• Interpretive Hikes

  "Woods to Water - Making the Connection" takes visitors on a half-day interpretive hike, from the forested sandhills of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, through pine flatwoods down to the Wekiva River at Katie's Landing. Aquatic preserve staff and guest interpreters guide this one-mile hike, explaining the complex relationship between the dry uplands and the wetter lowlands. At the river, dip netting provides an intriguing avenue of discovery into the underwater world of the river. "Woods to Water" is an excellent introduction to the Wekiva Basin for those who are new to its wonders and an intriguing experience for those already familiar with the basin's beauty.
  
  Originally designed for kids, this program has been restructured to include a kids/family hike and a separate adult hike. Whether you choose the family hike or the adult hike, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty of the Wekiva basin. Family and adult hikes are available on regularly scheduled weekend dates from November through April. Group hikes are by appointment only but may be scheduled during the week or on weekends. For further information, to make an appointment or register, call or e-mail the education coordinator.

• Presentations

  Narrated slideshow presentations on the following topics are available for schools, civic groups, homeowners' associations, scouting groups and others:
  • Clean Water - Who Needs It?
  • Wildlife of the Wekiva - St. Johns Rivers
  • Recreational Opportunities in the Wekiva/St. Johns Basin

• Community Festivals

  The aquatic preserve staffs a booth at numerous community festivals throughout the year including:
  • Fall Fest and River Fest held at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka.
  • Manatee Festival at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City.
  • Various events at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford.
  • Earth Day celebration at Kelly Park in Apopka.
  • Owl Fest at the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka.
  Information on the Wekiva and St. Johns Rivers, wildlife, conservation, recreation, and water resources and quality is available at these events. For dates and exact locations, check the calendar.

• The Promise of the Wekiva

  The Promise of the Wekiva, a magazine created in partnership with the Rotary Club of South Seminole County, is designed to inform its readers of the Wekiva River Promise program's mission to encourage awareness of the ecological value of the Wekiva River Basin and encourage personal stewardship through individual actions. The magazine asks that individuals make a promise to protect the river.

• Educational Materials

  The aquatic preserve provides teacher packets to educators, scout leaders, and home-schooling parents. These packets include valuable resource materials on environmental science. Quantities are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive yours, contact our education coordinator or pick up one at your local community festival or presentation event.

Contact

Barbara Howell
Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve
8300 W. State Road 46
Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 330-6727
Barbara.Howell@dep.state.fl.us