AUGUST IS WATER QUALITY MONTH BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

AUGUST IS WATER QUALITY MONTH

August is Water Quality Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about nearby Lake Griffin State Park. Conservation of our state’s resources is on everyone’s mind. Florida is ranked #1 with the most people moving in daily, at 1,218 new residents! A short seven miles from Harbor Hills, Lake Griffin State Park encompasses 620 acres and offers a variety of educational and fun experiences. It is a separate entity from Emeralda Marsh.

The mission of a dedicated volunteer group, Friends of Lake Griffin State Park, is to protect and restore our natural resources. This non-profit organization offers morning and afternoon eco-tours discounted for summer, a sunset boat trip, and Kayak 101 classes. Two miles of hiking trails provide unique landscapes. State-certified paddle tour guides lead the outings and offer insight into our extraordinary state’s history and cultural and recreational resources.

Linda Morrison is on the Friends Board of Directors and is one of fourteen paddle guides. She enjoys sharing her love of kayaking and exploring the Dead River Marsh with visitors. “Be on the lookout for a wide variety of raptors, shore birds, and songbirds,” Linda suggests, “and look for trees, plants, and flowers in their seasonal foliage.” Guides talk about the native people and early settlers who lived off the land. The park staff and water management personnel carefully control invasive plant and snail species to maintain water quality.

The “real” Florida is a complex and fragile system essential to our quality of life and survival. Visit FLGSP.org for an exceptional experience.