Longleaf Pine Wonderland Tour

Join Coastal Plains Institute President Ryan Means on a delicious spring day exploring CPI’s Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve and surroundings. Our attention will be focused on ecological big picture concepts that define the longleaf pine ecosystem. We'll discuss the delicate ecological relationships that make the longleaf pine ecosystem so biologically diverse, and examine that biodiversity close up. The Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve is now home to 21 known species of federally or state listed plants! Many of them are endemic to our Panhandle. We also will discuss longleaf pine restoration practices used by CPI to manage the preserve.

Come out and see for yourself what real Florida should look like. The $25 tour fee goes to support our management of this property, including the new 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 15 people. Please note: this trip will be a ~4-mile light to moderate hike, sometimes off-trail, on flat terrain.

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 with a warm smile and a handshake.

• Pack snacks/lunch and water bottle (we'll have extra water for refills)
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes - we will be walking at least 4 miles throughout the property sometimes on unsteady terrain
• We might get wet feet
• There is no running water or bathroom facilities on our wilderness preserve.
• There is little to no cell service
• Bring appropriate clothing, hat and sunscreen.

Cancellation Policy: If we have to cancel for weather or some reason, we will put you on a priority wait list for another equivalent tour or ecoadventure, make your payment a donation, or give you a refund. If you have to cancel, we ask that you make your payment a donation to CPI in support of all our conservation work.