Florida Park Service
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEKEND
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
March 24 to 26, 2006
Photos from the Weekend!
Official Invitation
Plan ahead and make your camping or lodging plans for next year's Volunteer Appreciation Weekend. The 2006 event honoring our dedicated volunteers will be held at Hickory Ranch at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Paynes Prairie is located ten miles south of Gainesville, just outside historic Micanopy. Click here for a Yahoo map.
Grab your cracker cowboy hat, guitar, marshmallows, and Florida Park Service spirit because it is time for a good ol' fashioned park celebration. Get ready for a BBQ feast, live music 'round a campfire, star gazing, hayrides, and most exciting...the exploration of the natural & cultural wonders of North Central FL. Note: Official registration with programs and agenda will be available early 2006.
Hickory Ranch is located eight miles from the main visitor services area of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. All of the festivities will be held at the Ranch, along with free camping for the weekend. Pets are allowed.
Camping with "Amenities:" Volunteers are welcome to make reservations at campgrounds in the area. Contact Reserve America at (800) 326.3521 or www.reserveamerica.com. Standard rates will apply. Closest options include:
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
small campground (35 RV sites), no pets (8 miles)
- Mike Roess Goldhead Branch State Park
campground, pets allowed - cabins, no pets (33 miles)
- Silver River State Park
campground, pets allowed - cabins, no pets (34 miles)
- O'Leno State Park
campground and cabins, no pets (40 miles)
Rainbow Springs State Park
campground, pets allowed (48 miles)- Manatee Springs State Park
campground, pets allowed (51 miles)
Area Hotel Options: Specify "Florida Park Service Volunteer Weekend" for the discounted group rate. For information on hotels, amenities, & locations: www.visitgainesville.net
Area Bed & Breakfast Options: Specify "Florida Park Service Volunteer Weekend" for the discounted rate.
Herlong Mansion B&B - only 5 miles away
(800) 437.5664 - room rates vary
Mangnolia Plantation B&B
(800) 201.2379 - room rates vary
Additional Information: Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts specified here are the best options for either quality or price located in close proximity to the Preserve. The website www.visitgainesville.net has information on these hotels and bed & breakfasts, plus additional lodging options in the area. If you have additional questions about area lodging, the Gainesville Visitor Bureau at (866) 778.5002 is happy to assist.
This will be a "green" weekend! Reduce, reuse, and recycle practices will be encouraged.
Download this information/flyer (Adobe PDF)
Official Invitation
