PALM COAST, Fla. – Whether you’re an experienced hiker or you’ve never ventured into the woods, this Flagler County community outreach program has something for you.
Flagler County Land Management is entering its fourth year of hosting the popular guided tour series called “A Walk in the Park“.
The walks take place at four land management areas in Flagler County. Each one highlights a separate trail.
On the morning of my visit, Forestry Supervisor Ralph Risch led a tour of Princess Place Preserve’s Legacy Trail. The destination was one of two bald eagle nests on county property.
After a quick safety briefing, Risch started the walk by sharing the rich history behind the property on the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek.
He explained how the park got its name. It was, at one time, owned by an exiled Russian prince and his wife.
Our small group walked about a mile and a half into the scrubland. At a slow pace, we experience a variety of plants, birds, insects, and other flora and fauna unique to the preserve.
Risch offered a different story for just about every step along the way. His passion for nature and storytelling shines through during the hikes.
“It’s cool to me, and I’ve been in field biology most of my life,” Risch explained.
He enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of local ecology and wildlife in a humorous and engaging way.
“If you’re the type of person who likes the outdoors and wants to learn about nature, this is for you,” he said. “It’s not too long, not too difficult, and you will learn stuff. I guarantee it.”
Nancy Hoffman moved to Palm Coast about two years ago, mainly because of the nature trails. This was her first time on the guided tour.
“I think he’s humorous, which is wonderful,” she said. “Extremely knowledgeable, which makes me wonder why I became a nurse. I should have become a biologist,” Hoffman said with a laugh.
Cindy Richardson was here with her family. She says getting out in nature is a great way to take a break from her office job.
“Very impressed, I love it. He has a great personality, and he loves to teach and explain, and I love that part.”
Risch, has been guiding nature hikes since 2007. He explained the purpose behind the Walk in the Park program.
“It was originally conceived to get people out in the woods to experience the natural areas owned and operated by Flagler County,” he said.
The program runs from late October through early April, with hikes twice a month during the cooler months. The walks are limited to 12 participants who must register online and sign liability and photo/video release waivers. The hike covers about 1.5 to 2 miles round-trip on flat, well-maintained trails and lasts approximately two hours.
The hikes are free to the public, making them an accessible way for residents and visitors to connect with the environment and learn about conservation efforts.
Participants are encouraged to bring water, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and use sunscreen and insect repellent as needed. Binoculars are recommended for enhanced birdwatching.
Upcoming Walk In The Park schedule
- Jan. 21: River-to-Sea Preserve - Barrier island
- Hardwood hammock ecology
- Feb. 11: Princess Place Preserve
- Sandhill Hike Hardwood hammock vs. sandhill structures and plants; amphibian breeding ponds
- Feb. 25: Graham Swamp Conservation Area & Lehigh Boardwalk
- Coastal hardwood & cypress swamp ecology
- March 11: MalaCompra Park
- Coastal dune, marsh, and scrub species and structures; wintering migrant birds
- March 25: Graham Swamp Preserve
- Uplands Hike - Upland vs. swamp species composition and transition
To register for a guided tour, click here.