A Southern Black Racer snake finds refuge on a palm frond along the Kitching Creek Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sept. 11, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
A Blue Jay soars over Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sept. 11, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
A female Eastern lubber grasshopper uses its six legs to transport itself onto a tree at Grassy Waters Preserve on Sept. 24, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
An arabesque orbweaver makes home among the wildflowers along Kitching Creek Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sept. 11, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
A storm rolling over the Loxahatchee River moves toward the Kitching Creek Trail in Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sept. 11, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
Tendrils of Spanish moss are illuminated by the late morning sun at Grassy Waters Preserve on Sept. 24, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
A tiny spiny-backed orb weaver builds a round, symmetrical web at Grassy Waters Preserve on Sept. 24, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
Refreshing rains helped a Short-stemmed Russula mushroom grow along the Kitching Creek Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sept. 11, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
Croaking frogs are among the 100+ wildlife species you can spot (or hear) at Grassy Waters Preserve. (LEAH VOSS)
Grassy Waters Preserve lives up to its name on Sept. 24, 2026. (LEAH VOSS)
(Not too) spooky season
October is here, meaning spooky season is in full swing. There are plenty of frights and delights to be had in the Greater Everglades.
Creepy, crawly critters lurk around every cypress knee, in every gator hole and beneath the surface of the endless waters of the Everglades. But there’s no need to be scared. All of Florida’s native species serve a purpose — that’s what makes the Everglades one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
Our recent excursions to Grassy Waters Preserve and Jonathan Dickinson State Park revealed a more harmless haunt. Think: wild mushrooms sprouting up after a good rain, tendrils of Spanish moss illuminated by a late morning sun and an extra large grasshopper using all six legs to scale a tree.
No matter the level of fright you’re seeking, there’s a reason to get outside this autumn. See what’s happening at these parks this October:
Grassy Waters Preserve
8264 Northlake Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33412
561-804-4985
Marsh Critters Dipnetting
Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Critter & Craft: Scales & Tales
Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Halloween Adventure Hike
Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Talk on the Wild Side: Spiders of South Florida
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 to 3 p.m.
Full Moon Canoe
Sunday, Oct. 25, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 26, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Click here for more information on events at Grassy Waters Preserve.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 SE Federal Hwy.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-2771
Firefest
Saturday, Oct. 17, 1 to 9 p.m.
Halloween Bash
Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.
Spooktacular Spooky Stories
Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
Click here for more information on events at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
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