Apr. 5 Sat P/L Wakulla Birding and Wildlife Festival Fun and educational activities for the whole family. The FTA Apalachee Chapter will sponsor an information booth. Come help at the booth 1 or 2 hours, then enjoy the festival. Call for information or to help with the booth. Need 5 people. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

Apr. 8 Tuesday Program: “The Geology of Florida’s Springs” Florida has over 700 springs–possibly the largest concentration in the world– due to the presence of underlying limestone and dolostone which dissolve away over time, leaving voids that fill with water–the Floridan Aquifer System. This is both a curse and a blessing. Harley Means of the Florida Geological Survey discusses the issues facing our Florida springs.

Apr. 12 Sat P/M Shepherd Spring Hike Walk through the Cathedral of Palms in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Have lunch at remote and pristine Shepherd Spring and perhaps catch a glimpse of the resident gator. Geologist Harley Means will be along to tell us about the spring. Approx. 6 miles. Linda Patton (850) 668-4334

Apr. 13 Sun P/L Econfina Canoe/Kayak Day Trip Leisurely paddle on beautiful, spring-fed Econfina Creek in Bay County. Limit 10 boats. Gwen Beatty (850) 942-7165

Apr. 19 Sat P/L Apalachicola National Forest Hike 4 miles on the Florida Trail from FR 321 to Oak Park Bridge. Bring water, lunch, and insect repellant, and dress in layers. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com

Apr. 26 Sat P/L Spring Botany Hike at Phipps Park Guy Anglin, retired Forest Service botanist and member of the Florida Native Plant Society, will accompany us to identify trees, flowers, and other plants along the trail and in the meadows. Morning hike with optional lunch in the oak grove. Limit 12 people. Linda Patton (850) 668-4334