Nature   

Unlike other coastal regions, where civilization crowds shoulder-to-shoulder along the shore, like lemmings amassing for their mythical plunge into the sea, nature still rules in the Cedar Keys area of Florida's Big Bend. It's a low, wet country where the "shoreline" defies definition, ever-changing, shrinking and expanding, with the ebb and flow of tides.

Paddling difficulty: Open water is easy if calm weather. Moderate if it's breezy. We won't go if the forecast is too windy (or inclement in any way). Skill level: Good for beginners. Meeting time (at launch site): 10 AM

After registering for the class, all participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss equipment needs and confirm an email address for launch site directions. Lunch is not included in price.

On this kayak/canoe tour of Cross Creek and portions of Orange and Lochloosa Lakes, we'll explore the wild realm made famous by Pulitzer prize winning author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. The charming creek, beautiful lake vistas and abundant wildlife remain little changed since the early - mid 1900's, when Rawlings lived here and wrote such Florida classics as The Yearling and Cross Creek. Good for beginners, basic lessons included. Please meet at the launch site at 9 AM. The trip is 2 - 2.5 hours. The difficulty: Easy paddle, going downstream and then returning against a light current.

Note: After registering for the class, all participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss equipment needs and confirm an email address for launch site directions.

Unlike other coastal regions, where civilization crowds shoulder-to-shoulder along the shore, like lemmings amassing for their mythical plunge into the sea, nature still rules in the Cedar Keys area of Florida's Big Bend. It's a low, wet country where the "shoreline" defies definition, ever-changing, shrinking and expanding, with the ebb and flow of tides.

Paddling difficulty: Open water is easy if calm weather. Moderate if it's breezy. We won't go if the forecast is too windy (or inclement in any way). Skill level: Good for beginners. Meeting time (at launch site): 10 AM

After registering for the class, all participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss equipment needs and confirm an email address for launch site directions. Lunch is not included in price.

On this easy, 2-2.5 hrs. tour we'll follow broad, winding channels through an array of broad marshes and shrubby islands, viewing the myriad plant and animal species those rich ecosystems support.  In addition to an interesting history, this tour is a birders wonderland.  Most years, in spring and early summer months, we pass a large rookery of assorted waders and water birds. 

After registering for the class, all participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss equipment needs and confirm an email address for launch site directions.

Note: Participants will meet at the launch site at 10 a.m. Kayakers will receive an email a day or two prior to the trip to discuss specific launch directions.

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.

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. This is a great opportunity to learn about all the wading/water birds you are likely to encounter in Florida. You can encounter 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.

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 will be a slow-poking exploration, geared toward inquisitive paddlers who are more interested in learning wild lore than covering distance. Unlike our other paddle tour/classes, this one will only cover a couple of miles in total, allowing time to drift, observe and learn about the river's plants, animals, archaeology, history and other wild lore.

If you want to see more of the river and learn a bit less of its wild lore, I recommend one of the other great courses offered in this catalog. Difficulty: Easy paddle, going downstream and then returning against a light current. Skill level: Good for beginners.

There is a $6 Park Fee the day of class. The trip lasts approx. 2.5 hours.

Meeting time (at launch site): 9 a.m. Kayaks are provided. After registering for the class, participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss any special needs or requests and confirm an email address for launch site directions. Lunch not included in price.

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.