Oscar Scherer State Park (1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey) is hosting the third annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4 to celebrate this true Florida native. The festival is designed to teach visitors about the fascinating characteristics of Florida scrub-jays and the resources they need to survive. Admission to the festival, including programs and tours, is free.

The Florida scrub-jay is the only bird found exclusively in Florida. As its name implies, the scrub-jay lives in a plant community called scrub, which is, well, scrubby. The scrub-jay is listed as a threatened species, because its numbers are decreasing, primarily due to loss of the native scrub habitat it needs to survive.