Florida

Kayaking North Florida’s Sacred Springs & Rivers

Program No. 23541RJ
Kayak along North Florida’s artesian springs and rivers, learning about sustainability, conservation and ecology from the locals who advocate to protect the crystal-clear waters.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

The artesian springs of North Florida flow together to create a unique ecosystem and habitat for local wildlife — and their gentle, aqua-blue waters provide the perfect classroom for learning about this ecosystem and habitat by kayak! Find out about the threats that these springs (and the Floridian Aquifer that feeds them) face from human activity and how local activists like the Florida Springs Institute advocate to ensure clean water. As you paddle along the sparkling springs from Ichnetucknee to Ginnie Springs, learn about these environmental issues from local experts who are at the forefront of local conservation efforts.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Kayaking for several hours each day.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Stroll through Sweetwater Wetland Park, one of Florida’s best birding sites, and find out about Alachua County’s citizen-driven initiative to create clean water.
  • Take part in classroom lectures on topics from sustainability to ecology and cultural history of the area.
  • Enjoy kayaking with Gainesville native Lars Andersen whose 20 years of knowledge and expertise are unmatched.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. Almost all rooms have one queen bed. Road Scholar roommate matches and request for two beds are unable to be accommodated with this program. A low single supplement is available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Lars Andersen
Lars Anderson is a history and wildlife author with more than 35 years of experience exploring Florida’s wildest places. He has published works about North Florida and Georgia including his most recent project: “The Paddlers Guide to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail,” published by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Lars’s knowledge and understanding of the area’s cultural and natural history helps make each Road Scholar program a meaningful and educational exploration of the “real” Florida.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Gayle Felix
Gayle Felix View biography
Gayle Felix has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2015. She grew up and raised her family outside of Boston and now resides in Hingham, Massachusetts. With a history/American studies degree from Boston University, she enjoys sharing the history of Boston and surrounding areas. Gayle has led programs in New England; Washington, DC; and other areas in the United States. Gayle enjoys being with her family and friends, biking, kayaking, golfing, and hiking. She especially enjoys traveling and meeting new people.
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Anne Casella View biography
Anne Casella is a retired faculty from the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida. She is an avid gardener and bird watcher and serves on the Conservation Committee of the Alachua Audubon Society. She is also a program reviewer and site visitor for the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Whenever she is able, she travels widely to seek out new birds.
Profile Image of Lars Andersen
Lars Andersen View biography
Lars Anderson is a history and wildlife author with more than 35 years of experience exploring Florida’s wildest places. He has published works about North Florida and Georgia including his most recent project: “The Paddlers Guide to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail,” published by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Lars’s knowledge and understanding of the area’s cultural and natural history helps make each Road Scholar program a meaningful and educational exploration of the “real” Florida.
Profile Image of Robert Knight
Robert Knight View biography
Dr. Robert Knight is the founder and director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, a nonprofit program dedicated to supporting science and education for restoration and wise management of Florida’s artesian springs. Dr. Knight is an environmental scientist with more than 40 years of professional experience, including detailed ecological studies at more than 20 large springs. He is former adjunct professor at the University of Florida Dept. of Environmental Engineering and Sciences where he taught graduate level classes on Florida’s springs and wetlands.
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