Bodacious Blooms Wildflower Tour

Join Coastal Plains Institute President Ryan Means for much of a spring day exploring CPI’s Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve by foot. Our attention will be focused on the wondrous wildflowers to be seen in the prime month of April. We also will discuss longleaf pine ecology and restoration practices used by CPI to manage the preserve.

Our wondrous preserve is an 80-acre inholding within the western Apalachicola National Forest. It used to be a dense slash pine plantation and brush thicket. After 34 years of frequent 'ecological' prescribed burning and other management practices, it is now a magnificent longleaf and slash pine savannah. We’ll hike 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 25 known species of federally or state listed rare plants! Many of them are endemic to our Panhandle. Total slow hiking distance of up to 3 miles.

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 footbridge 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 meeting location:

From State Road 65 in the center of Sumatra, Florida, turn northwestward onto County Road 379. Proceed 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 his silver 4Runner vehicle with a warm smile and will greet you with 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-ish miles throughout our property on and off trail
• We might get our feet wet or at least moist
• There is no running water or bathroom facilities on our property
• There is little to no cell service

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