SEBRING — Highlands Hammock State Park will hold a series of guided nature walks throughout the month of March.

They are scheduled to begin on March 6 when Ranger Blake Lewis leads his ‘Birding with Ranger Blake’ field trip.

Ranger Lewis will be looking for migratory birds and year round species as he walks through the woods beyond the Panther Pavilion, continues along the Primitive Wilderness Campground Road and turns into East Canal. Songbirds are on their way north and it is not uncommon to hear owls in the hammock along East Canal. Visitors will meet at the Panther Pavilion located in the picnic area and they may park in the Panther Pavilion parking lot or in the picnic area where they may walk across a footbridge to the pavilion.

On March 18, park volunteer Marilyn Blair will guide visitors on a ‘Hiking the Hammock Tiger Branch Scrub Hike.’ This uplands birding hike into the Florida scrub is an opportunity for visitors to observe Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. Visitors will meet at the park recreation hall. The birding hikes begin at 10 a.m. and end around 11:30 a.m.

Ranger Blake Lewis, who leads birding hikes, keeps track of birds in the trees near the Ranger Station and throughout the park.

For children and families, two Saturday Kids Discovery Nature Walks are scheduled on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

On March 9, visitors are instructed to meet in the picnic area at the Music in the Park stage for a field trip on the Wild Orange Trail. On March 23, the second walk will explore the Ancient Hammock Trail. Visitors will meet at the trailhead which is located on the Loop Road. This program, which is ideal for scout troops and other youth groups, is designed for children aged 5 to 13 years and includes exploratory activities and scavenger hunts. Young people may learn about plants, animals, habitats, food chains, animal adaptations and more. Children will learn to observe and sharpen skills to explore nature in their own backyards as well as the park.

Registration is requested for all walks. Although the Saturday Kids walks can accommodate more participants, the birding and scrub hikes have limited attendance. Call 863-386-6094 to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes, long pants and protective clothing. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, walking sticks, snacks and binoculars. Park entry fees of $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 persons), $4.00 per single occupant vehicle, and $2.00 for bicyclists and pedestrians apply. Highlands Hammock is located at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring.