Celebrate the beautiful Earth Month of April by spending time outdoors in our natural environment. Lots of activities beckon in the month ahead:
Learn about Our Vanishing Waters
On April 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Sierra Club will host a program, Our Vanishing Waters at the Ponte Vedra Library. Professional Geologist, Vijay Satoskar will give a presentation about our Floridan Aquifer which provides our drinking water, and its long-term sustainability.
Ponce de Leon Celebration
Five hundred years ago, at noon on April 2, 1513 Ponce de Leon's navigator logged their ship at 30 degrees 8 minutes--between Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine. The next day, Ponce claimed la Florida for Spain.
On April 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., celebrate this event with the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Research Reserve (Guana Reserve) at the North Beach Access Lot. Jimmy Ponce, a descendent of Ponce de Leon and the Men of Menendez will reenact the event and dedicate a statue of Ponce de Leon. The event is free but reservations are required online or by calling (904) 823-4500.
Learn about the Wetlands and Rain Gardens
The North Florida Land Trust will hold educational workshops on wetlands and landscaping on April 12-14 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.at Talbot House, 12134 Houston Avenue in Jacksonville.
On April Friday, April 12 attend POW! The Planning of Wetlands workshop. Learn the step-by-step method to plan wetlands at schools and in the community. On Saturday, April 13 Wetland Plant ID: Know 'em and Grow 'em will teach you about wetland plant ecology and how to identify species in the field. And on Sunday, April 14 learn how to design, create and maintain a rain garden and understand the resulting benefits to the environment at Rain Gardens: Landscaping for Water Quality.
Run for the Reserve
Enjoy an amazing outdoor experience during Guana Reserve's annual 5K/10K Trail Run, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on April 13.
Meet at the trailhead just off State Road A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. All proceeds go towards ongoing research, conservation and stewardship of the reserve. Cost before April 6 is $25 or $15 for students. After April 6, cost goes up to $30. For more information, contact Karen Ford at (904) 377-9823 or pvhsapes@gmail.com. Register online.
Spring Brunch on Dutton Island
On Sunday, April 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. enjoy Harvest Noon, a Farm to Table Brunch hosted by Dig Local at Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach. Proceeds will benefit Dig Local's garden education programs at the community centers in Atlantic Beach. Chef Sean Sigmon will create a gourmet, three course brunch using local and organic ingredients. The Tala Trio will provide music while you enjoy a walking tour of the island led by Mariah Goelz of Southern Roots Apothecary. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online.
Enjoy Moonlight on the Marsh
Enjoy a Black Tie and Blue Jeans Gala, North Florida Land Trust's annual fundraiser, on April 20 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at The Outpost, 1288 Neck Road in Ponte Vedra. Dine on a swanky dinner, with live entertainment and cash bar. Bid on wondrous items at the silent auction. Donation of $100 per person. Reservations required, reservation deadline is April 17. For tickets, call (904) 285-7020.
River City Challenge
Start your weekend on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Museum of Science and History for a showing of the Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour 2013. This compilation of the best paddling films of the year benefits the St. Johns Riverkeeper and includes food and beverages. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered online.
On Saturday, April 27 starting at 9:00 a.m. take the River City Challenge, a paddle race and eco-festival to benefit the North Florida Land Trust. Food, music, eco-displays, an outdoor expo and kids zone highlight the day.
Butterfly Festival
Visit the Joseph A. Strasser Amphitheater next to the Tree Hill Nature Center on April 27 for the annual Butterfly Festival. The festival features a butterfly house, live butterfly release, face-painting, food, music and a bounce-house.
Wild Wonders
Bring the kids for this hands-on nature program at Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach.
Join educator Mike Rossi as he brings small creatures for a "warm fuzzies and prehistoric pals" program that includes storytelling and dance. This month's events will be April 13 and 27 at 1:00 p.m.
Hiking, Beach Walks and Seining
Every Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. the Guana Reserve offers guided trail walks, beach hikes and family seining events as part of their Outdoor Adventure series. Marineland lectures hikes are offered as well, including a tour of the River to Sea Preserve. The events are free. Call (904) 823-4500 for more information or reservations.
Kayak Adventures
Guana Reserve and Ripple Effect Ecotours have joined forces to provide some incredible guided kayak tours, including sunset tours and Marineland adventures. Our local estuaries are host to a wide variety of wildlife, including osprey, bald eagles and dolphin. For reservations and information call (904) 347-1565 or reserve online.
Be an Ecogeek and Learn More than You Want to Know
Guana Reserve's Environmental Education Center hosts the monthly Ecogeek series, showcasing ways that the environment and technology work together (or not). The center also hosts lectures on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 to noon so you can learn more than you wanted to know about estuarine plant and animal life.
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