This leisurely four mile canoe trip down a wild, remote section of the Hillsborough River provides an ideal setting for reflection and tranquility. Wildlife abounds and sightings include large American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), turtles, brown water snakes (Nerodia taxispilota), limpkins (Aramus guarauna), belted kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon), raptors, and river otters (Lutra canadensis). This trip is ideal for those that enjoy birding.

Rock Springs Run and Wekiva River (Apopka, Florida)

This river system is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. The changing flow of the river, from slow to swift, provides for an enjoyable eight mile paddle through a variety of habitats. Quiet observers can see numerous wildlife species and are often treated to sightings of Florida redbelly turtles (Pseudemys nelsoni), limpkins (A. guarauna) and river otters (L. canadensis). This area is home to the Wekiva population of the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) and paddlers are encouraged to keep an eye open for this icon of wild Florida.

Rainbow Run is a first-magnitude spring-fed river (approximately the fourth largest spring in the state and the eighth largest in the world) that flows about 5.6 miles until it joins the Withlacoochee River. This natural treasure has been designated an Aquatic Preserve and Outstanding Florida Water, as well as a National Natural Landmark. There is ample opportunity for watching wildlife while leisurely canoeing and snorkeling on a two mile section of the river. Special emphasis is placed on the natural history and conservation of riverine turtles, such as the loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus m. minor) and Suwannee cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis).

Spring Creek and Chipola River (Marianna, Florida)

The crystal clear water of Spring Creek and adjacent hardwood hammocks and pine forests provide an excellent setting for watching wildlife while canoeing and snorkeling. Basking American alligators (A. mississippiensis) and Barbour's map turtles (Graptemys barbouri) can be viewed while canoeing on the darker waters of the Chipola River. Special emphasis is placed on the natural history and conservation of riverine turtles during this leisurely four mile trip.

This ecologically diverse 800 acre natural area is an "island" located in the midst of urban St. Petersburg. The park's diverse habitats support a variety of listed wildlife species such as the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), wood stork (Mycteria americana), southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus), and Sherman's fox squirrel (Sciurus niger shermani). Since 1985, 165 bird species have been observed utilizing this important greenspace on the Atlantic Flyway. A leisurely two mile interpretive hike provides an opportunity to explore the diversity of habitats and wildlife present at what is clearly one of Tampa Bay's ecological jewels.

Camel Lake, Apalachicola National Forest (south of Bristol, Florida)

An easy one mile interpretive hike around Camel Lake provides an opportunity to explore longleaf pine-turkey oak sandhill, home of the gopher tortoise (G. polyphemus). Learn about the fascinating ecological role of this keystone species, fire ecology and plant adaptations for living in this xeric environment. Wildflowers provide a colorful scene in the fall and spring.

Perry Oldenburg Mitigation Park (Brooksville, Florida)

BC

The Apalachicola River and Bay Basin is one of the most ecologically diverse and significant natural areas in the Southeast. This multi-day natural history tour highlights a wide variety of plant and wildlife communities. Field activities include exploration of the Apalachicola River by boat to search for basking Barbour's map turtles (G. barbouri) and swallow-tailed kites (Elanoides forficatus). A trip to the Apalachicola National Forest provides an opportunity to see cavity trees of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (P. borealis) and literally thousands of meter tall yellow pitcher plants (Sarracenia flava). This HES tour also visits a remnant population of endangered white-topped pitcher plants (S. leucophylla) in a severely threatened habitat near the Gulf Coast. An easy one mile interpretive hike around Camel Lake provides an opportunity to explore longleaf pine-turkey oak sandhill, home of the gopher tortoise (G. polyphemus). This area of the Florida panhandle is both a natural and cultural treasure, and always provides gastronomic delights.

Florida Turtles (statewide)

Florida is home to over 8% of the world's known turtle species and is a significant area for both turtle diversity and habitat. Twenty-five (46%) of the 54 turtle species found in the United States also occur in Florida. Turtles are ancient creatures that walked the earth with the dinosaurs and today are important and visible elements in many ecosystems. Certainly, habitat diversity and species richness makes Florida a chelonian hotspot. This multi-day natural history tour of upland, riverine and coastal habitats provides an opportunity to study several species in the wild. Classroom presentations are blended with first-hand field experiences to provide an introduction to the diversity, basic identification, natural history, and conservation of Florida turtles. Our goal is to provide a lifetime experience that will encourage the conservation of these ecologically important vertebrates.