The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced on March 11 that the 17th Annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival will take place on Saturday, March 21, at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey. The event is set to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will celebrate the Florida scrub-jay, the state’s only endemic songbird.
The festival aims to raise awareness about the unique status of the Florida scrub-jay and its habitat needs. The species is federally listed as threatened and can only be found in Florida. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in guided walks, view exhibits, enjoy live music and food trucks, and speak with biologists working on conservation efforts.
Danielle Goodvin, Assistant Avian Conservation Coordinator for FWC, said, “Florida scrub-jays live in family groups made up of a breeding pair and their offspring. Juvenile scrub-jays often stay with the family as ‘helpers’ for a year or more after fledging, helping defend the family territory and raise newly hatched chicks.”
Oscar Scherer State Park is located at 1843 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey. Admission is $5 per vehicle or free with an annual state park pass; festival activities are included with park entry. More information can be found on the FWC’s Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Facebook page.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been influenced by figures such as Lovett Williams, recognized for his contributions to wildlife research, as highlighted on the official history page. The commission secures external grants representing over 40% of its funding to support critical research projects, according to the official website. It also promotes public access and input in decision-making processes to foster conservation among diverse communities according to its official website.
FWC features research facilities such as the Wildlife Research Laboratory in Gainesville, which includes offices, animal holding pens and specialized equipment for wildlife studies as noted on its official history page. The laboratory also houses an alligator egg incubator and wildlife holding pens originally used for brown pelican restocking according to FWC’s history page.
The commission seeks to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s fish and wildlife resources through research and technical expertise according to its mission statement.
Organizers encourage visitors not only to learn about scrub-jays but also how they can help protect them by supporting habitat management practices like prescribed fires or volunteering with programs such as Jay Watch.
