Good afternoon. I'm Corinne and I would like to welcome you to Fort George island.
I'm standing on a sandy trail in a forested area I'm wearing my full National Park Service uniform
complete with my flat hat. I have my gray backpack because I'm going to be continuing my hike in just
a few minutes. A visit to Fort George island provides opportunities to learn about history
to recreate and to improve wellness in 1989 the state of Florida purchased this property
to preserve its ecology and history there are two places to learn about history on the island
one is Kingsley Plantation part of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, the other
is the Ribault Club part of Fort George island's Cultural state park. Kingsley Plantation
offers an audio tour where you can learn about the history of the site the Ribault club
offers an exhibit where you can learn the story of the six thousand plus years of human history
that took place on this barrier island there are also many opportunities for recreation
including water-based recreation the Ribault club has a small boat landing where you can launch a
small boat a paddle board or a kayak there's also a three mile loop boat through the island
the fairway loop trail will take you through the former Fort George golf course
where visitors to the Ribault club could play the nine holes during the 1920s.
Today the golf course is returning to its natural state as the forest reclaims it the trail
provides sweeping marsh views and is popular among birders. Keep an eye and an ear open for
night herons and warblers. Spending time in nature may also improve wellness
many studies have shown that time in nature can reduce anxiety
lessen stress and can help people solve problems more cooperatively and creatively.
Kingsley Plantation has benches throughout the grounds
where you can sit and take in the natural setting of this island in your own way
when visiting Fort George island we ask that you follow the principles of leave no trace.
By planning ahead and preparing it's always a good idea to pack insect repellent water and snacks
we also ask that you dispose of waste properly respect wildlife and leave the forest as you found
it for more information visit Timucuan Preserve's webpage or the Florida state park webpage. Happy
Trails. (Ranger walks off)