On Saturday March 26, Audubon of Florida co-hosted the inaugural Northwest Florida Water Festival with nearly 10 other outdoor recreation and conservation organizations, including the Panhandle Chapter of the Florida Trails Association, the Florida Native Plant Society, Bay County Audubon, Walton Outdoors, Save Sandhill Lakes Coalition, Falling Waters State Park, Save the Wacissa and the Florida Paddling Trails Association.

It was a great day in and around Ebro, Florida with events held in Pine Log State Forest (Florida's oldest State Forest) and on the incredible Choctawhatchee River. Events included a "Bog" Walk, hosted by Neil Lamb, President of Bay County Audubon and a Nature Walk hosted by the always gracious Ron Peterson of the Florida Trails Association.

Easily, the first highlight of the day was the snake exhibit from Falling Waters State Park, which certainly kept children's attention as Scott, the Park Ranger, explained about how these creatures rely on Florida's incredible natural resources to live. This hands-on experience was held at the Ebro Town Hall, along with educational and informational tables from the aforementioned groups.

Each of the hiking activities was co-hosted by Ed Keppner of the Florida Native Plant Society, who helped attendees identify native plants that occupy shoreline habitats. One birding highlight of the hikes was the seemingly omnipresent call of the Parula Warbler; its distinctive buzzing call echoed through the tall trees of Pine Log. Also of note was the spotting of over 12 different kinds of dragonflies! The hikes were a great way for folks to get a chance to explore natural Florida and see, first-hand, how important our water resources are to keeping Florida beautiful and diverse.

Of course, what would a Water Festival be without kayaking? Our good friends at Walton Outdoors, who also happen to be members of Choctawhatchee Audubon Society, helped lead both seasoned and amateur kayakers on excursions onto one of Florida's most beautiful rivers. We knew that once people get a chance to glide on top of one of Florida's one-of-a-kind rivers, streams and lakes that they would be hooked for life! See the picture above as a group of kayakers paddle to explore an uninhabited island in the middle of the Choctawhatchee River.

In all it was a great day - good people, good times and the incredible natural resources of Northwest Florida. What more could anyone want? Thanks to everyone for their commitment to protecting natural Florida!

 

See you next year!