Field Trips - Classes - Special Programs

Marion County Audubon Society Field Trips:

Please join us on these outings sponsored by the Marion County Audubon Society. We welcome everyone interested in nature.
For more information call Carolyn Retey at 1-352-817-6715. Always bring binoculars, water and insect repellant.



Marion County Parks and Recreation Beginning Bird Identification Classes

Are you curious about the little brown bird in your bird feeder? Can you identify the hawk on the power pole at the end of you r driveway? Are you wondering about the woodpecker living in your palm tree? Join us to learn basic birding identification skills so you can recognize the birds in and around the Ocala and Marion County area.
These Marion County Parks and Recreation sponsored classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Brick City Adventure Park, 1300 SE 22nd Road, Ocala. You must call 1-352-671-8560 to pre-register. The class is $10.00 per person, $!5.00 for couples.
The class meets on the following dates:



Marion County Parks and Recreation Nature Walks

Get outside and test your observation skills with a nature walk. Meet at the site at 9:30 a.m. Bring a hat, binoculars, water and insect repellent. For more information call 1-352-671-8560. The dates and locations of the nature walks are:

Nature Walks

  • Saturday November 14, 2009 @ Blue Run Trail
  • Saturday December 5, 2009 @ Carney Island
  • Saturday January 9, 2010 @ Sunnyhill (The Blue House)
  • Saturday February 6, 2010 Horseshoe Lake
  • Saturday March 6, 2010@ Moss Bluff (North Side)


  • Coffee With the Birds
    A Silver River State Park sponsored bird walk the third Saturday of each month. Meet at the Pavilion next to the Library at Silver River State Park at 8 a.m. The first walk will be October 17. Bring water, binoculars and insect repellant.

    Nature Walk at Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park
    Walk with a ranger every month starting in November. Call 1-352-466-4100 to register. The event is limited to 25 participants and you must register to walk.

    Rainbow Springs Guided Bird Walks
    Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 8 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide. For more information call 1-352-465-8555.

    Christmas Bird Count
    The first Christmas Bird Count will be in Southeast Marion County on December 14, 2009. On January 4, 2010 the second bird count will be in Southwest Marion County. For more information or to volunteer contact Norm Lantz at villagebirder@mtnisp.com



    Special Events

    • Saturday October 24, 2009 Owl-Ween at Carney Island County Park
      13275 SE 115 Avenue, Ocklawaha. Call 1-352-671-8560 for more information.