Equine, Pets & Wildlife   

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40) by no later than 9 a.m. Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride (uncushioned) through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park by no later than 9 a.m. using the following address: 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488. 

The On Top of the World (OTOW) community is home to many species of wildlife, some of which may frequent the common areas or backyards of many homes in our communities. Learn about the local OTOW wildlife species, management and conservation efforts in the area, and why providing responsible and safe backyard habitats for native wildlife species is important to complement these efforts. This course will also include tips for preventing visits from “uninvited” or nuisance wildlife.

 

Ms. Virginia (Ginger) Soumar is an Associate Scientist IV with Breedlove, Dennis & Associates, Inc. (BDA).  She received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2005.  Ms. Soumar has been employed with BDA since February 2007; BDA has provided environmental services for the OTOW community since 2015.  As an Associate Scientist, she performs listed species surveys and monitoring, vegetation sampling and monitoring, wetland delineation, and permit drafting.  Ms. Soumar is an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent, a Burrowing Owl Registered Agent, a Lake Vegetation Index certified analyst, and a certified Stormwater Management Inspector.

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

 

 

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

North Central Florida offers great opportunities for both experienced and novice birders.  Whether you are interested in beginning a birding hobby, new to our area or simply want to brush up your birding skills with like minded neighbors, this may be for you.  We'll explore our common and a few uncommon species as well as where and when to search.

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40) by no later than 9 a.m. Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride (uncushioned) through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park by no later than 9 a.m. using the following address: 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488. 

Some of the largest and most powerful birds fall into the collective category of Raptors. Some soar high overhead and dive at speeds up to 200 MPH on unsuspecting prey. Some are smaller than robins and weigh in at less than 2.5 ounces. Many of these birds look alike. Some of them live near you. All are vital to our environment - and they are Fascinating! This two-part class is designed to help you sort them out.

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40) by no later than 9 a.m. Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride (uncushioned) through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park by no later than 9 a.m. using the following address: 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488. 

The Withlacoochee and lower Rainbow Rivers near Dunellen offer a different look at "old Florida" as well as the more "modern" appearance. This course features a three-hour boat ride with an experienced river boat Captain. Great opportunity to learn about all the wading/water birds you are likely to encounter in Florida. Lots of songbirds too!
The first class will be in the classroom with discussion and video presentation on any of the birds we are likely to see. You should be able to identify most of them accurately by the end of this first class.The second class will be a boat ride and will begin with about one mile of the Rainbow River and as much of the Withlacoochee as we can cover in the allotted time. Enjoy up close and personal views of magnificent birds with great photo opportunities. An optional luncheon will follow at a nearby riverside cafe where we will make up a list of all the birds we have seen and/or heard on the boat-ride. Second class date field trip directions: Rt. 484 to Dunnellon. Turn left at the first traffic light - Rt.41. Park in Municipal lot in front of City Hall. Boat sails from Public Boat Ramp.