Nature   

Spend 2 to 2.5 hours gliding through broad, winding channels surrounded by lush marshes and shrubby islands. This easy paddle offers a close-up look at the diverse plants and wildlife thriving in these rich ecosystems. With a fascinating history and abundant birdlife, this tour is a birdwatcher’s dream—especially in spring and early summer when we pass a large rookery of wading and water birds.

 

 

Details:

• Meet at the launch site at 10 a.m.
• After registering, please call (386) 497-4214 the week before to discuss equipment needs and confirm your email for launch directions.
• Specific launch information will be emailed a day or two prior to the trip.

Experience areas of Sholom Park that were not covered at your first Walk and Talk. Explore the Enchanted Forest, Fragrance Trail, Food Forest, and a behind the scenes look at how the park is operated with Managing Director, Robert Colen and Park Manager, Brian DeVane in Part Two of Sholom Park's Walk and Talk. Registered students will meet at the pavilion near the restrooms.

Discover the beauty and significance of two of Florida's most famous springs, Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs. Learn about their unique ecosystems, conservation efforts to protect them, and the many ways you can enjoy them.

Glide along 3.5 miles of the upper Ichetucknee River, one of North Florida's most breathtaking waterways. As you paddle downstream, you’ll discover striking limestone outcroppings, seven named springs, and fascinating geological features. Along the way, hear stories from the river’s rich past—waters that for over 14,000 years have sustained Native Americans, Spanish missionaries, and even DeSoto’s conquistadors.

Details: Meet at the launch site at 10 a.m. $5 Park Fee. Duration: about 2 hours. Easy downstream paddle, perfect for beginners.

Explore the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers near Dunnellon for a unique glimpse of "Old Florida" and its more modern landscapes. This two-part course begins with a classroom session focused on identifying the birds commonly found in this region of Florida. By the end, you'll be confident in recognizing many of them, from wading birds to raptors and many songbirds.
The second session features a guided three-hour boat ride with an experienced riverboat captain. We'll travel about one mile along the Rainbow River and explore as much of the Withlacoochee as time allows. Expect up-close views of magnificent birds and excellent photo opportunities. Make sure to bring your camera or binoculars!
After the trip, those interested can join for an optional lunch at a nearby riverside café to share observations and compile a bird list from the morning's adventure.
Second class date field trip directions:
Meeting at 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, FL 34431
- Drive east down 484 to Dunnellon
- Drive 12 miles, then turn left at the light on 41
- Park in the Municipal lot in front of City Hall
- The boat sails from the Public Boat Ramp

 

Experience areas of Sholom Park that were not covered at your first Walk and Talk. Explore the Enchanted Forest, Fragrance Trail, Food Forest, and a behind the scenes look at how the park is operated with Managing Director, Robert Colen and Park Manager, Brian DeVane in Part Two of Sholom Park's Walk and Talk. Registered students will meet at the pavilion near the restrooms.

This gentle-paced paddle is perfect for curious explorers who value learning over speed. Unlike our other paddle tours, this outing covers just a couple of miles, giving us plenty of time to drift, observe, and delve into the river’s rich tapestry of plants, animals, archaeology, history, and other fascinating wild lore.

If you prefer to cover more distance and focus less on in-depth discovery, you may want to explore one of the other paddle courses in this catalog. This is an easy paddle, moving downstream before returning against a light current—ideal for beginners.

Details:

• Park Fee: $6, payable the day of the class
• Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
• Meeting Time: 9 a.m. at the launch site
• Kayaks Provided
• After registering, please call (386) 497-4214 during the week before the trip to discuss special needs or requests and to confirm your email address for launch site directions.
• Lunch not included.

   

Experience areas of Sholom Park that were not covered at your first Walk and Talk. Explore the Enchanted Forest, Fragrance Trail, Food Forest, and a behind the scenes look at how the park is operated with Managing Director, Robert Colen and Park Manager, Brian DeVane in Part Two of Sholom Park's Walk and Talk. Registered students will meet at the pavilion near the restrooms.