Kayak Florida With Your Grandchild: Nature & Conservation

Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. We will have meals in the Inn dining room and local restaurants. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a wine-and-cheese welcome reception before dinner, and spend some time getting to know our fellow lifelong learners with ice breakers for the grandchildren.

At the inn, we’ll savor a dinner featuring Southern favorites.

On the porch of the inn, we’ll settle in for an introductory discussion with the Group Leader about the area and your flotation devices. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the inn.

We will depart by motorcoach for Ichetucknee Springs where we will kayak, learn about the flora and fauna of the river banks, and swim and snorkel in the fresh water. Then, we’ll board the shuttle bus to transfer to the Florida Springs Institute where we’ll meet an expert lecturer-biologist-ecologist for a lecture on the Florida springs and aquifer sustainability, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Box lunch in High Springs.

Next, we’ll visit the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Butterfly Rainforest where we will see the indigenous tribal exhibit and the spectacular array of butterflies, birds, and turtles in the magnificent enclosure. Then we’ll go on a behind-the-scenes exploration of the incubation and collection area of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity, led by a local expert from Florida Public Archaeology Network.

At the inn.

Tonight at the inn, we’ll engage in activities such as bracelet and necklace making with Florida Shells and “look alike” beads that might have been used to make jewelry by original Floridians.

At the inn.

Arriving by shuttle bus at the put-in point on the Santa Fe River, our paddle downstream will be a one-way trip on this broad, easy-flowing river. While this is primarily a blackwater river (the most common river type in Florida), we will pass one of the greatest concentrations of clear, artesian springs in Florida. Our route will carry us past over 15 named springs and many smaller, unnamed ones, as well as a couple of swallet holes where the water flows down into the ground—basically the reverse of springs. Few rivers compare with the Santa Fe for viewing and studying freshwater springs, swallets, and the karst terrain. Along the way, we’ll make stops and have opportunities to learn more about the springs the keep our eyes peeled for wildlife.

At Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, we’ll have box lunches. Participants may stroll through the park and enjoy the stunning views of a typical Florida spring.

We’ll continue down the Santa Fe River with our instructor to Rum Island. We will dock the kayaks for another dip in the cool, refreshing waters of the Rum Island Springs. We’ll then arrive at our pullout spot at the 41 Bridge and board the shuttle bus to return to the inn.

At the inn.

We’ll settle in on the porch at the inn for a movie pertinent to Natural Florida.

At the inn.

In the retreat hall, we’ll meet the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) specialist for a class on archaeology, pottery, or ancient Floridian technologies.

At the inn.

Arriving to the park, we’ll set out on the north rim of the La Chua Trail in Paynes Prairie State Park and, with the interpretation of our FPAN specialist, learn about atlatl throwing and hunting techniques used by original Floridians on the prairie. Paynes Prairie is the only park in Florida where visitors can experience bison and horses roaming wild, making it a unique place. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals. This park is city-owned and plays an important role in the water purification of storm water. These manmade wetlands are enjoyed by an incredible number of migratory wading birds. We will depart for the Paynes Prairie South Entrance and see the Visitor Center with interpretation from FPAN. We’ll continue learning about the prairie and its original inhabitants and how they once lived. Our hike will finish at Paynes Prairie headquarters where you may wish to climb to the top of the three-story Observation Tower. It’s the perfect location to take in the views of the Big Lagoon State Park landscape.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

At the inn.

Traveling via shuttle bus, we’ll arrive at Silver River Springs State Park where we will kayak down the Silver River. There are dozens of springs along the first mile of the river including Mammoth Spring, one of the largest in the world. The clear water flowing from these springs merge to form one of Florida’s most scenic rivers. The entire 5.5-mile river and the land surrounding it on both sides is within Silver River State Park, which features a semi-tropical forest of bald cypress, tupelo, red maples, green ash, holly, dogwood, elm, and palm trees.

At Silver Springs State Park, we’ll have box lunches.

We’ll depart for Silver River State Park Museum, where we will go on a docent-led exploration to explore exhibits of original Florida canoes and hunting tools.

At the famous Yearling Restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. You may wish to explore the Gainesville Farmers Market nearby. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the inn.

After breakfast, we conclude by taking a group picture and exchanging contact information. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!