Make plans to celebrate the rush of migrating wings north along the Atlantic Flyway over inland Pasco, Citrus, and Hernando counties during the inaugural Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.

Formerly known as the Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival, the weekend of March 22-24 will feature a variety of programs, activities and tours at several preserves in the tri-county area, including Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sites Crews Lake Park, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park on the Pithlachascotee River, Fort Cooper State Park and the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Hillsborough Co., FL-- It's time to get outside and get paddling, whether you're an adventure-seeker or a low-key nature-lover looking for a peaceful float through Hillsborough County’s waterways. Four-hour canoe/kayak rentals are offered at $25 at several Hillsborough County Regional Parks. A park entry fee will also apply at $2 per vehicle carrying up to eight people, and $1 each additional person. Only cash, check and traveler’s check payments are accepted at this time.

The following Hillsborough County parks offer canoe and kayak rentals:

The Citrus, Hernando and Pasco County Offices of Tourism Development are promoting the Nature Coast the old fashioned way, by word-of-mouth.

A week-long trip from May 19-26, called the “Nature Coast” FAM Tour, is designed for outdoor/travel writers to experience some of Florida’s best attractions.

The six journalists, who have been published in many notable publications including Alaska Airlines, Southern Living, and Gonomad.com among others, will travel from as far away as California, Oregon and Massachusetts.