Wildflower Wonderland Tour

Join Coastal Plains Institute President Ryan Means for most of a cool October day exploring CPI’s Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve. Our attention will be focused on the wondrous wildflowers to be seen in the peak of fall wildflower season. We also will discuss longleaf pine ecology and restoration practices used by CPI to manage the preserve. No natural history topic is off the table, however.

This 80-acre inholding within the western Apalachicola National Forest used to be a slash pine plantation. After 30 years of frequent 'ecological' burning and other management practices, it is now a magnificent longleaf and slash pine savannah. We’ll walk a nature trail kept up by the deer, and discuss the delicate ecological relationships that make the longleaf pine ecosystem so biologically diverse. The Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve is now home to 20 known species of federally or state listed plants! We will see many of them.

Come out and see for yourself what 80 million acres of the terrestrial upland Coastal Plain used to look like. The $25 tour fee goes to support our management of this property, including the new foot bridge that allows you access to our stunning northwest corner — rich with rare plants and rare habitats such as pristine seepage slope covered in carnivorous plants. Tour is limited to 20 people.

Directions to where we will park all our vehicles:

From State Road 65 in the center of Sumatra, Florida, turn Westward onto County Road 379. Proceed Northwestward for approx. 3.3 miles until you approach a small bridge over Rowlett's Creek. Just before the bridge, there is a grassy parking area on the North side of the road. Pull onto in. Ryan will be waiting near a silver 4-Runner with a warm smile and a handshake.

• Pack snacks/lunch and water bottle (we'll have a water jug for refills)
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes - we will be walking 3-4 miles throughout our property on sometimes unsteady ground
• We might get our wet feet
• There is no running water or bathroom facilities on our property. You may use the property for the bathroom.
• There is little to no cell service

Cancellation Policy: If we have to cancel for some reason, you can get on a wait list for another equivalent tour or ecoadventure, make your payment a donation, or receive a refund. If we are fully booked and you still want to go on the next tour, text Ryan and he can put you on a priority wait list for the next equivalent tour. After that point, you will only receive a cancellation refund if we fill your spot on the tour.