Eco-Educational Programs at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Eco-Educational Programs with Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Eco-Educational Programs with... GTM NERR \| Faver-Dykes State Park
What are Eco-Educational Programs? As we define it, they are programs that teach about the interaction between living things and their environment. Whether you get there by kayaking, walking or riding makes no difference, the goal is still the same. The tours listed on this page are designed to teach guests about the different ecosystems in our area. They are all lead by professional biologists/naturalists. ENJOY!

Wings Over Florida A Birding Program by Kayak
Difficulty level: Easy Prerequisite: None
This two-hour program will introduce you to the world of birding and kayaking. Come with us and explore the estuary behind Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. See first-hand why this ecosystem is important to our community and how it directly impacts you're life. And, if nothing else, just enjoy the leisurely paddle through one of the most beautiful landscapes in northeast Florida. Along the way, we will be looking for migratory and resident birds, fish populations and the most common plants found in the estuary. You'll learn about how they interact with each-other and their environment to maintain a balance. You'll also learn about the things that can upset that balance. Kayaks make a great vehicle for studying nature. Because of their stealth, you can become immersed in your surroundings without being intrusive. We will paddle stable, double kayaks that also allow us to maintain a smaller group size. Basic kayak instruction is provided, therefore, previous experience is not necessary. The tours will launch from Washington Oaks and be lead by a professional guide from Coastal Outdoor Center. The tour fee includes entry to the park, so upon completion of the tour, feel free to roam the beautiful gardens.
Cost: $40 per person (includes all kayaking equipment, instruction, park entry fee and bottled water) Duration: 2 hours Who: Adults 15+ years of age Where: Meet at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Dates & Times: Please refer to our calendar for dates and times. What to bring: Spare change of clothing, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars
Click here for policies on reservations and cancellations	All participants are required to fill out a Liability Waiver upon arrival. (Liability waiver.pdf)

Indians of the Estuary A Paddle Back in History
Difficulty level: Easy Prerequisite: None
Paddle back in time and discover the life ways of the Timucuan Indians and their relationship to the land that they loved. Explore with a professional naturalist and enjoy stories about the Timucuans and the important role the Matanzas Estuary played in their everyday lives. Participants will begin the tour with a visit to a Timucuan Shell Mound at Washington Oaks Garden State Park, where they will have the opportunity to examine authentic tools and artifacts excavated on-site. After exploring the Shell Mound participants will begin the kayaking segment with some basic paddling instructions, and then proceed to explore the estuary in search of flora and fauna that was significant to native survival. The guide will also share information on Timucuan methods of fishing and transportation.
Along our journey we will stop at an island refuge and visit a Timucuan encampment and learn more about Timucuan clothing, shelter, hunting and fishing techniques, tools, weapons and the native foods that helped sustain them. During this program we will paddle stable double kayaks that allow us to be less intrusive to the environment. No kayak experience needed!

Cost: $60 per person (includes all kayaking equipment, instruction, park entry fee, lunch and bottled water) Duration: 3 hours Who: Adults 15+ years of age Where: Meet at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Dates & Times: Please refer to our calendar for dates and times. What to bring: Spare change of clothing, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars
Click here for policies on reservations and cancellations	All participants are required to fill out a Liability Waiver upon arrival. (Liability waiver.pdf)
If you do not see the menus above, click the link below. COPYRIGHT 2005 COASTAL OUTDOOR CENTER, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 291 Cubbedge Road St. Augustine, FL 32080 904-471-4144