Friends of Paynes Prairie

05/29/2026

Volunteers,

Thank you for making our Volunteer Appreciation Night such a wonderful success! 💚

We had an incredible turnout celebrating the amazing people who give their time and energy to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and we are so grateful for everything you do to support the park and our community. Your dedication truly makes a difference every day.

We loved getting the opportunity to celebrate you in person, and we hope you had as much fun as we did!

Didn't get the chance to attend? That's okay! Check out the photos here: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/0390f053371d46679d5fd6cd2e05f92a

Interested in volunteering at Paynes Prairie or joining the FOPP Board of Directors? Reach out to us at [email protected]

See you on the prairie! 🐊🦬🦋

05/14/2026

Impact⚡️Flashback | District 2

Park Impact Grants week continues with a look at the unique and impactful grant awards from District 2! (Northeast/Central Florida).

2021:
• The Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm — Citrus tree restoration

2022:
• The Friends of Fort Cooper, Inc. — Historic fort wall restoration
• Friends of the Ichetucknee — Prescribed fire program support

2023:
• Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park — Wheelchair replacement
• Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail, Inc. — “Postcards from the Trail” mural

2024:
• Friends of Fort Clinch — Accessible playground
• Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park — Bicycle racks and repair stands

2025:
• Friends of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm, Inc. — Historic 1940 Oldsmobile vehicle restoration

2026:
• Friends of Paynes Prairie — Accessible playground restoration
• The Friends of Fort Cooper, Inc. — Accessible, freestanding binoculars

05/12/2026

04/18/2026

Many thanks to Felipe Soto-Adames for kicking off this season's Friends of Paynes Prairie Third Thursday Speakers Series with a wonderful presentation on the Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA).

The collection is an ever growing resource library that holds some 14 million specimens with many more millions awaiting curation.

The FSCA supports the agriculture industry by identifying insects with a focus on those that may cause problems for farmers and the general public. By appointment, you can tour the collection.

04/09/2026

🐞 Our Third Thursday Speaker Series is BACK for 2026! 🐜✨
Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA) and the work Entomologists do in the Department of Agriculture featuring Dr. Felipe Soto-Adames.

Kick off the new season with an inside look at one of the largest insect collections in the country—the Florida State Collection of Arthropods! 🦋🔬

Join Felipe as he explores the fascinating work entomologists do within the Department of Agriculture, from identifying pest insect species to managing a collection of over 14 MILLION curated specimens 🤯🐛 Whether you're a bug enthusiast, science lover, or just curious about the tiny creatures shaping our world, this is one talk you won’t want to miss!

📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
📍 Paynes Prairie Visitor Center
100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
🎟️ Reserve your spot here: https://friendsofpaynesprairie.wildapricot.org/event-6648193

Come get bugged with us for an evening of science, discovery, and creepy-crawly curiosity! 🕷️🪲

04/07/2026

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park has been a landmark of North Florida for centuries.

The park was once home to Seminole communities, Spanish ranches and even a lake where steamboats crossed.

Running right through it is the Gainesville–Hawthorne State Trail, a 16-mile path built along a historic railroad corridor. What was once a “trader’s path” and later a rail line is now one of Florida’s most scenic routes.

***
📍: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
📸: Courtesy of the Matheson History Museum

💡: Plan your historic encounter at FloridaStateParks.org. Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information.
America250FL

02/27/2026

🌧️ Event Update: Stargazing at Paynes Prairie Cancelled

We’re sorry to share that due to inclement weather forecasted for Saturday evening, our Stargazing at Paynes Prairie event has been cancelled.

We know many of you were looking forward to a night under the stars, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Additional information regarding next steps will be shared with registered guests soon including refunds.

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you on the prairie at a future stargazing event — under clearer skies! ✨

02/24/2026

✨ Reminder: Stargazing at Paynes Prairie is almost here!

Join the Alachua Astronomy Club for a night of telescopes, constellations, and cosmic discoveries under the prairie sky.

🗓 Saturday, February 28 | ⏰ 6–8:30 PM
📍 Hickory Ranch, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
🎟️ Limited spots available — grab your tickets now before it's too late! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stargazing-at-paynes-prairie-tickets-1980322524981?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bring blankets, chairs, and settle in for a magical evening outdoors 🌌

02/12/2026

Hey Friends...the bison on Paynes Prairie are unique. It's a great thrill to see the herd roaming the basin. We are blessed to get that opportunity. And they have been out and about a lot lately. But please remember... YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE HERD!!!

Please follow the guidelines for WILDLIFE viewing posted around the park on signage seen here. This is the REAL FLORIDA. The real Florida is not a tame place. We want you to enjoy viewing these majestic beasts, but we want you to do it safely. 🦬 🦬🦬🦬

02/07/2026

Join the Alachua Astronomy Club for a magical evening under the stars! Explore the night sky through telescopes, learn to spot constellations, and discover celestial wonders with expert guidance.

🗓 Saturday, February 28
⏰ 6:00 - 8:30 PM
📍 Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Hickory Ranch, 9300 SE CR 234, Micanopy, FL 32667
🎟️ Open to All – Limited Spaces Available!

Register on eventbrite today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stargazing-at-paynes-prairie-tickets-1980322524981?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bring blankets, chairs, and your favorite beverages for a cozy night outdoors. Don’t miss this chance to experience the cosmos up close! ✨