The fourth annual 7 Creeks Fest is coming up next Saturday, offering a day crammed with outdoor activities galore for the whole family. According to the City of Jacksonville's recent announcement, festivities at the 7 Creeks Recreation Area will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring everything from guided nature hikes to kayaking, and even a camping clinic. The 7 Creeks partners have made sure the event is free, aiming to draw crowds to one of Jacksonville's standout natural environments.
Bringing together nature and community, the fest is set to play out across numerous parks, such as Betz-Tiger Point Preserve and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. Participants are invited to swing by the Welcome Hub at 13990 Pumpkin Hill Rd where they will find over 20 environmental exhibitors, live musical acts, and, for the foodies, a variety of food trucks. As told by the City of Jacksonville, performances begin with Steel Bamboo at 10:30 a.m., and a Bingo Scavenger Hunt will entice visitors to explore every corner of the fest, with prizes up for grabs for the early birds.
For those with a penchant for adventure and learning, the full schedule released dishes out a comprehensive platter of activities. Bird enthusiasts can partake in hikes with the Duval Audubon Society, while shutterbugs will have a chance to snap away during a photography hike led by Will Dickey. Not only limited to land, water activities also feature prominently; paddling Pumpkin Hill Creek or canoeing at Cedar Point are just a couple of the aquatic options offered.
Volunteers gearing for the upcoming festivities will roll up their sleeves for a cleanup on March 4—a crucial step to ensure the recreation area is pristine for visitors. Those willing to lend a hand can join at Cedar Point Boat Ramp, as reported by the event's page. With sustainability in mind, event-goers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, with refill stations dotted around the venue to keep hydration hassle-free.
Backing this annual nature fest are organizations like Timucuan Parks Foundation and North Florida Land Trust, which continually strive to bolster appreciation for Jacksonville’s outdoors. Sponsors such as JEA and Vystar Credit Union are helping fuel the event with financial support. Still seeking sponsorship, the festivities offer various levels for those looking to contribute, information on which can be gathered by reaching out to [email protected]. Join the community this Saturday to immerse in the beauty and activity that Jacksonville's 7 Creeks Recreation Area has to offer.
