The Florida Forest Service is proud to announce ‘Meet the Forester’ – an exciting new educational program at Point Washington State Forest. The program will consist of a series of educational events each month where participants will “meet the forester” and enjoy all the wonders of the forests.

The first ‘Meet the Forester’ educational series will include a Tree Identification Nature Hike with state-lands forester Michael Klassen on Friday, March 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Point Washington State Forest.

Klassen will take participants on a 1.5-mile hike through the forest, providing a close encounter of different plant and animal species, a guide to tree identification, fire ecology and opportunities for forest recreation.

Hikers will meet at the Eastern Lake Trailhead located on County Road 395, south of US Highway 98 on Friday, March 31, at 9 a.m. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, closed toe shoes, and to bring water. If raining, bring a poncho or weather permitted clothing; the event will be cancelled due to lightning only.

“Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and this event will be no different,” said Klassen. “While being immersed in the forest and unplugged from the world, hikers will engage in hands-on activities while learning about the collaborative effort taken to keep Florida’s forests healthy, renewable and sustainable for future generations.”

For more info, Email Michael Klassen or call the Point Washington State Forest at 850-267-8325.