This series of ecotours is designed to explore the prehistoric and present-day ecology of area rivers.
Upcoming Tours
Secrets of the Wacissa
Nov 27 (9 am) – Full – Click here for wait list
Join CPI President Ryan Means on an all-day canoe trip exploring the wild, wonderful, Wacissa River. This will be an unforgettable trip from Goose Pasture all the way to Nutall Rise, down the legendarily wild Slave Canal. Ryan has extensive scientific knowledge of and experience with the Wacissa River. As many people have in the past—you most certainly will not get lost down there while traveling with us! This experience will be equally rewarding for those who have done it before, or have always wanted to do it, but haven’t yet had the opportunity.
The unfortunately as such named “Slave Canal” isn’t really a canal. We’ll learn why and about the history. The Wacissa River is one of the world’s most pristine first magnitude spring ecosystems, and is a world-class aquatic natural realm. We’ll learn why. We will collectively marvel at towering forests of ancient cypress, mixed hardwood trees and shrubs. If temperatures remain warm, we WILL experience the following things close-up: alligators of all size ranges, terrific turtles, and wiggling water snakes! We also will see huge gar, schools of mullet, and brilliant birds, such as herons, egrets, osprey, and anhinga. Hopefully, we’ll lay eyes on a limpkin.
Ryan will show you lovely braided channels that few people have ever seen. The whole time, we’ll be embedded within one of the region’s most remote locations. Snorkeling is optional and encouraged. We can make a game-time decision on that based on the day’s water and air temperatures. If we snorkel, we likely will observe fossil remains of ancient animals and discuss their natural history in the region. Right now, the river is running gin clear, and discharge is quite low. This presents a prime opportunity to see all the way to the bottom the entire way and view aquatic features extremely well.
$70/person includes boats and boating equipment, gourmet lunch and refreshments, guide, and shuttle service. Proceeds go towards our efforts to preserve the biodiversity of the southeastern Coastal Plain through research and education.
Meeting location and other details will be provided in an email upon registration. Feel free to contact us with questions: Info@coastalplains.org.
If you would like to request a private tour, please contact us with possible dates. Cost is $575 for up to 8 people and includes a guide, lunch and refreshments, shuttle service, launch fees if applicable, and all equipment needed.
Past Tours
Secrets of the Wacissa – a 6-hour paddle from Goose Pasture all the way to Nutall Rise, down the legendarily wild Slave Canal. Braided channels, rapids, swallets, fossils, and beautiful swamp wilderness…
Wakulla’s Mysterious Waters – a 5-hour canoe paddle down the Wakulla River. We explored hidden channels and had close encounters with manatees, turtles, and so much more!
