

https://friendsofkeysparks.org/

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