The 14 communities that make up Florida�s St. Johns River Country shelter a delightfully diverse and naturally beautiful playground for outdoor adventure. Fed by the waters of the mighty St. Johns River and numerous lakes and springs, the area is a popular getaway for visitors who want to experience outdoor excitement in the midst of some of Florida�s most pristine surroundings. A collection of national, state and county parks, local marinas, public boat ramps and narrated river tours make it easy for individuals and families to navigate the waterways in a quest for adventure and discover the area�s historical and cultural treasures.

Put it in Park The 1,650-acre Hontoon Island State Park includes a winding nature trail where explorers can spot Mayaca Indian mounds, evidence of the area�s first inhabitants. Bordered by the St. Johns River and Hontoon Dead River, the island is only accessible by private boat or the free passenger ferry that operates daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Cabins and camping sites are available for overnight stays.

At the center of DeLeon Springs State Park is one of Florida�s most popular springs. Delivering 19 million gallons of water every day, this second magnitude spring remains a constant 72 degrees, providing an excellent year-round resource for swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing and nature study. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats are available for water exploration, with access to the 18,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Numerous footpaths are marked for hiking through the historic Spring Garden Plantation, which was built in the early 1800s. Well known as the winter home for Florida�s endangered West Indian Manatee, or �sea cow� as they are sometimes called, Blue Spring State Park is a popular spot for both wildlife lovers and outdoor recreation buffs. In cold weather months, park rangers have counted up to 180 manatees in the spring run area. For overnight stays, the park is great for camping, and also offers a number of vacation cabins. Blue Spring Run is great for swimming and canoeing, and connects with the St. Johns River for boaters and anglers who want easy access for a day on the water.

Located in DeBary, the 210-acre Gemini Springs park was purchased for public use in 1994. The park was once the home to timber, citrus and turpentine operations, and prize-winning cattle. With two springs bubbling up approximately 6.5 million gallons of fresh water every day, the park is a refreshing spot for visitors to canoe, bike, picnic and explore a scenic nature trail.

Ride the River Winding its way through the westernmost reaches of Volusia County is the historic St. Johns River. At 310 miles in length, it is Florida�s longest river and one of only three in the United States that flows from south to north. Where it passes through St. Johns River Country, the river�s middle stretch provides a water�s edge showcase of Florida�s intriguing historic, cultural and natural treasures. And for those who like to go outside and play, it is a playground second to none. The river feeds Lake Beresford, Lake Dexter, Lake George, Lake Woodruff and many other popular fishing holes.

A true fisherman�s paradise, St. Johns River Country draws countless anglers from around the world for its legendary trophy-size black bass fishing. Visitors bring their own boats or choose from a variety of seasoned fishing guides to drop a line or cast a fly for largemouth bass, crappie and other panfish. The DeLand area is home to several marinas, including Boat Show Marina, Highland Park Fish Camp, Tropical Resort & Marina and Riviera Resort & Marina, all offering boat rentals, guided fishing trips and accommodations. Holly Bluff Marina and Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina offer a nautical alternative to the traditional family vacation with houseboat rentals as well as full marina services. Highbanks Marina & Campground, located in DeBary, offers river tours and a variety of rentals, from bass boats to pontoons.

Watch Wildlife Dominated by a shady assortment of live oaks, magnolias, pine, and palmetto, and colored with dazzling azaleas and camellias, the lush scenery provides an ideal home for native wildlife such as white-tailed deer, gray fox, gentle manatees, toothy alligators, gopher tortoise and over 200 species of birds.

Like many places in Florida, the diverse natural habitats and favorable climate of St. Johns River Country make it one of the best birding locations in North America. Birding enthusiasts from around the world delight in sightings of kingfishers, wood storks, warblers, terns, loons and ducks along the St. Johns waterfront. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is home to the second-largest nesting colony of the Southern bald eagle, and the second-largest remigration roosting population of Swallow-tailed kites. During the winter months, this refuge provides a sanctuary for waterfowl, songbirds, waders and shorebirds. Redheaded and pileated woodpeckers and endangered Florida Scrub-Jays are prevalent at Lyonia Preserve, which also has a wetland area alive with wading birds and ducks.

For a guided, up-close look at area wildlife, visitors can enjoy scenic, narrated cruises along the St. Johns River. Safari River Tours at Highbanks Marina and St. Johns River Cruises at Blue Spring provide two- or three-hour excursions that reveal interesting tales of the river�s history and ecology.

In addition to the area�s collection of aquatic adventures, St. Johns River Country showcases the beauty and charm of small town Florida through a number of unique communities, each offering their own outdoor adventures. The cities and towns of Barberville, Cassadaga, DeBary, DeLand, DeLeon Springs, Deltona, Glenwood, Enterprise, Lake Helen, Orange City, Osteen, Pierson, Seville and Volusia, each reveal another piece of what together forms the St. Johns River Country treasure. -St. Johns River Country, Fla.-

For more information, contact (386) 775-2006, toll-free (800) 749-4350 or visit www.StJohnsRiverCountry.com.

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Media Contact: Gentry Baumline gentry@hayworthcreative.com +1 386-677-7000