Pontoon Boat Eco Tour of Intracoastal Marsh Restoration By Don White

The Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is taking reservations for a special September 24th two hour eco-tour of the marsh restoration project along the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler and Volusia Counties.  Captain Jim Morse's 48 passenger pontoon boat, the Hurricane Queen, from the International Marine Research Solutions, will pilot us along the Intracoastal Waterway.  Paul Haydt from SJRWMD will provide the tour narrative for this successful 4-5 year project....returning dredge-spoil to improved estuarine habitat.  Eco-tour participants will be given free admission to Gamble Rogers State Park, and should bring their own picnic lunches to enjoy together after the pontoon boat tour at the State Park picnic area.  The tour begins 8:30 AM at Gamble Rogers State Park in SE Flagler County.

• This ecotour is open to all interested persons from other environmental groups.  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. 
• Price of the trip will be $25/ individual or $40/ couple.   
• Contact person is Mark Wheeler: 
• Phone (386 586-6580) or  Email: wheelmarks@bellsouth.net

Also of interest:  Volunteer opportunity from the Hurricane Queen on Sept. 17, "Fall Equinox Coastal Cleanup" International Marine Ecological Research Solutions and the Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station along with volunteers from Georgia Aquarium and Marineland Dolphin Adventure are teaming up for a Fall Equinox Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday September 17th. 2011.

The fall equinox creates very high and low tides bringing in abnormally large amounts of marine debris. Participants will be provided transportation aboard the IMERS Vessel Hurricane Queen to access the Spoils Islands on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Registration will be held at the Marineland Marina on Saturday the 17th. at 08:00 AM.
Departure is at 08:45 AM and we will be Returning approximately 12:00 Noon.  This event is open to ages 12 and older; minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  DON'T FORGET your Sun Screen, Insect Repellent, Hat, Gloves, and Shoes you don't mind getting wet. Bottled water will be provided.

For more information on Cleanup call: (904) 461-9941 or E-Mail: contact@imersfl.org