Events happening at the parks:
Volunteer work days are on hold for the summer, they will start again in the fall with cleanups and park maintanence projects. See you then!
Butterflies in Motion at Big Lagoon State Park on Sept 26, 2026 from 10 AM – 2 PM. Support our local parks and join us for the Butterflies in Motion Family Friendly Event. Butterfly Education and Show, Games, Ranger-Lead Program, MESS Hall Science and Fun Booth, Snacks and Drinks.
Free with park admission.
Heron Trot: Please join us for this family friendly Fun Run on Oct 31, 6AM Late registration, 7AM race. For runners that prefer the road, the same 5K route on the road will be available. For other runners/walkers – a shorter route will go across trails in the park. Prizes, Snacks and Race T-shirts available. Since it’s Halloween, wear your costume! Tickets on sale at Eventbrite – Heron Trot
Stargazing – booked monthly
Big Lagoon State Park is a fantastic stargazing location with very little light from elsewhere. Stargazing in the park is lead by the Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association. We meet at the Boat Ramp at sunset. Please show up before sunset for access into the park. Free with park admission. Please call the ranger station at 850-492-1595 for upcoming schedule.
Saturday morning Birding is back! (On hold due to the summer heat!)
Every Saturday at 9 AM. Enjoy a birding program with a knowledgeable park volunteer and take a bird walk through the park. Meeting place is at West Beach, it’s recommended to always check at the Ranger Station as you enter since meeting place may change occasionally. Free with paid park admission. Great for all ages.
Pensacola History at the Campfire
Join a volunteer historian at a campfire in the youth camp to learn about local Pensacola area history. We’ve concluded this season and will reschedule dates for 2027 later this year.
—————————- Past Events: —————————————-
Heron Trot 5k Run/Walk – 2025
We expect another fantastic event for runners in the area on Nov 1, 2025 at 7AM. We will be doing a FUN RUN, for walkers and runners alike. Children 12 and under are free (no Tshirt for free participants.) Join us for an inspiring and fun run/walk thru the park, then enjoy the park all day. And help us continue to support the parks.
Signup for the event at: Eventbrite.com – Sign-up before October 12 to guarantee you receive a free T-shirt!!
Directions:
Big lagoon State Park located at 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL. 32507.
From I-10 take exit 7, drive south for 4 miles on Pine Forest Rd. to Blue Angel Parkway.
Turn right onto Blue Angel Park Way, drive south on Blue Angel park way for approximately 14 miles to Gulf Beach Hwy. Turn right onto Gulf Beach Hwy Drive west for 4 miles, Big Lagoon State Park is on the left. View on Google Maps
NOTICE:
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to fill the vacant positions on our board. If you would like to nominate someone for these positions (background check is necessary), please contact us: fopspcso@gmail.com