Walking Nature Tour of Wekiva

Meet the Wekiva, Up Close and Personal Learn about our treasure that has been described as the "premier ecological jewel" ---the Wekiva River system and its surrounding land. Cost includes two classes, (1) classroom and (2)interactive walking tour at Wekiva Island. The Wekiva, its 31 springs, and three tributaries are one of the best protected river systems in all of Florida. Why is this Wekiva so unique? Why has over 110 square miles of its basin been protected ? Why have so many laws been written to safeguard the Wekiva? What does the health of our Wekiva tell us about the health of our limestone aquifer below and what ultimately do we gain by ensuring this rare river systems is protected? Part I: Up Close: In this in class , naturalist, author and documentary filmmaker Bill Belleville introduces us to the essential values of the river. Via an electronic presentation Bill shows us how the river is mapped, illustrates some of the primary "natural habitats" that make up this complex system, and helps us identify some of the rare animals and plants that distinguish the Wekiva. Also we learn about a long and extended history in which humans have been living on and around this river for the last 10,000 years. Part II: Personal: After the photo-driven presentation, Bill then takes us on a walking tour along the Wekiva River and helps us identify some of the native habitats. Along the way, we learn about how individual animals---mammals, birds, fish---make their "living" here and we look for signs to understand the best times of the day to observe individual animals. Despite many challenges that would have turned today's Wekiva River basin into a gridwork of developed real estate, we see a river that in many ways hasn't changed since the pre-Columbians (known as the Mayaca and Timucua) lived here. Finally, we come away with a valuable list of resources we can use to continue to learn more about the Wekiva---including how we can be part of a pro-active campaign to help ensure the sustainability of this fragile and wild resource. Register at www.ceneterforanimaltherapies.com, [masked], [masked]