Shannon Blankinshipby SHANNON BLANKINSHIP
Yes, let’s go hunting along the St. Johns River, but please leave the guns at home. This River Hunt will take you from the downtown Jacksonville Landing and walk you all the way to The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens along the St. Johns River. The kickoff for this River Hunt will be on March 2nd, but after that the hunt program will be available at www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.
So what are we hunting for? Have you ever walked the same sidewalk or street hundreds of times without ever noticing something unique and important? This hunt will make you think and search all along the St. Johns River Northbank Riverwalk. Familiarize yourself with all things “river friendly” that have been done along the Riverwalk, with stops at Community First Saturday, the Riverside Arts Market, and Community Day at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Scout out the St. Johns Riverwalk and find native plants, organic vegetables, recycled crafts, hidden creeks, pollution pipes, wetlands, and more. Continue the hunt in the Cummer Museum and explore breathtaking portrayals of natural Florida with the magnificent mural display FEAST OF FLOWERS by Jim Draper and seek out changes in the Cummer’s extensive garden landscape. Conclude the hunt at the Rain Barrel sale with a take-home prize and a new appreciation of what it is that hurts and helps the St. Johns River. I hope to see you there!
River Hunt
Community First Saturday, Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive, 10 am – 2 pm, March 2
Begin this “River Friendly” scavenger hunt at the Jax Landing and explore the Riverwalk down to the Riverside Arts Market and Cummer Museum.
www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/events/river-hunt-/ Family Day Boat Trip
Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Avenue 9am – 11am
Come aboard with St. Johns Riverkeeper educational staff and cruise into the Ortega River. This boat trip is designed so your whole family can learn about the ecology of the St. Johns through hands-on activities. This program is appropriate for families and kids ages 5+. Suggested donation: $15 Adults, $10 Children (under 12). You must register. www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/events/river-boat-trip-1/
Riverside Arts Market Opening Day
March 2, Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Avenue, 10 am – 4 pm
The Riverside Arts Market is Jacksonville’s premier outdoor arts and entertainment venue! Each Saturday, meet under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge and purchase locally grown vegetables, handmade crafts and jewelry, eat hot, ready-made food and see live entertainment. Opening day musical entertainment is provided by The Stanton College Prep Marching Band. http://riversideartsmarket.com
Rain Barrels for the River, Plant Sale, and Garden Month kickoff at The Cummer Museum
March 2, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, 10 am – 2 pm
Conserve water and protect water quality by collecting and reusing rainwater. This is a great opportunity to learn about Florida Friendly plants, water conservation, fertilizer use, and to purchase an Ivy 50 gallon rain barrel for $65 or 2 for $120. Pre-purchase is necessary. Tour the Jim Draper Feast of Flowers Art Show for free during this event, and see why Florida is worth protecting. www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/events/rain-barrels-for-the-river/
Follow FOLIO!