Intracoastal Island Plant Class

What? Intracoastal Islands Native Plant Class

Where? Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, Dunedin, Florida

Why? Identify the Flora of Central Florida with specific attention given to the Gulf Coast

When? 9 AM, Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Who For? Professional Consultants, State and Federal Agencies, Anyone with Botanical Interest

How Much? $229.00

What does it Include? 8-hour workshop and Ferry Ticket

What doesn't it Include? Lunch, Park Entrance Fee ($8.00/ vehicle of two or more or $4.00/ vehicle of one)

How Do I Purchase? Click the "Pay Here" Button Above or the ones located Below

(Note: Class will close after 15 Spots are filled)

More Information:

Join Meristem Academy’s Lead Botanist, Marc Woernle, March 26, 2025, (9 AM - 4 PM), as we explore the plant communities within the Intracoastal Islands along the Gulf Coast of Central Florida. We plan to walk, identify and discuss multiple plant species within the Pine Flatwoods and Mangrove Forests located within Honeymoon Island. We also plan to board a ferry that will take us to Caladesi Island for further study. 

MORNING: We will start at the Main Trailhead on the north end of the Honeymoon Island Parking Lot (see map below). From there, we will proceed along a sandy trail in a loop that will take us into a Pine Flatwoods and along Stands of Mangroves. There are no boardwalks on this portion of the walk and feet may get wet depending on the amount of recent rain. There are bathrooms and water dispensers near the Trail Head (North Pavilion).  There is also a Nature Center south of the Trail Head that can be visited before/ after class. We will be in the shade part of the time and there is a covered “pavilion” at the end of the first hike (before lunch) where we will temporarily debrief before heading to the ferry parking lot. 

AFTERNOON: We will all head to the Ferry Parking Lot (see map below) at 12:00 PM. From there, we will ferry over to Caladesi Island to have lunch. There is a small store on the Island which sells sandwiches, snacks and bottled water. There are boardwalks that can take us out to the beach and Dune Areas. We will briefly explore the flora in this area. Folks can stay on the Island until the last Ferry leaves (which may be 4 PM or weather dependent). This portion of the class is not guaranteed as windy weather may inhibit the ferry boats from operating. If this is the case, we may relocate to a pavilion or explore other portions of Honeymoon Island.

BE PREPARED: Please wear field clothes with shoes that can get dirty, along with bug spray, sun block, and plenty of water. Mosquito populations are low this time of year on the Islands. Temperatures are typically mild, and the chance of rain is usually very low this time of year in Central Florida. Please bring snacks or a packed lunch, as we will break for a time to eat Lunch. 

The class is tailored for professional consultants and agency staff that are required and/ or have a desire to learn more about plant communities, native plant identification.  However, anyone with an interest in learning more about Florida’s native plants and plant communities is welcome to attend. We will be using Wunderlin’s Guide to Vascular Plants of Florida for keying out plants and nomenclature. If you have a copy, please bring it. Several copies will be available for use.  A hand lens will be provided. A certificate of completion will be emailed to each participant after completing the class, which should be recognized as completing 0.5 CEU's (depending on agency/ institution/ society definitions).

Approximately 80% of the hike can be accessed with a rugged wheelchair (all terrain tires). Where wheelchair access is problematic, the teacher will ensure that materials and discussions are communicated for a full experience. Please contact Meristem in advance for more specifics on ADA access.

If you have any questions, please email us at plantclass@meristem.life