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Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks 

The Official Citizen Support Organization for the Tomoka Basin State Parks

Upcoming events

    • 11/11/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Tomoka State Park

    Help maintain and enhance Tomoka State Park’s native garden! Volunteers will work alongside park staff to care for native plants, remove invasive vegetation, maintain garden beds, and help keep the garden healthy and attractive. This hands-on volunteer opportunity is a great way to learn more about Florida’s native plants, enjoy the outdoors, meet fellow volunteers, and make a meaningful contribution to the park.


    Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m


    Meet at: The Native Garden Display at Tomoka State Park


    What to Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.


    Preregistration is not required. Open to participants of all ages, and no experience is necessary. For more information, please contact David Jones at David.L.Jones@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Park Entry Fees:  Park entry fees are waived for participants attending volunteer events


    • 11/11/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
    • Russell Landing in Bunnell (2007 County Road 2007 Bunnell, Florida 32110)

    - REGISTER HERE! - 

    Join a park ranger for a fun and informative paddle along beautiful Haw Creek! Explore a serene blackwater creek as it winds through an old Florida cypress swamp toward Crescent Lake. This guided paddle offers a unique opportunity to experience the area’s diverse natural communities, including forests, hammocks, flatwoods, marshes, swamps, and the blackwater stream, while learning about the region’s natural history and wildlife.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Meet at: Russell Landing in Bunnell (2007 County Road 2007 Bunnell, Florida 32110)

    What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Participants must provide their own kayak and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) with a whistle.

    Preregistration is required. This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Participants must be 12 years of age or older and will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating. For more information, contact Mark Adams at Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Ticketed Event: A minimum donation of $10 at https://www.fotbsp.com/Donate per person is requested. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks and support future programs and events.

    Park Entry Fees: Park entry fees not applicable at this location. 

    Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bring-your-own-kayak-tomoka-basin-state-parks


    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov


    • 11/14/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Tomoka State Park South Entrance

    Local history author Caleb Hathaway is on tap to present at the friends member meeting in November. Caleb is incredibly talented and has helped breathe new life into local history. We are excited to have him! Citing Sun Coast Young Leaders Council…

    “…He is a published author of two historical-fiction novels and has helped environmental advocacy groups against overdevelopment. Hathaway wishes to pursue his environmental passion both as a career and as a way of life.”

    We’re delighted to Caleb accepted our invitation to speak.

    We are also excited to recognize Andrew “Drew” Medearis for his continued contributions as the Digital Curator for keeping our Visitors Guide To Bulow Plantation Ruins website alive and thriving. The website was inspired by past and present leaders and Drew has made many generational improvements to the site.

    Because Drew has also been such a critical key in many initiatives, the CSO will be taking a moment to declare our appreciation for his time and talent.

    About Drew: 

    ABOUT THE CURATOR: The Bulow Plantation Ruins Visitor's Guide website is frequently maintained and updated by Andrew "Drew" Medearis. Drew recently graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School in Palm Coast, Florida, and at Daytona State College with his Associates of Arts (AA) degree in May 2026. Currently, he is now studying at DSC to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology (BSET) since this Fall. Drew started working on the Bulow Visitor's Guide website through a college Service-Learning Project in the Fall of 2024 and has learned a lot about website design, project management, digital storytelling, stakeholder agreements, User Experience vs User Interface, and proper communication over the past 2 years, which will help him in his future career as an engineer.

    Please come out and enjoy our celebrating these leaders, in their own right!



    • 11/14/2026
    • 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

    Register HERE!

    Only 20 Tickets will be sold!

    Join us at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for an after-hours tour of the Bulow sugar mill ruins to uncover the intriguing history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger, you will be guided through the ruins, specially illuminated for the occasions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the fateful night in 1836 when the Seminole Tribe set fire to the mill. As you walk through the shadows of history, you will hear stories of Bulow’s fortune, the mysteries surrounding the plantation, and the fates of those who shaped its legacy – all against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.

    Time: Gates open 20 to 30 minutes early; Program begins at 6:15pm.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion

    What to Bring: Protective clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pains and socks suggested) and sturdy, close-toed shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, flashlight.

    Cost: Tickets are required for this event and space is limited; $25.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks to help support future programming and events.

    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov



    • 11/25/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
    • City of Ormond Beach’s Sanchez Park, 329 Sanchez Ave., Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

    - REGISTER HERE! - 

    BYOK – Bring Your Own Kayak! Explore Tomoka State Park from a unique perspective as you paddle through areas that are rarely seen from land. This guided paddle offers an opportunity to experience Tomoka’s diverse natural communities while learning about the park’s natural and cultural history.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Meet at: City of Ormond Beach’s Sanchez Park, 329 Sanchez Ave., Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

    What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. All participants must provide their own kayak and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) with a whistle.

    Preregistration is required. This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Participants must be 12 years of age or older and will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating. For more information, contact Mark Adams at Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Ticketed Event: A minimum donation of $10 per person at https://www.fotbsp.com/Donate is requested. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks and support future programs and events.

    Park Entry Fees: Park entry fee not applicable at this location.

    Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bring-your-own-kayak-strickland-creek


    • 11/28/2026
    • 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

    Register HERE!

    Only 20 Tickets will be sold!

    Join us at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for an after-hours tour of the Bulow sugar mill ruins to uncover the intriguing history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger, you will be guided through the ruins, specially illuminated for the occasions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the fateful night in 1836 when the Seminole Tribe set fire to the mill. As you walk through the shadows of history, you will hear stories of Bulow’s fortune, the mysteries surrounding the plantation, and the fates of those who shaped its legacy – all against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.

    Time: Gates open 20 to 30 minutes early; Program begins at 6:15pm.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion

    What to Bring: Protective clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pains and socks suggested) and sturdy, close-toed shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, flashlight.

    Cost: Tickets are required for this event and space is limited; $25.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks to help support future programming and events.

    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov



    • 12/09/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Tomoka State Park

    Help maintain and enhance Tomoka State Park’s native garden! Volunteers will work alongside park staff to care for native plants, remove invasive vegetation, maintain garden beds, and help keep the garden healthy and attractive. This hands-on volunteer opportunity is a great way to learn more about Florida’s native plants, enjoy the outdoors, meet fellow volunteers, and make a meaningful contribution to the park.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m

    Meet at: The Native Garden Display at Tomoka State Park

    What to Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

    Preregistration is not required. Open to participants of all ages, and no experience is necessary. For more information, please contact David Jones at David.L.Jones@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Park Entry Fees:  Park entry fees are waived for participants attending volunteer events


    • 12/09/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road S. Flagler Beach, Fl 32136

    - REGISTER HERE! - 

    BYOK – Bring Your Own Kayak! Join a park ranger for a fun and informative day paddling your own kayak along beautiful Bulow Creek. Discover the historic ruins of Bulow Plantation while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. This guided paddle offers a unique opportunity to experience the park from the water while learning about the area’s natural and cultural history.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion.

    What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. All participants are required to provide their own kayak and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) with a whistle.

    Preregistration is required. This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Participants must be 12 years of age or older. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating. For more information, contact Mark Adams at Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Ticketed Event: A minimum donation of $10 at https://www.fotbsp.com/Donate per person is requested. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks and support future programs and events.

    Park Entry Fees: A $4 park entry fee per vehicle applies. Park entry fees may be paid online prior to arriving at the park through Florida State Parks, or visitors may scan the QR code at the park entrance upon arrival. Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks members may use their free-entry punch card for this event.

    Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bring-your-own-kayak-bulow-creek-bulow-ruins


    • 12/12/2026
    • 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

    Register HERE!

    Only 20 Tickets will be sold!

    Join us at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for an after-hours tour of the Bulow sugar mill ruins to uncover the intriguing history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger, you will be guided through the ruins, specially illuminated for the occasions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the fateful night in 1836 when the Seminole Tribe set fire to the mill. As you walk through the shadows of history, you will hear stories of Bulow’s fortune, the mysteries surrounding the plantation, and the fates of those who shaped its legacy – all against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.

    Time: Gates open 20 to 30 minutes early; Program begins at 6:15pm.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion

    What to Bring: Protective clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pains and socks suggested) and sturdy, close-toed shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, flashlight.

    Cost: Tickets are required for this event and space is limited; $25.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks to help support future programming and events.

    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov



    • 12/12/2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Tomoka State Park

    REGISTER HERE

    Join us for the Tomoka Owl Prowl —an evening walk that highlights the sights, sounds, and stories of Tomoka Basin State Parks after dark. Guided by experienced volunteer Joan Tague, you’ll listen for owls, learn about their habitat, and see the park in a new way.

    The program will begin with a short indoor presentation about the owls that inhabit Central Florida.

    Then, prepare for adventure! Following the presentation, participants will venture along moonlit park trails in search of the owls that call Tomoka State Park home. Many other animals are active after dark, so you never know what you might experience along the way.

    Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

    Meet at: Tomoka State Park Recreation Hall, located across from the Tomoka Outpost.

    What to Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, snacks.

    Preregistration is required. This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating. For more information, contact David Jones at 386-575-4045 or David.L.Jones@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Ticketed Event: A donation of $25 per person is requested. A $5 member discount code will be provided to Friends of Tomoka Basin State Park members. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks and help support the needs, programs, and events of the Tomoka Basin State Parks. 

    • 01/06/2027
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Tomoka State Park

    Help maintain and enhance Tomoka State Park’s native garden! Volunteers will work alongside park staff to care for native plants, remove invasive vegetation, maintain garden beds, and help keep the garden healthy and attractive. This hands-on volunteer opportunity is a great way to learn more about Florida’s native plants, enjoy the outdoors, meet fellow volunteers, and make a meaningful contribution to the park.

    Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m

    Meet at: The Native Garden Display at Tomoka State Park

    What to Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

    Preregistration is not required. Open to participants of all ages, and no experience is necessary. For more information, please contact David Jones at David.L.Jones@FloridaDEP.gov.

    Park Entry Fees:  Park entry fees are waived for participants attending volunteer events


    • 01/09/2027
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

    Register HERE!

    Only 20 Tickets will be sold!

    Join us at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for an after-hours tour of the Bulow sugar mill ruins to uncover the intriguing history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger, you will be guided through the ruins, specially illuminated for the occasions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the fateful night in 1836 when the Seminole Tribe set fire to the mill. As you walk through the shadows of history, you will hear stories of Bulow’s fortune, the mysteries surrounding the plantation, and the fates of those who shaped its legacy – all against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.

    Time: Gates open 20 to 30 minutes early; Program begins at 6:15pm.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion

    What to Bring: Protective clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pains and socks suggested) and sturdy, close-toed shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, flashlight.

    Cost: Tickets are required for this event and space is limited; $25.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks to help support future programming and events.

    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov



    • 01/31/2027
    • 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

    Register HERE!

    Only 20 Tickets will be sold!

    Join us at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for an after-hours tour of the Bulow sugar mill ruins to uncover the intriguing history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger, you will be guided through the ruins, specially illuminated for the occasions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the fateful night in 1836 when the Seminole Tribe set fire to the mill. As you walk through the shadows of history, you will hear stories of Bulow’s fortune, the mysteries surrounding the plantation, and the fates of those who shaped its legacy – all against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.

    Time: Gates open 20 to 30 minutes early; Program begins at 6:15pm.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion

    What to Bring: Protective clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pains and socks suggested) and sturdy, close-toed shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, flashlight.

    Cost: Tickets are required for this event and space is limited; $25.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks to help support future programming and events.

    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov



    • 02/06/2027
    • 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
    • Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

    Register HERE!

    Only 20 Tickets will be sold!

    Join us at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for an after-hours tour of the Bulow sugar mill ruins to uncover the intriguing history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger, you will be guided through the ruins, specially illuminated for the occasions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the fateful night in 1836 when the Seminole Tribe set fire to the mill. As you walk through the shadows of history, you will hear stories of Bulow’s fortune, the mysteries surrounding the plantation, and the fates of those who shaped its legacy – all against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.

    Time: Gates open 20 to 30 minutes early; Program begins at 6:15pm.

    Meet at: Bulow Plantation Ruins Pavilion

    What to Bring: Protective clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pains and socks suggested) and sturdy, close-toed shoes (uneven terrain expected), insect repellent, water, flashlight.

    Cost: Tickets are required for this event and space is limited; $25.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks to help support future programming and events.

    Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov



Past events

10/17/2026 Friends of DSSP Annual DeLeon Dash 5K
10/10/2026 Bulowville Night Tour
09/09/2026 Keepin' It Local Campaign Finale Social
07/30/2026 Native Garden Workday
07/29/2026 Native Garden Workday
06/20/2026 Junior Ranger Program "Birds of the Marsh"
05/20/2026 Monthly Member Social
04/18/2026 Bulowville Night Tour
04/15/2026 An Evening with Chief Tomokie
04/10/2026 Florida Gopher Tortoise Day Shellebration!
03/27/2026 Bulowville Night Tour
03/18/2026 Monthly Membership Meeting
03/13/2026 Nature Journaling Fairchild Oak
03/07/2026 Bulowville Night Tour
02/28/2026 Bulowville Night Tour
02/18/2026 Monthly Membership Meeting
02/07/2026 FEB 7th Bulowville Night Tour
01/31/2026 Jan 31st Bulowville Night Tour
01/21/2026 Monthly Membership Meeting
01/16/2026 Florida Abor Day Tree Planting
01/03/2026 Jan 3rd Bulowville Night Tour
01/01/2026 First Day Hike
12/18/2025 DEC 18 BYOK - Bring Your Own Kayak Tour
12/17/2025 Holiday Social 2025
12/13/2025 Owl Prowl
12/07/2025 South Area Middens Tour
12/06/2025 Bulowville Night Tour
11/30/2025 A Great Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
11/29/2025 Jr. Ranger Program: Gyotaku Fish Painting
11/28/2025 Bulowville Night Tour
11/22/2025 Bulowville Night Tour
11/20/2025 Mounds Road Bird Walk
11/19/2025 Monthly Membership Meeting - Rescheduled to Nov 12
11/15/2025 Advanced Birding Workshop
11/14/2025 BYOK - Bring Your Own Kayak Tour
11/12/2025 NOV Members Bulowville Night Tour
11/02/2025 South Area Middens Tour
10/25/2025 Bulowville Night Tour
10/25/2025 POSTPONED: Embers in the Forest: Prescribed Fire in the Tomoka Basin
10/24/2025 Beginner Birding Class
10/23/2025 BYOK - Bring Your Own Kayak Tour
10/19/2025 A Great Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
10/19/2025 Ranger Walk
10/18/2025 Bulow Ruins Nighttime Tour
10/15/2025 Monthly Membership Meeting
10/05/2025 Rosy Glow Ranger Talk
10/05/2025 Ranger Walk
09/28/2025 Bulow Ruins Nighttime Tour
09/25/2025 Bring your own Kayak Tour
09/20/2025 Prescribed Fire In State Parks With The Tomoka Burn Team
09/17/2025 Monthly Membership Meeting
09/14/2025 Rosy Glow Ranger Talk
09/14/2025 Ranger Walk
05/21/2025 Monthly Membership Meeting
04/19/2025 April Bulow Plantation Ruins Night Tour
04/16/2025 Monthly Membership Meeting
03/29/2025 A Great Rosy Glow
03/29/2025 Ranger Walk
03/22/2025 Bulow Plantation Ruins Night Tour
03/19/2025 Annual Meeting
03/15/2025 A Great Rosy Glow
03/15/2025 Ranger Walk
02/22/2025 A Great Rosy Glow
02/22/2025 Ranger Walk
02/20/2025 Bulowville Night Tour
02/15/2025 A Great Rosy Glow
02/15/2025 Ranger Walk
01/25/2025 A Great Rosy Glow
01/25/2025 Ranger Walk
01/18/2025 A Great Rosy Glow
01/18/2025 Ranger Walk
01/15/2025 Monthly Membership Meeting
12/21/2024 A Great Rosy Glow - The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
12/21/2024 Ranger Walk
12/19/2024 FoTBSP Holiday Social
12/14/2024 A Great Rosy Glow - The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
12/14/2024 Ranger Walk
12/07/2024 Audubon's Aviary: A Journey Through John James Audubon's World
11/30/2024 A Birding Workshop
11/24/2024 A Great Rosy Glow - The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
11/24/2024 Ranger Walk
11/17/2024 Audubon's Aviary - A Journey Through John James Audubon's World
10/25/2024 Owl Prowl at Tomoka State Park
10/12/2024 A Great Rosy Glow - The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
10/12/2024 Ranger Walk
09/28/2024 A Great Rosy Glow - The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
09/28/2024 Ranger Walk
09/18/2024 FOTBSP Monthly Business Meeting
05/15/2024 FOTBSP Monthly Business Meeting
04/27/2024 A Great, Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
04/27/2024 Ranger Walk
04/25/2024 FOTBSP on the Move: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market
04/17/2024 FOTBSP Monthly Business Meeting
04/13/2024 A Great, Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
04/13/2024 Ranger Walk
04/11/2024 FOTBSP on the Move: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market
03/28/2024 FOTBSP on the Move: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market
03/23/2024 A Great, Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
03/23/2024 Ranger Walk
03/20/2024 FOTBSP Monthly Business Meeting
03/14/2024 FOTBSP on the Move: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market
03/09/2024 A Great, Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
03/09/2024 Ranger Walk
02/29/2024 FOTBSP on the Move: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market
02/25/2024 Ranger Guided Hike - Bulow Creek Trail at Walter Boardman
02/24/2024 People and Pots
02/21/2024 FOTBSP Monthly Business Meeting
02/15/2024 FOTBSP on the Move: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market
02/10/2024 A Great, Rosy Glow: The Story of Bulow Plantation Ruins
02/10/2024 Ranger Walk
12/09/2023 Ranger Walk

Contact Us

Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks

PO Box 72

Ormond Beach, Florida 32175


FOTBSP@gmail.com

Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

(C) 2024 Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks. All Rights Reserved.


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