Stories

Did you know, both National Public Lands Day and World Rivers Day take place in September? Add in the United State’s annual coastal cleanups and National Wildlife Day, and you have a month full of reasons to appreciate the natural places that make Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee – Hernando Beach so special.

September Is a Month to Celebrate (and Protect) the Outdoors

From spring-fed rivers and coastal marshes to sandhills, forests and wildlife preserves, many of the well-loved outdoor places on Florida’s Adventure Coast also deserve the most care. Read on to discover some of the best natural wonders as well as hidden gems you’ll find in Hernando County, and how you can leave these places better than how you found them.

From Spring to Gulf: Protecting the Weeki Wachee River

Weeki Wachee is much more than just a beautiful paddling destination. This winding river and its crystal clear waters are part of an interconnected system of springs, wetlands, forests and coastal habitats. The main spring, where the Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform, connects to the extensive cave system that reaches depths of more than 400 feet.

The Weeki Wachee River is home to many species of wildlife, including freshwater and saltwater fish, various birds and turtles. Paddlers may spot manatees, river otters, or even dolphins swimming by. While swimming or stopping along the river, paddlers may trample vegetation and kick up sediment, leading to erosion that happens from repeated actions over time. In recent years, this behavior has had negative impacts on the river’s water quality for wildlife.

For those who truly love and appreciate this Florida gem, there are responsible paddling practices to help limit your impact.

Keep the Weeki Wachee Wild:

• Pack out everything you bring.
• Avoid trampling vegetation and riverbanks.
• Never feed or pursue wildlife.
• Give manatees plenty of space.
• Secure belongings so bottles, bags and other items don’t enter the river.
• Follow posted regulations and launch-area guidance.

Where the River Meets the Coast: Annual Coastal Cleanup

We know that litter left in our waterways doesn’t necessarily stay where it was dropped. Keeping rivers and coasts clean helps protect our coastal marshes, wildlife, and the Gulf Coast ecosystem.

As part of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, our coastal waterways include seagrass meadows, mangroves, oyster reefs and other habitats that serve as important homes and nurseries for marine life. If you love our natural coast as much as we do and would like to help this September, consider giving back. The Hernando County Coastal Cleanup takes place annually at Linda Pedersen Park, offering a great way to give back to the coast you’re here to enjoy.

Step Into Wild Florida: Public Lands on Florida’s Adventure Coast

National Public Lands Day is September 26, 2026, celebrating the parks, forests, trails and other public spaces shared by communities across the country. On Florida’s Adventure Coast, our public lands and forests offer a unique chance to experience a different side of Florida and opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

More than just places to recreate, our public lands also preserve wildlife habitat, and protect natural ecosystems for native plant and animal communities to thrive.

Discover Florida’s Adventure Coast Parks & Nature Preserves

Public parks, forests, trails and preserves offer visitors an easy way to experience a quieter side of Florida. When exploring public lands, remember to stay on designated trails, leave plants and natural objects where you find them, carry out trash and observe wildlife from a respectful distance.

• Fickett Hammock Preserve – A shady, pet-friendly hiking and walking trail.
• Cypress Lakes Preserve – A scenic hiking destination that includes a section of the Florida Trail.
• Lake Townsen Preserve and Regional Park – Features a fishing pier, access to the Withlacoochee State Trail and a small boat launch on the Withlacoochee River.
• Chinsegut Conservation Center & Trails – A great place for families to enjoy nature and wildlife programs, hiking trails and the conservation center.
• Withlacoochee State Forest – Offers miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as access to the paved Withlacoochee State Trail for cyclists.
• Weekiwachee Preserve – Once a limerock mine, this reclaimed natural area now offers miles of trails for hiking and off-road cycling.

Protecting Wildlife Starts with Protecting Habitat

National Wildlife Day may bring individual animals to mind, but wildlife conservation begins with something larger: habitat.

Manatees need healthy aquatic ecosystems. Gopher tortoises depend on upland habitats such as sandhills. Wading birds rely on wetlands. Fish depend on clean water, seagrass and coastal nurseries.

That interconnectedness is one reason protecting forests, rivers, wetlands and coastal environments matters. Visitors don’t have to be conservation experts to make a positive difference. Often, the most helpful actions are also the simplest.

Leave Florida’s Adventure Coast as Wild as You Found It

Whether you are paddling the Weeki Wachee River, hiking through the forest or exploring one of Hernando County’s preserves, a few responsible recreation practices can help protect the places that make the destination special:

• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring.
• Stay on designated trails. Going off trail can damage plants and wildlife habitat.
• Give wildlife space. Watch from a distance and never feed wild animals.
• Protect our waterways. Keep trash, fishing line and other debris out of rivers, springs and coastal waters.
• Leave nature in nature. Do not remove plants, animals or natural objects.
• Respect posted rules. Regulations are often designed to protect both visitors and sensitive resources.
• Give back when you can. Participate in cleanups, volunteer programs and other local conservation efforts.

Enjoy a peaceful hike. Paddle a crystal-clear river. Watch for wildlife. Explore a preserve. Join a cleanup. And while discovering the natural side of Florida’s Adventure Coast, help ensure these special places remain healthy and inviting for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I hike on public lands in Hernando County?

Visitors can explore hiking opportunities in places including Withlacoochee State Forest, Fickett Hammock Preserve, Cypress Lakes Preserve, Lake Townsen Regional Park and the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area. Trail conditions, hours and access can vary, so check with the managing agency before visiting.

How can visitors help protect the Weeki Wachee River?

Pack out all trash, secure belongings while paddling, avoid walking on riverbanks and vegetation, give wildlife plenty of space and follow posted rules. Responsible recreation helps reduce impacts on the river’s sensitive ecosystem.

What nature preserves can visitors explore in Hernando County?

Publicly accessible options include Fickett Hammock Preserve, Cypress Lakes Preserve and Lake Townsen Preserve. Hernando County manages these lands through its Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program to protect natural resources while providing compatible recreational opportunities.

What can visitors do at Chinsegut Conservation Center?

The center offers conservation education, hiking and seasonal outdoor programs such as guided nature walks, wildlife programs, archery and other outdoor-skills activities.

When is National Public Lands Day in 2026?

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 26, 2026. The annual observance encourages people to enjoy, volunteer on and help care for America’s public lands.

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