St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
The St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve is participating in the St. Johns County Library System’s Community Connections Program. During the month of September, anyone who presents a St. Johns County Library card will get a $2 discount on admission to the botanical garden.
The preserve has the largest collection of palms that can be grown in North Florida and all the beautiful tropical plants in the lush 17-acre landscape. The mission of the garden is the conservation of rare and endangered species of plants from around the world, as well as local natural resources, native plants and animals.
The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday with the last entry at 4 p.m.
The St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve is located at 8310 County Road 13 South, Hastings.
For further information, go to stjohnsbotanicalgarden.org.
Garden club announces ‘Night Owls’ meeting
The Ribault Garden Club has announced a new evening garden circle, “Night Owls.” An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 705 Second Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach. Snacks included. For further information, contact Sally Henry at 904-386-0327 or email 1955mustangsally@gmail.com.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It offers organically grown produce, pasture-raised chicken, eggs and pork; grass-fed and finished beef; local honey; raw milk; bone broth; whole grain, sourdough and gluten- and dairy-free sourdough breads; an array of baked goods; all-natural plant- and animal-based skincare; local artisans; and more. This charming venue located in the heart of Palm Valley affords customers both an indoor and an open-air shopping experience. Palm Valley Market — Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Blvd.
For more information, email info@PalmValleyMarket.com.
Exploration hike planned
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve for a guided exploration hike from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.
Collect seashells, search for shark teeth and learn about coastal wildlife.
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. The event is free but online registration is required.
Register at gtmnerr.org/calendar.
Farmers market open every Friday
The Ponte Vedra Friday Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at Palm Valley Outdoors, 377 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, offering fresh produce, local farm goods and a welcoming space to connect with neighbors and small businesses.
This farmers market features fresh, organically grown produce; Florida grass-fed beef and pork; real local honey; pasture-raised chicken and eggs; wholegrain breads; gluten-free sourdough bread; natural botanical skincare; creations by local artisans and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Grief support group to meet
A grief support group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Paul's Catholic Church in the Fr. Kelly Room of the Kelly Athletic Center, 212 Fifth Street N., Jacksonville Beach. The group is for men and women grieving the death of a family member or friend. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20. For information, call Kathy at 904-553-8933.
Recreation development grants to be accepted
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will begin accepting grant applications for the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program through Florida Communities Trust on Sept. 1.
Applications must be submitted through DEP’s Grantee Portal (fdep.my.site.com/grants/s/frdap-home) by 5 p.m. Sept. 30.
Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program provides financial assistance to local governments for the acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include local government entities legally responsible for providing outdoor recreation sites and facilities for public use and benefit.
To assist applicants, DEP’s Division of State Lands will host an informational webinar (register.gotowebinar.com/register/7354109259860178773) at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 20. The webinar will provide technical guidance on the application processes for both acquisition and development projects.
Note that any information submitted to DEP will become a public record, subject to disclosure in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Florida Constitution. Submittal of a project proposal does not create an agreement, nor does it guarantee funding.
Learn more about DEP’s Land and Recreation Grants section, floridadep.gov/lands/land-and-recreation-grants.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
