Secrets of the Wacissa

Join CPI President Ryan Means exploring the wild Wacissa River. This will be an unforgettable trip from Goose Pasture all the way to Nutall Rise, down the legendarily Slave Canal. Ryan has extensive scientific knowledge of and experience with the Wacissa River and he is eager to share his natural history knowledge of the area with you. As many people have in the past---you most certainly will not get lost down there while traveling with Ryan! This experience will be equally rewarding for those who have done it before, or have always wanted to do it, but haven’t yet had the opportunity.

The unfortunately as such named—Slave Canal—isn’t really a canal. We’ll learn why and about the history. The Wacissa River is one of the world’s most pristine first magnitude spring ecosystems, and is a world-class aquatic natural realm. We’ll learn why. We will marvel at towering forests of ancient cypress, mixed hardwood trees and shrubs. The exceptional aquatic plant assemblage also will be of great interest. If temperatures remain warm, we WILL experience the following things close-up: alligators of all size ranges, terrific turtles, and wiggling water snakes! We also will see huge gar, schools of mullet, and brilliant birds, such as herons, egrets, osprey, and anhinga. Hopefully, we’ll lay eyes on a limpkin.

Ryan will show you lovely braided channels that few people have ever seen. The whole time, we’ll be embedded within one of the region’s most remote locations. Snorkeling is optional and encouraged. We can make a game-time decision on that based on the day’s water and air temperatures. If we snorkel, we likely will observe fossil remains of ancient animals and discuss their natural history in the region.

Price includes guide, shuttle service, canoe/kayak and safety gear, lunch and drinks. Proceeds go towards our efforts to preserve the biodiversity of the southeastern Coastal Plain through research and education. We will meet at 8:30 am at the boat ramp at Aucilla Landing Road. Pile into our van (masks will be required) and we will shuttle you to our launching point at Goose Pasture. At the end of the paddle, you will be right there at your vehicle.

Due to our close proximity during our shuttle, this trip is available to fully vaccinated people only. Please contact us with any questions: info@coastalplains.org