Speaker and tour series at Upriver RV Resort
The fifth annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is set to showcase kayaking and eco-events along Southwest Florida’s waterways Nov. 3 to 6. One local event will be held at the Upriver RV Resort, Friday, Nov. 4, from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The four-day festival offers an array of speakers and instruction, cultural and eco-festivals, races and fishing events, paddlers’ get-togethers and green activities.
Events are at public parks and archeological sites as well as resorts and campgrounds along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile marked-and-meandering saltwater trail that spans the Lee County coast from Bonita Springs to Pine Island and inland to Alva.
At the North Fort Myers Upriver event, expect local representatives from Manatee Park and Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve Rangers. “There’s a tour by Ranger Mickey Miller of Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve, and an ‘All About Manatees Progress’ by me,” said Nancy Kilmartin of Lee Parks & Recreation.
Tim Martell, owner/operator of Manatee Guides based out of Lehigh and Estero Bay, will be one of the speakers at the North Fort Myers event. “I’m also a Florida Master Naturalist,” he said. “Manatees are a gentle and beautiful animal that needs our protection through education and conservation. I will also actually be doing a little kayak demonstration, and I will have great tips on paddling the Great Calusa Blueway.”
“It will be informative on both the Blueway and manatees, and paddling the blueway and Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve,” she said.
“We’re taking advantage of the fact the preserve is right there.”
“Upriver Resort is hosting and putting together the event, and they are right on the Blueway,” said Calusa Blueway Coordinator Betsy Clayton.
It is a popular event and is free to the public. “But we are asking people to call with a reservation so we know how many are coming.”
That event starts at noon. The location is 17021 Upriver Dr. and the number to call to register for that event is 707-1307.
The official website for the event is calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com.