Join your Friends to paddle a scenic stretch of the Rainbow River with field biologist and environmental educator George Heinrich to observe, identify, and learn about the river’s turtle species. This field experience will be a combination of education and recreation, so bring your snorkel gear and be prepared to get wet.

George will guide the adventure at a slow, interpretive pace with frequent stops for close-but-respectful views of turtles, and ID tips covering shell shape, size, coloration, behavior, and habitat. We’ll launch from KP Hole Park and paddle up to the headspring, with breaks for turtle ID and underwater observation (snorkeling and swimming) along the way. We’ll enjoy the gorgeous headspring swimming area and then float back to KP Hole

with breaks along the way.

Rainbow River is a beautiful river, designated a “Special Water” within the Outstanding Florida Waters classification and is also one of Florida’s Aquatic Preserves. In this small group adventure, we will get to know some of Rainbow’s turtles and enjoy one of Florida’s “Special Waters” from above and below.

Date & Time: 8AM, Friday April 24. We should finish up around 1:30PM.

Location: KP Hole Park, 9435 SW 190th Avenue Road in Dunnellon. Meet at the Payment Booth.

Parking: There is a $7 parking fee. Parking is very limited at KP Hole. It's best to pad your arrival time with extra time to park.

Group size: 10 boats total – single or tandem kayaks. FPMN members only.

Cost: $25, which we will donate to Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.