Chinsegut Conservation Center

10/28/2026

What a gnarly good time!

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and joined us for our sixth annual Spooky Spectacular Fall Festival. More than 200 attendees came out to celebrate the wild and wonderfully weird adaptations found in nature.

From hands on activities and crafts to balloon animals, face painting, sensory stations, live reptiles, carnivorous plants and more, the morning was packed with curiosity and smiles. The special presentation by J&T Reptiles and Exotics drew an amazing crowd. Guests saw incredible animals up close and learned key wildlife safety tips, such as never feeding wild alligators.

Huge thanks to all our partners, staff, volunteers, and community members who helped make this event a success. Despite the showers, the festival spirit thrived, and we loved seeing families explore, learn, and celebrate nature together!

Hernando Audubon Society
Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
UF IFAS Extension Hernando County
Hernando Chapter Florida Native Plant Society
UF IFAS Extension Master Gardeners Nursery Hernando County
Hernando County Fire Rescue
Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center
Kids and Conservation by FWC & FYCCN
P.E.R.C.H. Bird Sanctuary
J&T Reptiles and Exotic
Noble Roots Photography
The Melt Machine Gourmet Grilled Cheese Food Truck
Sweet Drift Beverages

10/27/2026

🌲✨ Discover Longleaf Pines & Fall Wildflowers at Big Pine!

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28th, for a refreshing, guided hike, from 9–11 AM, through the Big Pine tract at Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area.

This mid‑week adventure will take you beneath the towering canopy of longleaf pines and through pockets of blooming fall wildflowers, offering a beautiful seasonal snapshot of the WEA.
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors.

Learn more and register on our website: https://outreach.myfwc.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2091460&group=

10/22/2026

🌿🥾 Join Us for a Guided Hike at Chinsegut WEA!
Looking for weekend adventure? Come explore the beauty of Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area with the Chinsegut Conservation Center this Saturday, Oct. 24th, from 9 to 11 am!

Enjoy a relaxed, educational hike through one of Hernando County’s most stunning natural areas. Learn about local wildlife, unique habitats, and the rich history of the preserve—all while soaking in the fresh air.

Learn more and register on our website: https://outreach.myfwc.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2091189&group=

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10/09/2026

Your safety and time to prepare are most important to us. See the message below from MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife regarding flooding safety and stay safe this weekend!

3 Simple Steps for Flash Flood Safety. During a flood, water levels and the rate at which water is flowing can change quickly. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television. www.weather.gov/safety/flood U.S. National Weather Service (NWS)

1. Get to higher ground- Get out of the areas subject to flooding.
2. Do NOT drive or walk into flooded areas- It only takes 6” of water to knock you off your feet.
3. Stay informed- Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet, or social media for updates.

10/08/2026

🎃🍂 Spooky Spectacular Fall Festival 🍂🎃
Saturday, October 17 | 9 AM–1 PM | FREE

Join us for our 6th annual celebration of all things wonderfully wild! This year’s theme, Gnarly Nature, highlights some of nature’s most fascinating plants and animals through hands on activities and family friendly fall fun.

🎤 Don’t miss the talk at 10:30 AM to learn about and see some of these animals in person! 🐍

Enjoy activities like:
• Try Archery
• Crafts & face painting
• Gnarly Nature themed games
• Community partner booths
• Fall photo station 📸

🍭 Food and treats available for purchase!

Bring the family, explore the outdoors, and celebrate fall with us. No registration needed!

09/30/2026

3D Archery is back at Chinsegut this Saturday, Oct. 3rd!

Calling all archers, bring your own bow and arrows and hit the range with us. Sign-in starts at 8 am, and the range opens after a safety briefing at 9 am.

Enjoy a fun and challenging course set in the great outdoors, perfect for sharpening your skills and connecting with fellow archers.

Check out the event link in the comments for details.

09/14/2026

Join us on Thursday, September 17th from 6-8:30 p.m. for our FREE FrogWatch USA training at Chinsegut Conservation Center!

Amphibians around the world are declining, and you can help make a difference. Become a participatory scientist with the Chinsegut FrogWatch Chapter (FL Frog Hoppers) and learn how to monitor local frog and toad populations right in your own community.

🌿 During this training, you’ll:
• Learn to identify local frogs and toads by their calls
• Explore nearby wetlands with a guided hike to May’s Prairie
• Contribute data to a long term national scientific study
• Connect with nature in a fun and meaningful way
This program is family friendly, recommended for children 8+.

Follow this link to register: https://outreach.myfwc.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2080405&group=

06/17/2026

Interested in a deeper look at one of Florida’s most compelling conservation success stories? On Saturday, July 25, Author Hilary Flower will be visiting Chinsegut Conservation Center to share the remarkable story of the Everglades Snail Kite and what its journey teaches us about resilience and adaptation in a changing landscape.

Her talk, The Bird That Saved Itself, is free to attend, but we ask that you register at the link below. Hope to see you there!

06/15/2026

Ever wondered how and why some songbirds are banded? Our staff recently gave visitors to Chinsegut Conservation Center a rare, up-close look. 🔎

As a kickoff to the Welcome Back Songbirds Festival earlier this spring, guests were encouraged to drop in as mist nets were monitored and birds were carefully banded by staff before being safely released, providing a special perspective on how critical data is collected to support bird conservation efforts. Each band has a unique ID, which helps with tracking the movements of individual birds and where they may end up next.

All bird handling and banding was conducted under the appropriate permits and supervision of trained FWC biologists.

The festival welcomed approximately 400 attendees from across the state, offering educational opportunities and outdoor exploration for the entire community.

06/04/2026

3D Archery is back at Chinsegut this Saturday, June 6th!

Calling all archers, bring your own bow and arrows and hit the range with us. Sign-in starts at 8 am, and the range opens after a safety briefing at 9 am. Enjoy a fun and challenging course set in the great outdoors, perfect for sharpening your skills and connecting with fellow archers. We’ll also have a delicious food truck on-site, so come hungry!

Check out the event link in the comments for details.