Day 4: Coastal Watershed Tour
Our water's journey ends at the Gulf of Mexico.
Nature Coast Biological Station
The mission of the Nature Coast Biological Station is to enhance the conservation and sustainability of natural resources throughout the Nature Coast through collaborative research, enhanced public engagement, field based courses, and hands-on training workshops.
Where and When to Meet
June 6, 9:00 am - Steinhatchee Falls & Flats
At Steinhatchee Falls, there is a park with a kayak launch, picnic shelter and restroom.
Lunch: Bring a bagged lunch
Directions: Access to this area is via a dirt road along the east side of S.R. 51 about 2 miles south of U.S. 19.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, water shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, snorkel gear, and flotation device such as a noodle; we have extra snorkel gear and floation devices if you do not have any
Steinhatchee Falls
Steinhatchee Rise Tract from Perry:
Travel south on US 19, cross the Steinhatchee River Bridge; travel 1.75 miles to SW 700th Street, turn right and the tract is on the right.
Steinhatchee Rise Tract from Cross City:
Travel north on US 19, turn left on SW 700th Street and the tract is on the right.
Florida’s broadest waterfall pours over a lip of limestone in the Steinhatchee River, where you can see the ruts of settler’s wagons deeply pressed into the rock above the falls.
Boat Tour & Snorkeling
Aquaculture Industry
UF/IFAS Sea Grant Agent, Victor Blanco describes the importance of the shellfish aquaculture industry, and factors that influence scallops and coastline health.
Scallop Counts
During the tour, we will see where scallops live, and talk to researchers about how scallop counts are conducted. Weather and water permitting, we maybe get to snorkel. Bring swimwear, towel, water shoes, and snorkel gear if you have it. If not, we have some you can use. If you have a floation device (noodle), please bring that as well.
More to explore
Self-guided regional Big Bend Shellfish Trail tours found at https://pocketsights.com/tours/location/United-States/Florida
Bring a cooler with you and go home with some local shellfish from vendors such as Southern Cross Seafarms or Robinson's Seafood
In March 2022, an educational exhibit called "The Art and Science of Horseshoe Crabs" that will be open at the Cedar Key Arts Center https://www.cedarkeyartscenter.org/index.php
Contact or visit the Cedar Key Welcome Center for more ideas https://cedarkey.org/