Take a hike Saturday with the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society | Ixia Chapter via Facebook
Published on October 23, 2025 at 10:31 am
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A book talk in Riverside, a native plant tour in Julington Creek and a night of stargazing at Hanna Park are What to Do in the Jacksonville area this weekend.
Book Talk with Craig Pittman
Friday
Happy Medium Books Cafe | Riverside
Head to Happy Medium Books Café for a lively conversation between New York Times-bestselling author Craig Pittman and local author Tim Gilmore. Pittman, a native Floridian, award-winning environmental reporter, and co-host of the Welcome to Florida podcast, is known for his sharp, funny takes on the Sunshine State. He’s the author of seven nonfiction books, including Oh, Florida!: How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country.
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2724 Park St,; 6 p.m.; Tickets: $10 and include beverages and light bites. Tickets and more info.
Florida Native Plant Society Field Trip
Saturday
Julington Durbin Preserve | Julington Creek
Celebrate Florida Native Plant Month with the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society on a guided field trip through Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve—one of Duval County’s most biologically diverse natural areas. This unique peninsula features rare Longleaf Pine habitat and is home to 11 endangered and threatened plant species, including Bartram’s Ixia, the chapter’s namesake, found only in a few counties. Bring water and wear closed-toed shoes and a hat. No RSVP required—just come ready to learn and explore!
13130 Bartram Park Blvd.; 9 a.m.; Free and open to the public; More info.
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Night of Stargazing
Saturday
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park | Mayport
Join the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society for a night of stargazing at Hanna Park! See the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects through powerful telescopes, with volunteers guiding you along the way. If you’re thinking about buying a telescope or need help with the one you own, bring your questions—or your telescope—for expert advice. Even if clouds roll in, society members will still love to have you there to geek out over all things astronomy.
500 Wonderwood Dr.; Must enter park by 7 p.m.; Free and open to the public, but park admission is $5 per vehicle; More info.
