Blue Path Festival Guide

exhibits

Blue Path Festival of Events, Programs and Innovation

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FILM FESTIVAL

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MARCH 18-27, 2011 GAINESVILLE, FLA

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VERDEFEST.ORG

25 ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS page FILM COMPETITION BIKE/RUN/WALK ART GALLERY ECO TOURS www .V isit G ainesville . com ECO FAIR Gateway to Florida’s Springs District

Blue Path Festival of Events, Programs and Opportunities

ALACHUA COUNTY AND GAINESVILLE Your Gateway to Florida’s Springs District We’ve made it easy to get off the beaten path and explore our cultural treasures, hidden haunts, trails, rivers and springs.

TWO FULL-FEATURED ONLINE SCENIC GUIDES Free • Live Links • Print Download

Your Online Scenic Guides: www.FloridasEden.org/trails Stay on the Blue Path Updated Events Listings, Workshops, and Resources can all be found on our website

You Can Also Join The Blue Path Campaign to save Florida’s Springs On The Blue Path Floridians are finding new ways to value and live with water and embracing the innovations of the new Blue economy.

Welcome to The Blue Path, a celebration of the many ways–visible and invisible–that water shapes Florida. If you’re standing anywhere in North Florida you are literally being supported by water as it fills the limestone cracks, crevices and caverns of the Floridan Aquifer. Over 700 springs, the largest concentration on the planet, gush forth from this hidden world.

We’ve listed over a hundred ways to celebrate. Kayak, swim or bike; enjoy painters, films, or galleries.

Learn how to create a Florida-friendly yard. Through February 13, see The Blue Path exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History—the complete list of contributors can be found on page 13. Flip through one of our two online magazine-style guides and explore seven counties of Florida’s Springs District.

The Blue Path is also a citizen movement to find new ways to value and live with our water resources.

“On the Blue Path, Floridians live within their water means, keeping as much water as possible in our aquifers, rivers and wetlands,” says Florida Trend reporter Cynthia Barnett, who coined the Blue Path term.

“It relies on us coming together as Floridians to use less, rather than fighting to grab more.” The Blue Path “is not only the ecologically ethical path, but a more prosperous path for Florida’s people and businesses.”

The innovations that are shaping the new Blue economy are the path to creative excellence in business, education and research--the path to prosperity that is based on innovations in water use, conservation, biotechnology, construction, materials science, agriculture, and so much more.

The Blue Path is the headwaters of a citizen campaign to save Florida’s springs, restore the flow of our rivers, and embrace a new and more prosperous water ethic. It is our privilege to live in one of the most water-rich places on earth, yet our springs are degrading at an alarming level due to overpumping, reduced flow and high nutrient levels.

The Blue Path Campaign is coordinated by Florida’s Eden, which works at the confluence of the environment, economy and education. Other programs include our guides to the local economy (inside cover), Florida Springs Institute (p. 14) and the Ichetucknee Classroom Model (p. 15). In all these endeavors we depend on the support of people like you. Please visit our website for information on our programs and how you can contribute.

Annie W. Pais, Executive Director, Florida’s Eden www.FloridasEden.org

— B lue P ath S ponsors —

www .V isit G ainesville . com

Where Nature and Culture Meet Visitor Events, Attractions, Lodgings, Meeting Planning Tools Alachua County and Gainesville

Your Gateway to Florida’s Springs District “The largest constellation of freshwater springs on the planet”

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Hope for a healthier tomorrow begins with a clear vision of how we can achieve that goal today. That vision is one of research, education and patient care all working together in order to achieve unparalleled levels of healthcare. That vision is taking shape now, and it will carry us all forward into the future.

Shands.org

SPRINGS AND RIVER ACTIVITIES River and Coastal Guides and Tours Lars Andersen, Adventure Outpost 386-454-0611 18238 NW Hwy 441, High Springs, FL 32643 www.adventureoutpost.net riverguide2000@yahoo.com Guided trips on 50 Florida waterways Unguided kayak and canoe rentals Brack Barker, Wild Florida Adventures 352-215-4396 www.wild-florida.com Kayak the gulf coast, islands, creeks and lower Suwannee and Big Bend

Events

Dec 27 - 30 Wekiva and St. Johns River Ramble Paddle Florida, www.PaddleFlorida.org

Volunteer Opportunities Save Our Suwannee Our Santa Fe River Current Problems Four Rivers Audubon Alachua Audubon Friends of Paynes Prairie Friends of Rainbow Springs Putnam Land Conservancy

www.SaveOurSuwannee.org www.OurSantaFeRiver.org www.CurrentProblems.org www.FourRiversAudubon.org www.flmnh.ufl.edu/aud/ www.prairiefriends.org www.nccentral.com/FORS/ PutnamLandConservancy.org

Gainesville is the gateway to over 700 springs, the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the world, “a water wonderland that, if it weren’t largely invisible to us, would surely rank with the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef as one of the great natural wonders of the world.”

Ron Cunningham, Gainesville Sun Editorial Page Editor Island Hopper

352-543-5904 www.CedarKeyIslandHopper.com Scenic cruises, sunset tours Rentals on the plush new pontoon boat, “The Queen” Kayak Cedar Keys 352-543-9447 www.KayakCedarKeys.com Explore the gulf coast and estuaries: Kayak rentals, instruction, fishing kayaks, professional wilderness guide, island camping and hiking Captain Erika Ritter

352-546-5718 www.captainerikasfloridaboatcharters.com Pontoon boat tours on the Ocklawaha River from Eureka by reservation Captain Jon Semmes 352-804-1573 Singing River Tours, Dunnellon, FL www.Singingrivertours.com

Head out on a pontoon boat as Capt. Jon entertains and informs with songs and stories of wild Florida Suwannee Guides & Outfitters 352-542-8331 www.SuwanneeGuides.com Explore the Lower Suwannee: Rentals, shuttle service, guides, tours Friends of the Wekiva http://friendsofwekiva.blogspot.com Hiking and paddling trips on the Wekiva River

Adventure Outpost

Based in the heart of Florida “Springs Country” Tours on over 50 Florida waterways. as featured in National Geographic, 2009 Manatee Encounters • Moonlight Paddle • X-Stream Explorations Gulf “Island Hopping” • “Spring Hopping” on Florida’s spring-fed rivers Sand “Bar Hopping” on Florida’s famed Suwannee River Swamp Excursions • History Tours • The “Wild Side” of St. Augustine

www.adventureoutpost.net (386) 454-0611 Unguided river trips and shuttling on Santa Fe River • Outdoor gear Kayak and Canoe rentals and sales 18238 NW Hwy 441, High Springs, FL 32643

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ARTS & CULTURE continued on page 10 4

Blue at Urban Flats

Florida’s Eden and Urban Flats team up all year to exhibit original art by local artists.

Sales benefit The Blue Path Campaign to save Florida’s Springs.

Urban Flats Flatbread & Wine Co. 115 SE 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 352-872-5556

CINEMA VERDE

ENVIRONMENTAL

FILM FESTIVAL

MARCH 18-27, 2011 GAINESVILLE, FLA

Eco-Film Festival and GLOW* Expo *Green, Local, Organic, and Wholistic

Sunday, January 9 from 6 - 10 pm, film at 8 pm Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Info and tickets: 352-629-4000 featuring TAPPED: the award-winning documentary film about the bottled water industry and our municipal water supply.

consciousness +connectivity +commitment =conservation

Town of Tioga Arts Center SR26 and 128th Street January 18 - February 18 Reception: Fri, 28 Jan, 7-10 pm Gallery Hours: 352-332-4143

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AT ARTWALK March 25th from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Local artists display work that promotes environmental awareness in Downtown Gainesville studios and venues.

ArtWalk maps at any participating venue or email in advance to: artwalkgville@gmail.com GoGreenNation.org presents

Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival March 18 - 27, See display ad at right

Open Air Arts in Melrose

March 25 - 27, See display ad back cover BikeFlorida presents

Florida’s Eden Spring Tour 2011

March 26 - April 1, See inside back cover Welaka Maritime Museum One of the largest collections of hand-built and restored boats in Florida. Contact in advance for river tours.

501 4th Ave, Welaka, FL, on the St. Johns River www.welakamaritimemuseum.com > More Museum Listings on page 10

VERDEFEST.ORG

25 ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS FILM COMPETITION BIKE/RUN/WALK ART GALLERY ECO TOURS ECO FAIR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Presented by %L%OBBK,>QFLK LOD

FLORIDA FRIENDLY YARDS, HOMES & NEIGHBORHOODS Mystery, Drama, Prizes . . . it’s the

FLORIDA FRIENDLY YARD OF THE WEEK

Native Sustainable Landscapes Ecological Restorations Custom Design and Build FL Certified Landscape Contractor

Certified Landscape Designer Florida Native Plant Specialist

PA I S

LANDSCAPES

DAVID PAIS

PA I S 352-215-1580 3221 NW 6th Street Gainesville, Fl 32609

LANDSCAPES

David@PaisLandscapes.com

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Identify the mystery location to win special Blue Path Prizes! Every week at

www.TheBluePath.org First Wednesday of each month, 4 - 7 pm The Edible Plant Project Downtown Farmer’s Market Community Plaza, Gainesville, FL First Wednesday of each month, 4 - 7 pm February - May Florida Friendly Landscaping Information Downtown Farmer’s Market Community Plaza, Gainesville, FL Florida Native Plant Society www.fnps.org/ Paynes Prairie Chapter Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) www.fnps.org/pages/ chapters/chapterpg.php?keyword=PaynesPrairie Florida Organic Growers (FOG) http://foginfo.org www.GainesvilleCreeks.com Clean Water Partnership, City of Gainesville www.GainesvilleGreen.com If you live in Alachua county, this site shows your water and energy use, compares it to your neighbors and plots your carbon footprint ADD YOUR EVENT Do you have an event or resource that should be listed on The Blue Path? Contact us to be included in the online edition: palmstone@gmail.com

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SPRINGS WORKING GROUPS

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Meet with others to learn more and to help to protect and restore Florida springs.

These public forums are open to all who are interested.

Blue Spring Working Group (Jackson County) Sponsor: Chipola College, Natural Science Dept.

Coordinator: Allan Tidwell (850) 526-2761 x 3248 Blue Spring Working Group (Volusia County) Sponsor: Wildlife Legacy Initiative Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Coordinator: Carol Lippincott (352) 377-8693 Fanning & Manatee Springs Working Group Sponsor: Wildlife Legacy Initiative Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Coordinator: Carol Lippincott (352) 377-8693 Ichetucknee Springs Working Group Sponsor: Springs Initiative Section Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coordinator: Ondine Wells, Pandion Systems, Inc. (352) 372-4747 Kings Bay Springs Working Group Sponsor: Southwest Florida Water Mgmt. District Coordinator: Gary Williams (352) 796-7211 x 4286

Rainbow Springs Working Group Sponsor: Springs Initiative Section Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Coordinator: Pete Colverson, Pandion Systems, Inc. (352) 372-4747 Sante Fe River Springs Working Group Sponsor: Environmental Protection Department, Alachua County Coordinator: Stacie Greco (352) 264-6829 Silver Springs Working Group Sponsor: Springs Initiative Section Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Coordinator: Pete Colverson, Pandion Systems, Inc. (352) 372-4747 Wakulla Spring Working Group Sponsor: Springs Initiative Section Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Coordinator: Debra Segal, Wetland Solutions, Inc. (386) 462-1003

GREAT WAYS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER

DVDs and books are available from the Florida Museum of Natural History Shop, local bookstores, online book vendors or on the websites listed below

DVDs Cave Diving DVD’s produced by local resident and world renowned www.intotheplanet.com cave diver and film producer Jill Heinerth; available as a Blue Path speaker.

The Water’s Journey, produced by Wes Skiles with Jill Heinerth. www.karstproductions.com Gimme Green, produced by Eric Flagg; available as a Blue Path Speaker. www.gimmegreen.com Lithium Springs, produced by Carter Lord. Comedy for kids and adults about the long lost Fountain of Youth, springs and woods of wild Florida. www.lithiumsprings.com BOOKS Paynes Prairie, Lars Andersen Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S., by Cynthia Barnett River of Lakes, Bill Belleville UnspOILed, Sue Cerulean, editor. Anthology of writings on the Gulf of Mexico.

Editor Sue Cerulean available as a Blue Path Speaker www.unspoiledbook.com Ichetucknee Sacred Waters. Steven Earl Water Consciousness, Tara Lohan, editor (new edition coming out October 2010) Journal of Light, John Moran www.johnmoranphoto.com Florida’s American Heritage River: Images from The St. John’s Region, Mallory O’Connor Between Two Rivers Anthology, Red Hills Writers Project www.redhillswritersproject.org Aquiferious, Margaret Tolbert http://aquiferious.com

WESLEY C. SKILES March 6, 1958 – July 21, 2010

“There’s no other place I’d rather be than along the springs and rivers of Florida.”

Wes Skiles

High Springs, Florida, resident and world-renowned cave-diving pioneer, explorer and underwater cinematographer Wes Skiles traveled the world but held a special place in his heart for the mysterious underwater world of North Florida. He died July 21, 2010 while on a photo dive for National Geographic.

Skiles produced over 100 films for PBS, National Geographic and Karst Productions, the company he founded. He joked that he spent more time underwater than on land. Skiles’ world-class DVDs are available at the FMNH gift shop and online at www.KarstProductions.com.

A founding member The Blue Path Campaign, Wes is remembered for his passion for discovering the secrets of the Floridan Aquifer and his work to raise public support for preserving it. We dedicate The Blue Path exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History to carrying on the pioneering work and legacy of Wes Skiles.

Wes Skiles at a rally for the Ichetucknee River, left; Wes filming underwater at Ginnie Springs. Photos by John Moran

SUPPORT THE BLUE PATH CAMPAIGN TO SAVE FLORIDA’S SPRINGS When a group of artists, writers and naturalists gathered nearly ten years ago to form Florida’s Eden they were inspired by the beauty of our unforgettable Florida springs. They were convinced that art, music, film and literature could awaken a powerful public sentiment to protect these sacred places.

In ten years Florida’s Eden has worked at the confluence of environment, economy and education. We believe that healthy communities and a healthy environment go hand in hand. Enjoy our guides to the local economy (inside cover); read about our Florida Springs Institute (p. 14) and place-based education model (p. 15).

In ten years our springs have experienced enormous decline. Florida’s Eden has launched The Blue Path Campaign to bring together people from all walks of life who will not allow Florida’s springs to die. The good news: on The Blue Path we can learn to value water and bring greater health and prosperity to our people, and restore the flow and vitality of Florida’s springs.

With your citizen voice, your time and your donations we can save Florida’s Springs. We look forward to hearing from you.

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INNOVATION 8

“Innovation isn’t just about inventions. People want hubs of higher education innovation, quality of life innovation, venture capital innovation, and arts and nature innovation. …This is a place where more and more people work at a start-up company in the morning, enjoy a lunch made with locally grown produce, and cool off at the springs on the weekends. …We have all the elements of the much-sought-after ‘creative community’ of the 21st Century.”

University of Florida President Machen speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Florida Innovation Hub

Innovation on the Blue Path 12 January, 5:30-7:30 pm Florida Museum of Natural History SW 34th Street and Hull Road, Gainesville, FL Creators, innovators and entrepreneurs network at The Blue Path exhibit.

Sponsored by:

Cade Museum for Innovation and Invention Florida’s Eden Florida Museum of Natural History GTEC: Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center GAIN: Gainesville Area Innovation Network Florida Museum of Natural History Santa Fe College

FOOD & FARMS Agriculture that is local, uses less water, conserves soil and delivers taste and quality is an innovation we can all enjoy.

Here are some local food resources: www.hogtownhomegrown.com Find a farmer’s market for every day of the week!

Plus recipes, food blog and much more.

Join The Blue Path conversation at GAIN-net http://my.gain-net.org/group/thebluepath

www.SlowFoodGainesville.com A wealth of local food information plus potlucks, farm tours and volunteer opportunities. www.BlueOvenKitchens.org Kitchen incubator nurturing local food entrepreneurs.

This week’s groundbreaking for UF’s second technology incubator heralds another addition to a city with a solidifying sense of place. A place with a thriving technology economy, but also a diversity of businesses, arts and nature, of day trips to local springs and an annual astronomy night that draws thousands.

Dozens of artists here have banded together in the group Florida’s Eden to protect our water and other natural amenities while supporting sustainable growth. Gainesville Regional Utilities is the first in the nation to implement a solar feed-in tariff. So many people bring visiting family members to Paynes Prairie’s La Chua Trail on holidays to gape at the lolling alligators, there is barely a place to park. No other community has these things.

Win Phillips, VP for research, University of Florida at the groundbreaking for UF’s new Innovation Hub

AN INNOVATION STORY: WATER, LAND, ENERGY . . . AND TASTE Visit The Orange Shop in the little town of Citra, one of the first commercial citrus-growing areas in Florida. In October, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Bronson presented Pete and Cindy Spyke of the Orange Shop and their farming company, Arapaho Citrus, with the 2010 Florida Environmental Leadership Award. Arapaho has introduced new technologies for growing citrus that greatly reduce environmental impact and save energy while producing higher-quality fruit. The award recognized these advancements and their work to preserve agriculture and rural lands in Florida. We were greatly honored by the award. Only a handful of people have received this recognition over the years, and this is the only award we’re aware of presented by both the environmental and agricultural communities. In our case, the land planning community also supported the award, so it just doesn’t get any better than that.

Pete Spykes

ARTS & CULTURE continued from page 4 10 CURRENT AND UPCOMING EXHIBITS AT

SW 34th Street and Hull Road University of Florida, Gainesville, FL flmnh.ufl.edu 352-846-2000 The Blue Path August 12, 2010 - February 13, 2011 Please see page 13 for acknowledgments, contributors, and list of works on display.

The Keyhole Project - Voyage of Discovery Feb 8, 2011, 7pm Artist Tim Malles presents a multi-media space art production.

Dugout Canoes: Paddling through the Americas Nov. 13, 2010 - Nov. 2013 Don’t miss the boat! This object-rich and interactive exhibition produced by the Florida Museum features American dugouts from ancient times to present. Find out how dugout canoes have affected life and travel throughout the Americas, from Florida to the Amazon and the Pacific. Find out about the world’s largest archaeological trove of canoes – 101 ancient dugouts revealed by drought at Newnans Lake in 2000.

Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier, Photographs by Carlton Ward Feb. 12 - May 8, 2011 Florida cowboys are living legacies of the longest history of ranching in North America and guardians of the landscape that has shaped them. Nearly one-fifth of the state is devoted to the cattle industry. These working ranches play a vital role in Florida’s economic health and the conservation of wildlife, wetlands and other natural areas. Carlton Ward’s photographs celebrate the grit and raw beauty of the Florida heartland and its enduring cowboys.

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Photo by Carlton Ward

Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition Feb. 12 - May 8, 2011 Move over Texans -- Floridians are the original cowboys.

From 16th-century Spanish explorers to Seminoles, Crackers and modern ranchers, discover the story of one of Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest and most important cultural activities. Saddle up for an exhibit of authentic artifacts, photography and artwork, and learn how cattle ranching continues to contribute to the culture and economy of 21st-century Florida.

Sapelo Island, painting by Mary Jane Volkmann

Barrier Islands: Creations of Tide and Time March 17 - June 26, 2011 Florida artists Brenda Hofreiter, Nancy Moskovitz and Mary Jane Volkmann share glimpses of barrier islands in the Southeast. Fed from nutrients carried by rivers to the sea and supported by sand washing from one island to the next, these diverse and dynamic islands protect the coastlines as they absorb the impact of tides, waves, currents, storms and wind.

VisitGainesville.com Where Nature and Culture Meet

Visitor Events, Attractions, Lodgings, Meeting Planner

The Blue Path Exhibtion: Florida Museum of Natural History BLUE PATH CONTRIBUTORS We would like to thank everyone who contributed original works of art for The Blue Path Exhibit. Prices are listed next to works that are available for sale. To make a purchase, contact Florida’s Eden (352-377-0777).

40% of your purchase price is tax-deductible.

Kanapaha Pond oil on canvas by Trish Beckham, $3700.

Sirenia and the Magic Taper lenticular lightbox by Stefan Craciun, $2500.

Alamacani: Land of the Sweet Waters oil on canvas by Johnny Dame Ichetucknee Wildflower Wheel acrylic on canvas by Johnny Dame Early Out, photo by Sean Dowie, $900.

Paynes Prairie, photo by Sean Dowie, $900.

Late Summer Storm oil on canvas by Robert Goodlett, $2500.

Ichetucknee, Then and Now, photo by John Moran Mystic Springs, photo by John Moran, $550.

Wes Skiles Memorial, photo by John Moran Yana Springs, photo by John Moran, $225.

Gilchrist Blue Springs oil on canvas by Annie Pais, $2500.

Rose Sink Cleanup, photo by Dan Rountree Photos courtesy Steve Mac Photography: Dudley Farm Cistern, Florida Friendly Yard, Madera Subdivision, Rinker Hall, Satchel’s Cistern, Wetland Infiltration Die Polder II, Hernando County photo by Wes Skiles Springs Panels, oil on canvas

by Margaret Tolbert, $1500. each 2 Mullet, Juniper Sand Boils, Silken Sands, Eye of the Aquifer, Juniper Shallows--Study, Minnow Breath

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Blue Path Exhibition could not have happened without the contributions and expertise of many people. At the Florida Museum of Natural History (FMNH) thanks to Haritha Akkarraju, Ian Breheny, Elecia Crumpton, Jeff Huber, Doug Jones, Tom Kyne, Darcie MacMahon, Paul Ramey, and Leah Welch. At GRU special thanks to Kathy Viehe, Amy Carpus and Jennifer McElroy. Shands HealthCare came on as a Blue Path Sponsor.

Thanks also to our donors who wish to remain anonymous. Alexandra Wolrath at the Florida DEP created the map of Florida springs.

Thanks to Cynthia Barnett for coining the term “The Blue Path” and to Ron Chandler, Charles Kibert, Bob Knight, Carol Lippincott, the Suwannee River Water Management District and to all the contributors whose work is included in the exhibit.

In helping move The Blue Path forward thanks to Ron Cunningham at the Gainesville Sun, Brad Rogers at the Ocal Star Banner and to all the members of The Blue Path coalition, who are too numerous to name. Thanks to everyone for including The Blue Path in your newsletters, listserves and publicity. The word is out!

LIST YOUR EVENT, PROGRAM OR ORGANIZATION If you would like to have an event, program or resource listed in The Blue Path Program Guide, please let us know. The online version of the guide is updated on a monthly basis. Contact Stewart Thomas: 352-514-3838, or, email <palmstone@gmail.com>.

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Florida’s Eden is pleased to announce the establishment of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute to further its campaign to protect Florida’s water resources. The Institute is dedicated to the protection and restoration of springs through applied science and public outreach.

Through the generosity of foundations and private donors like you, the Springs Institute will fill the gap resulting from reduced state funding for springs management.

The long-term mission of the Springs Institute is to provide a focal point for knowledge about springs, the flora and fauna they support, and their importance to viable human communities.

The Florida Springs Institute will desseminate this critical information freely in order to promote wise springs management and will provide unbiased advice and advocacy for springs protection and restoration.

If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Annie Pais, Executive Director of Florida’s Eden. 352-377-0777 or email awpais@aol.com

www.FloridasEden.org

GWWO, Inc.

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The Florida Springs Institute honors and continues the legacy of the “Father of Springs Ecology” Dr. Howard T. Odum

The Florida Springs Institute honors the legacy of the world-renowned scholar Dr. Howard T. Odum, who first called the world’s attention to the majesty and mystery of Florida’s unique and complex springs ecosystems. The “Father of Springs Ecology,” Dr. Odum began his career in systems ecology through a four-year study of Silver Springs, Florida -- the first study of a complete ecosystem carried out anywhere in the world.

Florida Springs Institute Director Dr. Robert L. Knight carried out a followup study of the ecology of Silver Springs under the direction of Dr. Odum and has studied the ecology of 18 major Florida springs.

The Ichetucknee Classroom Model 15

Reframing the Nature of Education • Education is exciting • Kids want to engage in relevant learning experiences • Schools are natural centers for community activity • Students want a civic voice; advocating for their communities and the environment • There can be a bridge from campus and community, to higher education and jobs • Everyone benefits when curriculum is “place based”

WE KNOW THIS IS POSSIBLE because it’s happening

right here. At Fort White Middle and High School in Columbia County, a dynamic partnership is creating a national education model. Administrators, faculty and students at Fort White, the Ichetucknee Springs State Park and Florida’s Eden are partnering with county and state agencies, the local business community, and environmental, civic and cultural organizations, pooling collective resources to pioneer the Ichetucknee Classroom Model which is successfully tackling some of the greatest challenges of our time.

With the program now in its sixth year, the educational outcomes are already amazing.

When science students launch a canoe at the headwaters of the Ichetucknee to film the river for a virtual tour, or, when a math class meets to engineer a canoe-maran for the State Park, they aren’t thinking about making history or solving the country’s education dilemmas. They’re excited about the day ahead: being outdoors, working as a team, and just having fun. The river is their classroom—the Park their laboratory. It’s just an average day at school.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Students at Fort White are making history every day. This model comes from the people of Florida and is poised to reframe how we educate future generations. These next steps are still up to us.

We need your help to take this historic Ichetucknee Classroom Model to schools throughout north Florida and the nation.

Florida’s Eden is overseeing evaluation of the program, development of the replication procedure and introduction of the Ichetucknee Classroom Model to educators and policymakers.

We are reaching out for your donations at a critical time in this process. Please help us meet the costs of staff time, materials, travel and conference fees.

INVEST IN THE FUTURE

This is education on The Blue Path! Your contributions impact our environment, our education system and our economy.

To learn more about making a contribution, please contact: Annie Pais, Executive Director Florida’s Eden 352-377-0777 or awpais@aol.com

www.FloridasEden.org

Real People, Real Florida, Real Results Eco Broker - Green Certified Conservation, Renovation & Restoration Specialist Serving Gainesville, the Heart of Florida and Lake Areas

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3221 NW 6th Street Gainesville, Fl 32609

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SAVE FLORIDA SPRINGS BikeFlorida 2011 “Florida’s Eden” Spring Tour Gainesville • High Springs • Newberry • Micanopy

March 26 - April 1 In March hundreds of cyclists will home base in Gainesville and ride through the largest constellation of springs on the planet.

The Blue Path Campaign is helping save Florida springs for tomorrow.

Choose the Charity Ride Option to raise money for the Florida’s Eden Blue Path Campaign to Save Florida’s Springs IT’S EASY TO GET STARTED, VISIT

www.FloridasEden.org/springtour

BIKE FLORIDA 2011 SPRING TOUR: Experience the gateway to Florida’s Spring’s District as you cycle through small towns, scenic byways and Gainesville’s dedicated bike routes. BikeFlorida’s fully supported ride makes it possible for anyone, from novice to expert cyclist to participate for a day or two—or for a full week. Along the way enjoy local food, films, music, and plein air painters. And, of course, swim and kayak the extraordinary springs of Florida’s Eden.

The Blue Path is a program of Florida’s Eden, a non-profit 501c3 charitable organization.

VisitGainesville.com

SAVE FLORIDA SPRINGS

open air arts

75 Artists Working Lakeside and in Historic Melrose 5th Annual Melrose Spring Art Festival

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 25 - 27 March 2011 from 10 to 5 daily FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Info: MelroseBayArtGallery.com Purple Rain, oil on wood, by Tim Malles

Stop in for a color catalog and map to artist sites.

All 3 Galleries are located on SR 26 in Melrose

Bellamy Road Fine Arts Melrose Bay Art Gallery Shake Rag Shake Rag Art & Culture Center VIP Collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preview Reception Friday, 1 April, 7 - 10 pm

Gala Reception and Art Sale Saturday, 2 April, 6 - 10 pm PROCEEDS BENEFIT

SAVE FLORIDA SPRINGS BellamyRoad.org

MelroseBayArtGallery.com

ShakeRagArts.org