Exploring Rock Springs Run

one of three main tributaries that feeds the Wekiva River Basin, a designated National Wild and Scenic River

Paddling through the narrow, crystal-clear river, under ancient Cypress trees , overgrown with Spanish moss had me feeling like William Bartram paddling his canoe with a sail circa 1756…

…and then I went around the bend and almost crashed into a hoard of tourists who had just learned to kayak and most certainly did not understand my English laments. Skirting the travelers was simple as their tour guide instructed and my path was clear again. An average paddler can easily avoid the crowds by heading up the river, less than a mile from the kayak ramp where so many different species of wildlife can be found. Alligators and otters cohabitate and the birds all seem to live harmonious as well leading me to believe that all critters are eating well.

I plan to return as many times as I can as I know I’ll never be able to see it all in this lush, natural playground.

Four rare snails are found in Rock Springs. The Rock Spring siltsnail (Floridobia petrifons) is endemic to Rock Springs. The goblin elimia (Elimia vanhyningiana) is found in one other spring in addition to Rock Springs. The armored siltsnail (Spilochlamys gravis) is found in two other springs in addition to Rock Springs. The hyacinth siltsnail (Floridobia floridana) is found in northern Florida and on Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Homeschool Chronicles I: Science Class

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These days science class takes place mostly outdoors and this tent we purchased from Nature Gifts has been worth the wait (3-5 business days to a 4 four year old is apparently like a lifetime) and then some.

Witnessing the life cycles of different caterpillars and butterflies has been such a learning moment for my Pre-Kish son; I can hardly imagine attempting to explain this in an indoor classroom setting.

Having discovered a fondness for insects while pursuing her degree in Biology, Randi Jones was quite bugged to know that people usually dismissed these little creatures as “creepy-crawlies”. She reasoned that this indifference was due to lack of exposure and information. An artist at heart, Randi began creating butterfly display artwork in her studio to share her love for these wonderful creatures with everyone. In 2001, Nature Gift Store was born out of this love.

Nature Gift Store aspires to be the place where you can become curious about nature, ask questions and explore the answers. Our products are carefully crafted and curated to make active learning attainable, easy, and fun for the little ones. - Having discovered a fondness for insects while pursuing her degree in Biology, Randi Jones was quite bugged to know that people usually dismissed these little creatures as “creepy-crawlies”. She reasoned that this indifference was due to lack of exposure and information. An artist at heart, Randi began creating butterfly display artwork in her studio to share her love for these wonderful creatures with everyone. In 2001, Nature Gift Store was born out of this love.

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If homeschooling seems daunting, I highly suggest stepping back and watching to see what really grabs your little’s interests and then follow those interests. Some days, we follow these interests right to the beach where we plop down and watch the snails and birds. We talk about how many we see, what colors they have on their bodies or shells and how they easily blend into their surroundings to hopefully live a long life…

This is homeschool or unschool or whatever you want to call what we’re doing that isn’t tied to a classroom for 8 hours of the day with other kids who hate being there too.

Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens

“Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens was founded by Dr. Raymond Webber and opened for public enjoyment in January of 2014. The creation of the gardens began over 32 years ago when Ray discovered the 100+ year old retired lime rock quarry in 1991. (Over one hundred years ago, miners were harvesting lime rock from the property to create the foundation of Highway 27). In 1991, Ray found that the property had been abandoned long ago, and it was a polluted swamp. He purchased the property for his own private use, initially intending to use the quarry as a giant fishing pond. He dug out what was left behind, including old mining remnants, and began to transform the old swampy quarry. 

Rock by rock, each rolled in by wheelbarrows and strategically placed by human hands, the walkways and walls of the gardens were created. With a small team of workers, he created different islands throughout the quarry, concrete walkways, separate pools, waterfalls, pavilions, gazebos, and bridges made of Brazilian walnut. With the structures now intact, Ray assumed gardening as his hobby to add greenery to his creation. He discovered that he was just as enthusiastic for gardening as he was for fishing, and now Ray is responsible for one of the most unique botanical creations you will ever see.” - www.cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com