Audubon is proud to announce an new facet within our Florida's Special Places campaign. Recently, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed a plan to close 53 of our state parks. The response to this unsettling news has been incredible. People from around our state and country have rallied behind these parks, posting their photos and stories on our Facebook Page in support of keeping them open.
To further support these one-of-a-kind parks, Audubon has enlisted the help of some well known Florida writers, photographers and naturalists to go to each park and write about their experiences on our blog and Facebook Page. For the next 53 days, Audubon will be reporting from these special places, where we will celebrate these jewels of our state.
We encourage you to add your stories, tips, and photos of our state's special places on our Facebook Page.
Please enjoy our ingaugural entry - Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, written by former Florida Audubon President Clay Henderson:
Under cool gray skies and drizzle more than 50 people held hands around an ancient live oak to show their solidarity against closing Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Flagler County. The park is a unique slice of maritime hammock, scrub, and historic gardens which stretch from the estuary to the ocean across the barrier island. The dedicated supporters represented many groups including Flagler Audubon, Friends of Washington Oaks, Scenic A1A, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Realtors and local neighborhood groups.
Out of the rain and crowded in the living room of the historic Owen Young House, people spoke openly and passionately of their concerns about Washington Oaks. Sisco Deen of the Flagler County Historical Society noted "this is our legacy and I don't want people messing with it. We're losing our sense of place." The park was one of 53 parks submitted by DEP to the Legislature for closure as a way of saving money. Parks which drew less than 60,000 visitors last year were placed on the list and Washington Oaks was just shy of that mark.
The park has a significant impact on the local community. It employs ten rangers and support staff and attracts hundreds of volunteers who have raised thousands of dollars for park improvements. Renovations to the gift shop were made with $60,000 in donations raised by the Friends. Because of its uniqueness, Washington Oaks is a popular site for weddings through the spring and summer. A recent wedding was a third generation affair for the park as the bride's parents and grandparents had each been married in the rose garden at Washington Oaks.
Washington Oaks is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The many century old oaks have seen a rich and varied history. Under the fern covered branches are Timucuan middens from Native Americans who resided there hundreds of years before the Europeans. In 1818 Gen. Joseph Hernandez built a plantation on the site and upon Florida becoming a territory he was selected as Florida's first Delegate to Congress. In 1831, naturalist John James Audubon visited the site. Hernandez' daughter married a distant cousin of President George Washington for whom the site is named. In the 20th Century, businessman Owen Young constructed a house and gardens and on his death it was given to the state. Washington Oaks Gardens has been a state park since 1965.
Resident Miles London referred to closing our state parks as like "eating the seed corn of what is the essence of our state." Dedicated supporters left Washington Oaks resolved in their dedication to save it.
