Keep it wild.

Since 2019, the Reef Restoration Program has replanted 31 acres of reef off the Leonida Keys, and passed its 100,000th coral this fall. Fragments grow for nine months on frames in underwater nurseries, then divers fix them to the reef in clusters.

Rangers at Coral Shoals check the planted shoals every month and close a zone to snorkelers when the corals need rest, for example after a summer of hot water.

The seven springs of Kalaga Springs State Park stay at 68°F all year, and their clear water is fragile. Feet and boats wear away the banks, and the grasses that hold the sand and feed the fish disappear.

Rangers and volunteers replant the grasses every spring, behind ropes that swimmers cross only at the marked steps. That is also why the swimming area closes when it is full: fewer people at once means a spring that stays clear.

Some animals and plants that were never meant to live here push out the ones that were. State Parks works with POACH, the State’s wildlife agency, to keep them in check.

• Pythons in the Grassrivers: report one to the POACH Exotic Species line, 1-888-555-0132, with the place and a photo. Do not try to catch it.
• Lionfish on the reef: divers in the Keys remove them on ranger-led dives.
• Iguanas in the parks of the coast: rangers remove them from dunes and seawalls.
• Invasive plants: trail crews pull them out of the hammocks and the pine forest every month.
• Never release a pet in a park. POACH takes exotic pets on its surrender days, with no fine and no questions.

More than half the work in the parks is done by volunteers. Ask at any ranger station or call the parks information line, (800) 555-0168, every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Coral planting days at Coral Shoals, for certified divers aged 18 and over.
• Trail crews on Saturday mornings, at Longleaf Ridge and Kalaga Springs.
• Beach and dune cleanups on the first Saturday of every month, at Pelican Bar and Coral Shoals.
• Campground hosts, who stay for free in exchange for 20 hours of help a week.

After 100 hours in a year, volunteers receive a free annual pass.

• Take out everything you bring in, including food scraps.
• Stay on trails and boardwalks. Shortcuts become gullies in the next storm.
• Do not feed wildlife, and keep 30 feet from alligators.
• Leave shells with an animal inside, plants and stones where you found them.
• Light fires only in the fire rings, and buy firewood near the park: wood from far away carries pests.
• Keep dogs on a six-foot leash, and keep quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.