RiverFest Plant Hike – A Bottomland Hardwood Forest with Guide Colette Jacono PhD

Experience the magic of the bottomland forest of the lower Santa Fe River in early spring when green sprays tint the high canopy and lilies carpet the ground. Traverse the karst landscape dominated by hornbeam and elm, learn the diverse species of trees, shrubs and herbs, hunt for the elusive water locust pond, and discover ancient oaks as we ramble from riverbank to upper terrace. The species comprising this unique ecosystem have likely changed little in the past 20,000 years. Habitat for salamanders and screech owls, it is protected in conservation under the SRWMD.

$20* donation; limited to 25 people

Dr. Jacono is a botanist and plant ecologist specializing in aquatic and wetland plants ears in Florida for twenty years. She believes that only through understanding and recognition of the ecosystem services provided by the Suwannee River in its entirety, can preservation of the Santa Fe be fully attained.

Saturday, March 19, 9:00 am – 11:00am
Meet at the Gilchrist Co. Santa Fe Park lot, just SE of the Hwy 47 Bridge**
Wear boots or shoes that can handle possible mud and wet.

* Show your proof of purchase for this plant hike and/or the paddle at the gate and get $5 off admission to the RiverFest Celebration, Sunday, March 27th.

**Gilchrist County Santa Fe River Park, State Rd 47, High Springs, FL 32643, at the 47 Bridge Boat Ramp. Parking will be free to those attending. The area of the park to meet is the most eastern side of the parking lot. Someone from OSFR will be there by 8:45 a.m. Link to Google Map