Scenic, Air Boat, Ancient Islands & Kayak Tours on Day 4 of Central Florida NatureFest 2012

We have good news! Registration for Central Florida NatureFest 2012 has been extended through Sunday, September 30!

Register now for the event that gives visitors and residents the chance to participate in activities including birding, hiking, kayaking, butterfly and wildflower viewing, nature photography, star-gazing and airboating over the course of four days. This four-day festival will also give participants exclusive access to some of Central Florida’s premier nature parks and reserves! Beginning Thursday, October 4 and lasting through Sunday, October 7, this nature weekend is sure to be packed with excursions led by area wildlife experts full of knowledge and passion in their fields of expertise.

Excursions are limited to a specific number of people. Be sure to register now so you don’t miss out on the opportunity!

Registration is available online.
For more details and day-by-day excursion listings, please visit: VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Sunday, October 7 excursions:

SCENIC TOUR OF LAKE WALES RIDGE STATE FOREST

EXCURSION DETAILS
(DAY 4)

Sunday, October 7 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
TYPE: Combo
COST (PER PERSON): $5.00
MAX PEOPLE: 15
WHERE TO MEET: McDonald’s in Frostproof at the intersection of CR 630 and Scenic Hwy 17
Address: 851 Hwy 630 E, Frostproof, FL 33843

This is a three-part tour that begins with a hike that is two-miles round trip from School Bus Road through pine flatwoods and into a mixed hardwoods canopy to the edge of pristine Lake Arbuckle. After a short hike along Lake Arbuckle, everyone will return to their vehicles, and then proceed with a short auto trip to Lake Godwin. The final portion will begin at the Reedy Creek parking area and continue with a one-mile hike (round trip) along Reedy Creek. Points along this hike provide breath-taking elevated views of the creek. Along the way you may see rare scrub plants that are in bloom such as scrub blazing star and rare holly.

Scenic Tour NatureFest 2012

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Many years ago ancient ocean levels rose and covered nearly all of the present-day Florida peninsula isolating the Ridge as an island upon which the plants and animals on this ridge continued to evolve in isolation. Today the scrub ecosystem that thrives on the ridge may have the highest concentration of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States.

YOUR EXCURSION GUIDE:

Paul Fellers
For more than 45 years, Dr. Paul Fellers has led birding and wildflower tours throughout Central Florida. Dr. Fellers donates his expertise to lead members of the Audubon Society, The Native Plant Society and many other groups, and for many years, Dr. Fellers has coordinated the Christmas Bird Counts in Polk County. This lifelong conservationist is an excellent tour leader for those looking to discover new species of birds or wildflowers.

WHAT TO BRING?

Water Bottle
Binoculars
Camera
Snacks
Rain Gear
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Insect Repellant
Comfortable Walking Shoes

AIR BOAT TOUR AT CAMP MACK

EXCURSION DETAILS
(DAY 4)

Friday, October 5 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
TYPE: Wilderness Tour
COST (PER PERSON): $27.00
MAX PEOPLE: 21
WHERE TO MEET: Camp Mack’s River Resort
Address: 14900 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898

View the water, wilderness and wildlife that the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes has to offer by way of AIR BOAT! You and your family do not want to miss out on this exciting adventure. Look high in the sky for bald eagles and ospreys searching for their next meal. Look to the water for alligators and to the shore for much more!
Camp Mack Air Boat Tours NatureFest 2012

WHAT TO EXPECT?

There is potential you may get a little wet on this excursion.

YOUR EXCURSION GUIDE:

Camp Mack’s Air Boat Tours
Your tour guides are seasoned airboat guides that know their open water and marsh lands well. Their intimate knowledge of birds and wildlife will give you a thrilling tour.

WHAT TO BRING?

Water Bottle
Binoculars
Camera
Snacks
Rain Gear
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Insect Repellant

TOUR FLORIDA’S ANCIENT ISLANDS

EXCURSION DETAILS
(DAY 4)

Sunday, October 7 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
TYPE: Wildlife
COST (PER PERSON): $10.00
MAX PEOPLE: 12
WHERE TO MEET: TBD
Address: 1628 South Scenic Highway, Frostproof, FL 33843

Get up-close-and-personal with the ancient islands of Florida. The Lake Wales Ridge was once beach-front property long ago, so you can only imagine how old the species of the Ridge actually are! Join the tour as the group will hike through the dry, sandy soils of two incredible sites, among the rare species that have survived Florida’s harsh summers for millions of years while using or learning some close-up photography skills. This excursion is an appealing option for photographers.
Tour Florida's Ancient Islands NatureFest 2012

YOUR EXCURSION GUIDE:

Mark Deyrup

WHAT TO BRING?

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Water Bottle
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Hat
Camera and Tri Pod
Binoculars
Snacks
Rain Gear
Sunglasses

WALK-IN-WATER CREEK ADVANCED KAYAK EXCURSION

EXCURSION DETAILS
(DAY 4)

Sunday, October 7 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
TYPE: Wildlife
COST (PER PERSON): $15.00
MAX PEOPLE: 9
WHERE TO MEET: North Walk-in-Water Creek
Address: Walk-in-Water Creek Rd., Lake Wales, FL 33898

Calling all intermediate and advanced paddlers! During this trip you may get a little wet as you kayak Walk-in-Water Creek but this is just how we say “Welcome to the Swamp!” Immerse yourself in natural Florida with a trip down Walk-in-Water Creek. Listen to the sounds of nature as you glide through the water. This serene creek offers a glimpse into what Florida was like before it became inhabited. This trip will be guided, and kayaks, life jackets and paddles will be provided.

Walk-in-Water-Creek Kayak NatureFest 2012

WHAT TO EXPECT?

There is potential you may get wet while on this excursion. You do not have to be a professional at kayaking but be aware this is a wild creek and you may have to maneuver around obstacles and floating vegetation.

Disclaimer!

The location and route of this paddling trip may be altered due to inadequate water levels.

YOUR EXCURSION GUIDE:

Andy Quinn
As Sierra Club’s Field Trip Outings Coordinator, Andy has led guided kayak tours all over Polk County. He has completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program – Wetlands Module and is an enthusiastic conservationist. As your guide, Andy is eager to share with you the wild black water streams in Polk County.