Recent Events

October 11, 2025 - FOWR Paddle

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, six first-timers on the Wekiva River joined FOWR for a paddle from Katie’s Landing to the SR 46 bridge. Bob Guigere, videographer and longtime explorer of springs in the Wekiva Basin, joined us to give us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nature of this body of water. Including the underground springs, which are the major contributors to the volume of its flow.

The weather can be a challenge. October had been a wet month, but the prediction was for clearing skies. It wasn’t long after launching before a mist enveloped our kayaks and canoes. Then came the rain in the form of a slow drip. Rain falls with a beauty of its own. When the droplets hit the river, they spring back up to form mini fountains. We hear... Plunk! Plunk! Plunk!

Little Blue Herons captured our attention. They spend their time on islands of spatterdock and pickerel weed. Their sense of safety kicks in when kayaks come near, and they reluctantly take a short flight to the next patch of vegetation. We see their beautiful purple-maroon heads stretch out and their slaty-blue wings flutter as they skim across the water.

The Great Blue Herons put on another special show. These waders stand tall as they hug the shoreline. They hold their wings close to their bodies, looking like regal statues until we are too close for their comfort. What a magnificent sight to see these beauties take flight with grace and ease, appearing to fly in slow motion as they display their wingspan of almost 7 feet!

Even in the rain, this is an easy, round-trip paddle of about 50 minutes. Perfect for friends, guests, first timers, or to sneak in a paddle with limited time. With no mishaps and spirits refreshed, all returned to Katie’s Landing to enjoy a picnic. Where else can you be removed from the world of busyness to enter into the beauty of nature so close to home?

For sure....our Wekiva and her springs are worth protecting and restoring.

Weegie Henry

Photos by Weegie Henry

October 14, 2025 - Rock Springs Run Farewell, Ashley Paddle

If you haven’t heard, Ashley, our longtime and celebrated Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Ambassador, has moved out of state for the next chapter in her life. But she enjoyed one last paddle on the Rock Springs Run with friends before she hit the road. Other FOWR board members just happened to be enjoying the same paddle that day, too, making it a fun, by chance adventure with friends on the river.

Turtle Count: 61

Alligator Count: 21

Birds: Lost Count

Laughs: Too many

Memories: Cherished

Photos by Michelle Jamesson, Ashley Konon and Jay Exum

Recent SpringsWatch Paddles

Here are some recent highlights from the last several SpringsWatch paddles. We introduced first-time volunteers to our routine, enjoyed seeing the familiar faces of the regulars, said goodbye to one amazing Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Ambassador, and welcomed the next amazing one. It’s been a wonderful few months. Hope YOU can join us for the next one on November 20, 2025. Email michelle@friendsofwekiva.org if you’d like to join!