Wakulla Wildlife Festival 2010

A Resource Guide produced by

The Wakulla News

InsIde • Activities and Tour Information• Photo Contest Winners• Schedule of Events

2010 Wakulla Wildlife Festival& Wild About Wakulla Week Special Events

Wakulla SpringsMarch 19-20

Photo By Jeff True

Wildlife Festival Sponsors Page 2W-THE WAKULLA NEWS Wakulla Wildlife Festival Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Wakulla NewsWakulla Bank

Howard KesslerBest Western Garden Inn & Suites

Bluewater Realty GroupFSU Credit Union

Live the Life

Joseph E. Morgan ElectricDowntown AutomotiveDrs. Carey and Jones

Gulf Specimen Marine LabSPI

SLD Nursery & Tree Farm

We appreciate the advertisers that made this section possible:

Thursday, March 4, 2010 Wakulla Wildlife Festival THE WAKULLA NEWS-Page 3W

Two Sections

75 CentsPublished Weekly,Read Daily

Serving Wakulla County For More Than A CenturyOur 115th Year, 7th Issue Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010

The Wakulla News OF INTEREST Rotary Valentine Parade photos ......... Page 12A

Hands Across the Sand ....................Page 8B&Please turn to Page 1B

Big Bend spelling bee

winnerConnor Keith, a 12-year-

old student at Wakulla Mid-

dle School, won the Big

Bend Regional Spelling Bee

over the weekend – the fi rst-

ever winner from Wakulla

County.Keith, from Tallahassee,

is the daughter of Kristi

and Jonathan Keith. Keith’s

mother is a teacher at Wakul-

la High School.Keith was the winner of

the school spelling bee in

fourth and fi fth grades. She

participated in the Brain

Bowl, is on the All “A” Honor

Roll, loves technology class,

and is a member of the

drama club. Asked what helped her

win, she answered: “I stud-

Fishers ask for help against ‘corrupt’ FWCBy WILLIAM SNOWDEN

[email protected]

Members of the Wakulla

legislative delegation heard

numerous complaints about

the state Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission

– and some of the words

used to describe the agency

included “corrupt,” “evil,”

and “drunk with power.”Commercial fIshermen have

insisted for years that the small

mesh mullet nets the state re-

quires them to use are not viable,

and harvest only undersized mul-

let and other bycatch. Contending

the FWC isn’t answerable to any-

body in making its regulations,

fishermen asked legislators to

use their control over the wildlife

agency’s budget to pressure them

to negotiate.It wouldn’t work, said Sen. Al

Lawson (D-Tallahassee), because

the majority of legislators don’t

understand the problem and

think there’s no problem with

fi sheries regulation.Lawson, who is being forced

out of offi ce by term limits after

28 years in the legislature, said

he had been frustrated by past

attempts to solve the net problem.

Every time there’s a solution pro-

posed and he thinks the problem

is resolved, he turns around to

fi nd nothing has changed.The other members of Wakul-

la’s legislative delegation – state

representatives Marti Coley (R-

Marianna) and Leonard Bembry

(D-Greenville) – also expressed

their support at a public hear-

ing in Crawfordville on Tuesday,

Feb. 9.Coley went so far as to suggest

taking a look at making the FWC,

as well as the Public Service Com-

mission, elected offices rather

than appointed.

The FWC was created by consti-

tutional amendment that merged

the Marine Fisheries Commission

and the Game and Fish Commis-

sion into one regulatory agency. It

was touted as a means to remove

politics from wildlife regulation,

but fi shermen have criticized the

agency as having uncontrolled

power – with no oversight from

the legislature, and a reluctance

by the courts to intercede given

the legal presumption that the

agency has specifi c expertise in

what it does.

Continued on Page 5A

Kesslertreated for

malariaBy WILLIAM SNOWDEN

[email protected]

County Commission Chairman

Howard Kessler is being treated for

malaria, which he appears to con-

tracted during his recent medical

mission to assist earthquake survi-

vors in Haiti.“I don’t have the fear and chills

anymore or the real bad symptoms

of malaria,” Kessler said on Tuesday,

Feb. 16, before the start of a county

commission meeting.He was planning to chair the meet-

ing. “I’m going to try it out and if it

looks like I can’t make it, I may have

Connor Keith

Lady War Eagles Fall

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Page 4W-THE WAKULLA NEWS Wakulla Wildlife Festival Thursday, March 4, 2010

Wild About Wakulla Week Special EventsWhile the Wakulla Wildlife Festival is the key-

stone event of Wild about Wakulla Week, other venues leading up to the festival will highlight the magnificent natural beauty of other areas through-out Wakulla County. Please plan your Wild about Wakulla adventures during the week of March 15-21, 2010. You can discover more activities by visit-ing the links at www.WakullaWildlifeFestival.org.

Panacea Tuesday March 16, 2010

Wildflower Walk in the Woods (Tuesday, March 16, from 3—5 PM). Join renowned FSU Botanist Dr. Loran Anderson for a moderate hike by pine flatwoods and depression ponds to view early spring flowers and shrubs. We will begin the tour at Otter Lake picnic area west of Panacea. Call St. Marks Refuge Visitor Center to sign up, space is limited. (850) 925-6121

Cast Net Demonstration – Crum’s Mini Mall.

Oyster Shucking Demonstration – Mineral Springs Seafood.

Taste of Wakulla Specials at Posey’s Steam Room.

Discount on Admission to Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.

Other businesses offering Wild About Wakulla specials.

Sopchoppy Wednesday March 17, 2010

St. Patrick’s DayStinger’s Bee Company will offer a tour of

their bee farm.

George Griffin Pottery will have open house to feature his art and pottery.

Scratch Cakes restaurant serves country breakfast, country style buffet for lunch, and evening meals.

Sally’s restaurant has a local flavor country buffet for lunch as well as dinner menu.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is of-fering a free behind the gates tour of Karst features in the area. Join karst features expert Cal Jamison for this rarely featured tour. Call St. Marks Refuge Visitor Center to sign up, space is limited.(850) 925-6121

Back Woods Bistro will offer a promotional give-away for Wild About Wakulla participants. They have a good dinner menu and evening atmosphere.

Frank Lindamood, Gabriel Butterfield & Friends, and the Johnny Marshall Band play-ing at Frog and Hummingbird Co. starting at 7 p.m.

All downtown shops will be open includ-ing Sopchoppy Grocery, Sister’s Antiques, SnapDragon, Senior Citizens Thrift Store, and Posh. Get your fishing supplies at Lou’s Bait & Tackle and your camping gear at Sopchoppy Hardware.

St. Marks Thursday March 18, 2010

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park located at 148 Old Fort Rd, open 9:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. Thursday – Monday, museum fee is $2.00 per person, children under 5: are free, there is no entrance fee to the park. Their web-site is www.floridastateparks.org/sanmarcos

St. Marks Waterfronts Florida Partnerships will be hosting a fish fry at the Wakulla River City Park from 5:00 p.m. til 7:00 p.m. A good old-fashioned fish fry at $10 per plate. Tickets available at local businesses or call 509-1062.

Ranger Andy Edel and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge are offering a rare opportuntiy to visit the St Marks Lighthouse in the evening.

“Join us for our annual lantern tour on March 18th at 7;30pm to see what lighthouse keepers and their families experienced in the 19th century at the St Marks Lighthouse.

Also learn about some of the great storms and heroes of the Lighthouse Service.”

Tour is free, entrance fees apply (5.00$/ve-hicle) Call (850) 925-6121 to sign up.

T~n~T Hide-a-way, Inc., located at 6527 Coastal Hwy., on the Wakulla River, will be of-fering canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttles will be offered at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to the Upper Bridge for the paddle down river in search of manatees. Cost is $35 per person for kayaks and $40 for 2 person canoes. To make reservations or for more information call T~n~T at (850) 925-6412 or visit their website at www.tnthideaway.com.

The Wilderness Way, located at 3152 Shadeville Rd., Crawfordville, will be offer-ing Bike rentals: 2 for 1 rates all week long, Cruiser bikes $15 (1-4 hours).

Monday, March 15, Wakulla River kayak eco-adventure: $42 per person includes kayak, guide, transportation and refreshments.

Friday, March 19, Lower St. Marks Coastal kayak eco-adventure: $52 per person includes kayak, guide, transportation and picnic lunch. Advanced beginner level trip.

Sat, March 20, Wakulla River kayak eco-ad-venture: $42 per person includes kayak, guide, transportation and refreshments.

For more information contact them at 850.877.7200 or visit their website at www.thewildernessway.net.

St. Marks Outfitters will offer 1 to 2 hour trips on a Carolina skiff to the Gulf of Mexico to view the wildlife and St. Marks Refuge. For prices and schedules contact Capt. Mike Mc-Namara at (850)510-7919 or visit their website at www.stmarksoutfitters.com.

Shell Island Fish Camp will be hosting an open house, visit their historical fish camp that has been in the Hobbs family since 1962. Guided fishing trips, motel and cabin lodging is available with a full marina and boat rental. Call (850) 925-6226 or visit their website at www.shellislandfishcamp.com.

Lodging is available at the Sweet Magnolia Bed and Breakfast in St. Marks located at 803 Port Leon Dr. Call for availability and to make reservations at (850) 925-7670 or visit their website at www.sweetmagnolia.com.

(850) 984-5297222 Clark Dr. Panacea www.gulfspecimen.org

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc.

Come Explore Local Marine LifeSea Water Tanks, Aquariums & Touch Tanks

a non profit/tax exempt organization

Tuesday 3/16Guided Tour • 2pm $750

Special General Admission $500

If not taking tour

SPIRestaurant Equipment & Supplies

Open to the public Mon-Fri 8-5

(850)-984-4406872 Coastal Hwy.

Panacea FL, 32346

Bring in Ad for

Expires: April 4,2010

10% OFF


Keep Wakulla special!

251 Levy Bay RoadPanacea, Florida 32346

RE-ELECT

Howard Kessler, M.D.Wakulla County Commission,

District 4To help keep Wakulla special, mail your check made out to Howard Kessler Campaign to:

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[email protected](850) 984-4933

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Please plan to stop by our HOSPITALITY HUB in the pavilion at the Wakulla River City Park located in St. Marks. Green Guides will be on hand to welcome you, provide area maps, attractions, restaurant & tour information, and to answer your questions.

Explore the natural wonders of Wakulla County with premium guided tours. All tours will be led by Certified Green Guides. Space is limited on many tours, so pre-registration is required. The cost listed is per person. It is important to consider travel time between locations when planning your day! Tour lengths are approximate and may be slightly shorter or longer depending on your group.

Visit www.PalmettoExpeditions.com for tour pre-registrations and complete tour descriptions.

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010 ST. MARKS, FL

9:00 – 11:00 AM Wildlife/birding Walk & Talk With George Weymouth $159:00 – 11:00 AM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $459:30 AM - 2:30 PM Kayak & Canoes with Jim Dulock $20-kayak $35-canoe10:00 - 11:30 AM Discover Fort San Marcos De Apalache with Phil Gerrell $1510:00 – NOON Two Rivers Scenic Paddling Tour with Marie Ann Luber $3510:00 – NOON “A Clay Experience” with Nancy Jefferson $2510:00 AM –2:00 PM Scenic Boat Tour at Spring Creek with Captain Jody Campbell $651:00 – 3:00 PM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $452:00 – 3:30 PMNaturalBridgeConfederateBattlefield$152:00 – 4:00 PM Wildlife Paddle On The Wakulla River with George Weymouth $35

Other official Certified Green Guide businesses available to meet your guiding and outfitting needs: St. Marks outfitters/T-n-T Hide-a-Way.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 PANACEA, FL

9:00 – 11:00 AM Seashore Wildlife Walk & Talk with George Weymouth $159:00 – 11:00 AM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour on the Wakulla River with Kent Mayer $459:00 AM – 11:30 AM “Liquid Emeralds” – The Sinks Of Wakulla with Marie Ann Luber $209:30 AM - 2:30 PM Kayaks & Canoes with Jim Dulock $3510:00 AM – NOON “A Clay Experience” with Nancy Jefferson $2510:00 AM –2:00 PM Ochlockonee Adventure with Captain Karen Parsons $6510:00 AM –2:00 PM Scenic Boat Tour at Spring Creek with Captain Jody Campbell $651:00 – 3:00 PM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $452:00 – 4:30 PM “Liquid Emeralds” – The Sinks Of Wakulla with Marie Ann Luber $202:00 – 5:00 PM Dickerson Bay Wildlife Paddling Tour with George Weymouth $402:00- 3:00 PM “Endless Living Treaures” Gulf Specimen Marine Lab Tour - Cypress Rudloe $7.504:00 - 6:00 PM Late Afternoon Nature Photography Hike with Jo Barksdale $12

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 SOPCHOPPY, FL

8:30 – 10:30 AM A Nature Walk In The Park with George Weymouth $158:30 - 10:30 AM “A Clay Experience” with Nancy Jefferson $259:00 – 11:00 AM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $459:00 AM –11:30 AM “Liquid Emeralds” – The Sinks Of Wakulla with Marie Ann Luber $209:30 AM - 2:30 PM Kayaks & Canoes On The Sopchoppy River with Jimmy Dulock $2010:00 - NOON Florida Trail Hike – Sopchoppy Section with Lesley Cox $2010:00 AM –2:00 PM Scenic Boat Tour at Spring Creek with Captain Jody Campbell $6510:30 – 11:30 AM Historic Sopchoppy Walking Tour with Nelson Martin $101:00 - 2:00 PM Sopchoppy Princess Royal Walking Tour with Cindy Strickland Jordan $10

1:00 – 3:00 PM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $452:00 - 4:00 PM Found Flora Transforming Backyard Bounty To Indoor Beauty - Claudia Montany $252:00 – 4:00 PM Wildlife Paddle On The Sopchoppy River with George Weymouth $352:00 – 4:30 PM “Liquid Emeralds” – The Sinks Of Wakulla with Marie Anne Luber $20

Continued on page 8

Wild About Wakulla Week Tours offered by Palmetto Expeditions

Congratulations Winners!!!of The Wakulla News’ 2010 Wakulla Wildlife Photography Contest.

All entries will be on display at the Wakulla Springs Lodge during the festival and will appear in a slideshow on our website: www.thewakullanews.com

Photographer Lee McHugh

Photographer Lois Hostnick

Photographer Dara Galloway (Age 7)

MEMBER FDICProud Supporter of

The 2010 Wakulla Wildlife Festival

Page 6W - The Wakulla News Wakulla Wildlife Festival Thursday, March 4, 2010

Congratulations Winners!!!of The Wakulla News’ 2010 Wakulla Wildlife Photography Contest.

All entries will be on display at the Wakulla Springs Lodge during the festival and will appear in a slideshow on our website: www.thewakullanews.com

Photographer Lois Hostnick

Photographer Lee McHugh

PhotographerJoAnn Palmer

MEMBER FDICProud Supporter of

The 2010 Wakulla Wildlife Festival

Honorable Mention

Photographer Jeff True

Thursday, March 4, 2010 Wakulla Wildlife Festival The Wakulla News - Page 7W


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Please plan to stop by our HOSPITALITY HUB in the pavilion at the Wakulla River City Park located in St. Marks. Green Guides will be on hand to welcome you, provide area maps, attractions, restaurant & tour information, and to answer your questions.

Explore the natural wonders of Wakulla County with premium guided tours. All tours will be led by Certified Green Guides. Space is limited on many tours, so pre-registration is required. The cost listed is per person. It is important to consider travel time between locations when planning your day! Tour lengths are approximate and may be slightly shorter or longer depending on your group.

Visit www.PalmettoExpeditions.com for tour pre-registrations and complete tour descriptions.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18

9:00 – 11:00 AM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $4510:00 AM –2:00 PM Scenic Boat Tour at Spring Creek with Captain Jody Campbell $651:00 – 3:00 PM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $45

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

9:00 – 11:00 AM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $4510:00 AM –2:00 PM Scenic Boat Tour at Spring Creek with Captain Jody Campbell $651:00 – 3:00 PM Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Kent Mayer $45

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

10:00 AM –2:00 PM Scenic Boat Tour at Spring Creek with Captain Jody Campbell $65

Wild About Wakulla Week Tours offered by Palmetto Expeditions

continued from page 5

COMPLETEAUTO

REPAIR Lee & Rusty-Celebrating 8th year-

We Service All Makes

& Models!926-7883764 Shadeville Rd.Open: M-F 7:30 - 6:00 • Open Saturday

Photo by Frank Thornton


One of the great social events of the Festival is the Wildlife Art Grand Opening to be held on Friday evening March 19th from 6:30-9:30 pm.

The Wakulla Springs Lodge welcomes both local visitors and guests from around the nation who appreciate the fine work of our regional artisans. Shell carvings, oil and watercolor paint-ings, photo art, historic and contemporary clay sculpture tempt those in attendance to bring a piece of art capturing the natural beauty of the

area home.If music is what feelings sound like, then

Jonny Lipford captures an expanse of human emotion with his Native American flute. His contemporary sound mingled with his heartfelt passion for every note, creates a connection with his listeners. It is a haunting reminder of the quality of life enjoyed in a region touted as “The Natural Place to Be.”

The silent auction is a favorite way to sup-port the Wakulla Wildlife Festival. It is also a

great way to view samples of the artist’s work and acquire fine art at a consumer determined value. Bidding begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 9:10pm. Winners are welcome to claim their prizes at the end of bidding.

Complementary hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar offering wine and beer punctuate an evening enhanced with fine food designed to tempt the palette. Order off the menu in the Ball Room Restaurant to titillate the taste buds with fine Southern cuisine. Make reservations for your

special evening out by calling (850) 926-0700.Continue to enjoy the Wildlife Art Show on

Saturday, March 20th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Normal park entrance fees will apply.

Art on the TerraceFriday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20

Step back into the not so distant past to engage the hard working folks of the Big Bend as

they labor to live off this bountiful land. Witness the art of Native American needle basket creation. Stand before the spinner’s wheel as cotton, wool, and silk are spun into the yarn used for weaving. Watch the sparks fly as a smithy hammers iron to his whim in the blacksmith’s forge.

Using tools and techniques familiar to ancient peoples, a flintknapper manufactures and displays arrowheads, knife blades, and spear points. A moonshiner from the late 1800’s plies his craft while “U.S. Soldiers” from the 1830’s and 40’s take you back to the drama of the Seminole Wars.

Your $6 per vehicle donation to the Friends of Wakulla Springs at the park entrance opens the past to your gaze.

Living History DemonstrationsSaturday , March 20th

SLD NurSery aND

Tree Farm

www.drscareyandjones.com

for Children and Adults


CHILDREN’S TOURS!Friday , March 19, 2010

7:00-9:00pm #4 Spiders Up Close and in the Dark - Spiders are fascinating, and the webs they weave are incredible in archi-tecture, engineering & design. Join Spider expert Dave Gowan for a detailed presenta-tion about our spiders; then go out in the dark to actually find them! Bring flashlight or headlamp for each person, any spiders from home you’d like identified and a clear plastic container with lid. Presentation be-gins in the Pavilion at Wakulla Springs State Park. $5 per child. Accompanying adult no charge. Pre-registration required.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

8:30-9:30am #14 The Magic of Bird Banding - Meet Jim Cox and Jessica Lux with Tall Timbers Research Station as they demonstrate bird banding and the information that can only be gathered with a bird in the hand. Get up close and personal with winged wonders and learn

how bird banding has unveiled the myster-ies of migration and survival in the avian realm. Create memories with your child as you marvel together at beautiful birds and the critical information banding provides. Meet behind the Concession Building at Wakulla Springs State Park. $5 per child. Accompanying adult no charge. Pre-reg-istration required.

9:30-10:30am #15 The Magic of Bird Banding - This repeat presentation of the above is a must see for a child with an accompanying adult. $5 per child. Accom-panying adult no charge. Pre-registration required.

12:30-1:30pm #16 We t l a n d Wonders - Join Ranger Jeff as he leads a hands-on virtual exploration of the park’s wetlands. Measure a gator skull and count its teeth. Discover how weak acids affect our limestone bedrock. See how many creatures you can identify from the Cypress Dome. $5 per child. Accompanying adult no charge. Meet in the Pavilion Building, Wakulla Springs State Park. Pre-registration required.

10:30 - 11:30 am “Flying Flowers” of the Florida Panhandle - Get to know the common butter-flies that thrive in the Florida Panhandle. Let Bill Boothe, a local naturalist, writer, wildlife photographer, and president of the North American Butterfly Association, open your eyes to the joy of inviting these “flying flowers” to your back yard. Meet in the Dogwood Pavilion Building, Wakulla Springs State Park.

10:30 - 11:30 am Reptile Show – Join Scott Courdin and Jackie Entz of the Center for Wildlife Education, Georgia Southern Uni-versity, for an exciting show. Be mesmerized as you safely witness what so many fear. Discover first -hand the benefit native species play in our environment and how exotic reptiles threaten the stability of our fragile ecosystems. Partici-pate in a hands-on reptile encounter!Meet in the Outdoor Amphitheatre by the Picnic area in Wakulla Springs State Park.

10:30—11:30am Scrub Oaks - The traditional music of Scrub Oaks is sure to please. Bring your family together to share some quality time to mark special moments to remember.

11:30-12:30 am Birds of Prey/Raptor Show - Scott Courdin and Jackie Entz of the Center for Wildlife Education, Georgia Southern University, bring their expertise to the Park to perform fascinating flight demonstrations of various raptors. Eagles, hawks and owls swoop overhead while Steve and David present predator/prey relations and raptors as indica-tors of environmental health. There will be considerable audience participation as they offer opportunities to get up close and personal with their feathered ambassadors. Meet in the Outdoor Amphitheatre by the Picnic area in Wakulla Springs State Park.

11:45am—12:45pm Coon Bottom Creek - Coon Bottom Creek embraces the friendly sound of Bluegrass. Grab a bite to eat and settle back for some Southern hospitality in front of the Azalea Shelter.

12:45am—1:00pm Happy 75th Anniversary Florida State Parks!

1:15-2:15pm Reptile/Amphibian Show - Scott Courdin and Jackie Entz of the Center for Wildlife Education, Georgia Southern Univer-sity, return for a 2nd show, same as 10:30 am presentation above.

1:00 –2:00pm The Hot Pepper Steppers - The Hot Pepper Steppers have been performing Mountain-style Appalachian clogging since their inception in 1988.You may feel inclined to join them in their traditional green grass performance with a few fancy foot steps of your own.

2:00-3:00pm The Wakulla Springs Cave System - Woodville Karst Plain Project divers cover the ongoing exploration and research within the watery caves hundreds of feet beneath us. Join project divers on a video excursion into a dangerous and hauntingly beautiful world as they work to explore and protect the longest cave system in the world. Meet in the Dogwood Pavilion Building, Wakulla Springs State Park.

2:15 –3:15pm Pickin’ and Grinnin’ - Come to the picnic area in front of the Azalea Shelter and feel your heart race to the jubilant bluegrass sounds of Pickin’ and Grinnin’. See if you can resist the urge to tap your toes to this great local sound.

2:30-3:30pm Birds of Prey/Raptor Show - Scott Courdin and Jackie Entz of the Center for Wildlife Education at Georgia Southern repeat the raptor show. Same as 11:30 am show above.

3:00-4:00pm Mysterious Waters, Discovering Connections in the Woodville Karst Plain - Meet the expert, Dr. Todd Kincaid, as he shares our cur-rent understanding of the groundwater/surface water flow through the Woodville Karst Plain (our sinkhole and tunnel-riddled limestone bedrock). He will present how groundwater tracing studies are being used to identify con-nections between surface water runoff, spring discharge, and Apalachee Bay, and how all of these are impacted by groundwater withdrawals and sea-level rise. Water quality and quantity at Wakulla Springs and in the Floridan aquifer affect animal, plant and human life throughout Wakulla County and into Apalachee Bay. Ask questions. Be informed. Meet in the Dogwood Pavilion Building, Wakulla Springs State Park.

3:30 –4:15pm Jonny Lipford - The contem-porary Native American Flute of Jonny Lipford soothes the spirit and opens the mind. Enjoy the esoteric melodies revealed in front of the Azalea Shelter.

Edutainment

Register for Children’s Tours at WakullaWildlifeFestival.org

Saturday, March 20th at Wakulla Springs State Park


PREMIUM TOURS!Guided premium tour descriptions

Space is limited on many tours, so pre-reg-istration is required. The cost for premium tours is per person.

Almost all of the events take place on the main park grounds. The Liquid Gems Tour is the one exception. It begins in the parking lot of the River Sinks Tract of the park. (See Map)

Special children’s programs are a new addi-tion to the festival’s events. They are designed with hands-on activities to entice inquiring minds. An accompanying adult is allowed at no charge with each paying child ages 4-12. Scholarships are available for children’s tours. Please see the website for details (www.Wakul-laWildlifeFestival.org).

Friday, March 19th, 2010

5:00-7:30pm #1 Evening Light Photog-raphy Tour—Join photographer, naturalist and author Doug Alderson as you explore the use of late afternoon light in nature photography. Glide down the Wakulla River in a tour boat to use this remarkable setting and its nearby wildlife as subjects with which to practice newly developed skills. Be sure to bring your camera to be able to join in the fun! Meet in the Pavilion at Wakulla Springs State Park. $15 Pre-registration required.

7:00 -8:30pm #2 Owl Prowl– Go beyond the search for Wakulla Springs’ feathered evening predators — the owls. Begin with the entrancing aerial dance of the park’s flock of chimney swifts as they prepare to roost . Join Park Ranger Patty Wilbur as she opens your eyes to the marvelous bird life present in the park at dusk and early evening. Meet in the Edward Ball Room in the Lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park. $10 Pre-registration required.

8:00 - 9:30pm #3 Sounds of the Night - Wakulla River Boat Tour - A unique opportu-nity to join Florida Park Service Biologist Dana C. Bryan as you voyage the Wakulla River on a

rare night cruise. Give ear to the night’s sym-phony which may include frogs, toads, cicadas, owls, and perhaps even a gator bellow. Shine for bright red gator eyes! Bring bug repellent and a strong flashlight or spotlight. Meet at Wakulla Springs State Park, waterfront building at the boat docks. $15 Pre-registration required.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

7:00- 8:30am #5 Sunrise Se-renity Cruise - Join Florida Park Service Biologist Dana C. Bryan on a dawn Wakulla Springs boat tour. Savor the tranquility as the early morning light triggers the dawn chorus and breakfast activity of birds on the river. Bring binoculars, cameras, insect repellant (just in case), and a flashlight to help you navigate in the pre-dawn darkness. Meet at the Wakulla Springs State Park, waterfront building at the boat docks. $15 Pre-registration required.

9:00-10:30am #6 Songbird Tour - Wakulla Springs is a Mecca for songbirds. Join Park Ranger Patty Wilbur to seek out the winter residents and possible new spring arrivals. Bring binoculars and a filed guide to enhance your experience. Meet at the Tour Headquarters, Wakulla Springs State Park. $10 Pre-registra-tion required

9:15-11:15am #7 River Road Neo-tropical Birding Tour - Enter an untouched old growth southern forest with Green Guides Mark and Selena Kiser. They will guide a small group of birders on a two-hour trip along the River Road which is accessible only on guided tours. The group will look for those hard to find species typically found in this extraordinary environ-ment. This will be a special opportunity. Space is limited so sign up early. Meet at the Tour Headquarters, Wakulla Springs State Park. $15 Pre-registration required.

9:00-Noon #8 “Liquid Gems” —The Sinks of the Wakulla Basin- Explore the unique geological wonderland of northern Wakulla county. Follow Cal Jamison, Springs Ambas-

sador for Wakulla Springs, on an unforgettable journey to explore the beautiful sinks that are so special to this area. The tour will begin at the River Sink Parking lot and take you across the Wakulla Springs recharge area. Visit what few eyes have ever seen and discover how these “windows” on the aquifer impact our lives. Meet in the parking lot of the River Sinks Tract just south of the Leon/Wakulla County line at the SE corner of US Highway 319 and CJ Spears Road (go through open gate 100 feet on dirt road to gravel parking lot). $15 Pre-reg-istration required.

9:30am-noon #9 Nature Photography Class/Boat Photo Tour - This workshop looks at different types of camera equipment and accessories, but the main focus is on develop-ing a “photographic eye”. Bring some of your photos for “show and tell,” either in print form or in a format for showing with a PowerPoint projector (5 maximum). View slides, judge win-ning photos, and then embark on a slower than usual Wakulla River boat cruise to take some of your own photographs. Bring any type of camera, but you’ll have more fun with a zoom or telephoto lens. Workshop leaders – Lou and Betsy Kellenberger. Meet Upstairs in the Ball Room in the Wakulla Lodge, Wakulla Springs State Park. $15 Pre-registration required.

11:00am-1:30pm #10 Champion Tree and Botanical Treasures - Van and walking tour - Go where few ever get a chance to explore! Enter this mature hardwood hammock in normally off-limits areas of the park with Master Wildlife Conservationists George Apthorp and Connie Bersok. Be impressed by the giants! Many of the trees you see will be either the challengers or the champions for their species in the state of Florida. Meet at the Tour Headquarters, Wakulla Springs State Park. $10 Pre-registra-tion required

11:30-1:00pm #11Butterfliesof WakullaSprings -- Butterflies are more than just part of the landscape at Wakulla Springs. They and their caterpillars are locked in a life and death drama everyday. Join Dean and Sally Jue, but-

terfly experts extraordinaire, as they introduce you to these remarkable ambassadors of the insect kingdom. Bring a camera and binoculars to make the most of your opportunities. Meet at the Tour Headquarters, Wakulla Springs State Park. $10 Pre-registration required.

11:30-12:30 pm #12 Trumpets in Your Gar-den - Create a spectacle in your garden with the trumpet –shaped leaves of pitcher plants which are native to North Florida. Let local expert and propagator Jimmy Bone open your eyes to the stunning color and fascinating natural history of these easy-to-grow natural wonders. He’ll also introduce you to the lovely dew-drop laced leaves of sundews and the eloquent snare of the venus flytrap. Discover how easy it is to add these unusual and spectacular plants to your garden. Join in this hands-on program and take a plant “pet” home. A child between the ages of 4 &12 can work with a paying adult on this project at no charge. One plant included with each paying attendee. Meet in the Pavilion Building, Wakulla Springs State Park. $15 Pre-registration required.

12:30-2:00pm #17 Mysterious Mushrooms - Let Bill Petty, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist, demystify the often beautiful and unusual mushrooms and fungi spotted along the nature trail at Wakulla Springs. Bill’s passion and expertise are infectious. Visit his website at www.netally.com/annep/floridafungi to enjoy his award winning photos and sample the varied world of mushrooms. Meet in the Edward Ball Room (105) of the Lodge, Wakulla Springs State Park . $10 Pre-registration required.

1:00-2:00pm #13 Medicinal Plant Tour - Walk with Park Ranger Jake Hines into the woods of Wakulla Springs State Park to discov-er plants with healing properties. Learn the lore of the past along with the understandings of the present as you seek out and distinguish these soothing members of the forest community. Meet at the Tour Headquarters, Wakulla Springs State Park. $10 Pre-registration required

Register online at WakullaWildlifeFestival.org


Proceed with Caution

Wakulla County Public Libray Thursday, March 11 7-8 pm

Dawn Reed 294-3468Shari Edington 933-6364

Pam Hitt 745-8303Elaine Gary 509-5409Ed Brimmer 284-4309

Go For Advice

Bluewater Realty Group would like to congratulate the following Realtors for completing the Short Sales & Foreclosures: Protecting Your Clients Interests course. These Realtors continue to show our commitment in continuing their education to better serve our customers. We invite you to come to our Free Seminar to learn alternatives to Foreclosure. You may also call for a confidential consultation todaYou may also call for a confidential consultation today.

Located On Scenic Hwy. 98/Coastal Hwy.30 Miles South of Tallahassee

Approx. 10 Miles From Beautiful Wakulla Springs, Beach, Rivers & Short Drive to Wildlife Refuge

• High Speed Internet Access •• Outdoor Pool • Complimentary Hot Breakfast •

www.wakullainnhotel.comEach Best Western Hotel is Independently Owned & Operated

AAA/AARP/Corporate Rates

850-926-37373292 Coastal Hwy., Crawfordville FL

(Medart Area)

Wakulla Inn & Suites

Special Rates for

• Wakulla Wildlife Festival• Wild About Wakulla Week

R

Big Bend Paddlesport OutfitterKayak Rental • Kayak Sales • Guided Tours

Featuring Kayaks From:Hobie • Wilderness Systems • Ocean Kayak

Necky • Current Designs • Perception

www.thewildernessway.net

850-877-72003152 Shadeville Road • Wakulla Station/Crawfordville

Documents

Wakulla Wildlife Festival 2010