Kimbell Education Center

The Kimbell Education and Visitor Center includes an exhibit area that interprets for visitors the rich natural and cultural resources featured in the park. In addition, the center has been providing community groups with outstanding educational programming since its opening in 2007. Volunteers and staff are on duty in the Kimbell Center from 9 am – 5 pm daily from Labor Day to Memorial Day, ready to guide visitors to the recreational opportunity that best suits them and provide additional information to enrich their park visit.

Kimbell Education & Visitor Center at Jonathan Dickinson State Park Program List

All programs are approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours long. Most programs can include a guided hike. Custom created programs available upon request. All programs are free. Donations are always welcome. Park entry fees apply.*

Amazing Insects – Insect collection and microscope study.
❊ Birding in JDSP – Indoor/outdoor intro about birding and common birds seen in the park. Includes guided hike.
Campfire Cooking – Outdoor program focusing on campfire safety and cooking skills.
Dip Net Discovery – Freshwater ecology critter collection and microscope study. You will get wet!
❊ Fire in Florida – Indoor presentation about the importance of prescribe fire paired with outdoor activities.
Florida Forestry – Nature walk and tree study.
Florida Geology and Natural History – Study of the development of Florida and basic geology. Guided hike up Hobe Mountain.
Geocaching in JDSP – Indoor intro presentation followed by geocaching outside.
❊ Junior Ranger – Complete various activities indoor and outdoor to earn your Junior Ranger badge and patch.
Life of an Alligator – Indoor presentation about alligators paired with a guided hike along the River.
Scavenger Hunt – Self guided hunts offered inside the visitor center as well as outdoors.
❊ Nature Walks and Guided Hikes – Varying lengths depending on the trails.
- Hobe Mountain and Observation Tower – ½ mile
- Scrub Jay Walk – 1 mile
- Eagles View Trails – 3 to 5 miles
- Kitching Creek Nature Trail – 2 miles
- River Trail – 1 mile
Scout Programs – Programs created and catered to the specific scout badge.
Snakes Alive – Indoor program with the chance to meet some snakes up close.
Water Wonders – Indoor presentation with outside aquifer activity and guided hike along the River.
❊ Wildlife Tracks and Signs – Intro to reading animal signs and tracks. Guided hike included.
Who Lives in the Park – Use of biofacts (skulls, skins, furs) to discuss native and non-native wildlife that live in the park. Paired with a guided hike to look for animal evidence.

❖ Indicates a popular program

For more information or to request a program, contact Tiffany Barr (Tiffany.Barr@FloridaDEP.gov — 561-745-5551)

* Park entry fees can be waived if the program is associated with a Florida school and falls within the DEP Operation Manual. Contact Tiffany Barr for more details.