Explore Fort Drum Marsh & Blue Cypress Lake

Join us to explore where the St. Johns River begins.

The Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area is where our river begins its 310-mile journey. Its mosaic of wetlands and uplands are a sight to see, accessed by a meandering boardwalk through its blackwater hardwood swamp where the sunlight is muted by the cover of cypress, cedar trees and sabal palms.

Blue Cypress is the first lake of the St. Johns River, known as the River of Lakes. It is also one of the most important, highly-concentrated nesting areas for Ospreys in North America. This trip is scheduled during nesting season when populations are at their peak.

Register

Please register by March 21.

Schedule of Events

9-11 a.m.

Paddle the Headwaters – Bring your own boat.

Pontoon Boat Eco Tour led by Dr. Richard Baker – Richard H. Baker, Ph.D. is former director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, a division of the University of Florida. He is currently serving as president of the Pelican Island Audubon Society of Vero Beach, Florida.

11-11:30 a.m.

Snack Time – Bring a hearty snack and water to energize your tour of Fort Drum Marsh.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area Hike

1-2 p.m.

Lunch at the historic Marsh Landing Restaurant – Share stories of the day’s adventures while enjoying some of the best real Florida cuisine including gator, catfish, frog legs and swamp cabbage.