SPRINGS WATCH PADDLE ON THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER - LEVEL 1
Trip leaders:
Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com 352-665-1776
Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com 386-853-5159
Description: Interested in deepening your understanding of Florida springs? Join SpringsWatch volunteers Jill Lingard and Scott Jantz on a citizen science paddling trip down the Weeki Wachee River.
From the launch at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to the take-out at Rogers County Park 6.5 miles downstream, the group will stop at 10 stations to take measurements of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, light attenuation, water clarity, and submerged vegetation. Paddlers who enjoy snorkeling can also participate in an optional fish count along a third of a mile stretch of the river. Jill and Scott will provide on-the-job training on the various meters used for water monitoring.
The Weeki Wachee is a beautifully clear (in the upper half), meandering, spring-fed stream, offering paddlers opportunities to see manatees, a colorful diversity of fish, submerged eelgrasses, and water birds like ibis, anhingas, storks, and herons.
Trip Capacity: 5 paddlers
Location: Launch from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, located at 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. Meet at the picnic tables in front of the paddling concessionaire. We will unload boats and gear and arrange our own shuttle to Rogers County Park.
Schedule: Meet at 9AM on Saturday, February 3. We usually finish up around 3PM at Rogers County Park.
Additional information: Participants should bring lunch snacks and plenty to drink. NOTE: Do NOT bring any disposable bottles, food containers, or wrappers. State Park staff members check bags and will require you to remove these items.
Air temperatures are predicted to be in the high 50's to low 60's on February 3rd. Dress accordingly, especially if you plan to snorkel. The 75-degree spring water will feel great; your wet body coming back into contact with cooler air might not. The upside of chillier temps is usually a river with much less boat traffic this time of year.
Difficulty: This is a Level 1 trip. The paddling is easy, sheltered, and nearly all downstream. Timewise though, it will be a longer than usual 6.5-mile paddle due to the need to stop at 10 stations to collect data.
Required gear: Any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard will do. Wear a PFD. Bring snorkel/mask/fins plus a line to tow your boat if you plan to participate in the fish count.
Refer to TBSK’s Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the website or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes..png)