River
and Run Tour: Manatee Field Trip in Florida
2002
(Click
photos to enlarge)
Blue
Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida and the Crystal River National
Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River, Florida, are two very important natural
warm water refuges where the Manatees congregate during the winter months.
Both offer protected santuaries and viewing areas for visitors too.
At
Blue Spring State Park, visitors can see Manatees from observations decks
above the Blue Spring run. At the Crystal River, visitors can snorkel
near the sanctuaries, and if they're lucky they may get a chance to see
the Manatees swim right by them.
Journey North's Julie Brophy travelled to both places in January and had
the rare opportunity to accompany Ranger Wayne Hartley in his research
canoe as he conducted Manatee roll calls at Blue Spring. She also was
able to accomapany Sirenia Project biologist Bob Bonde for some "in
the water" research with the Manatees at Crystal River.
Julie
took some photos to share her experience with you--here's a sampling of
what she saw!
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This
way to the Manatees! |
Looking
up the Run |
Ranger
Wayne and Journey North's Julie Brophy ready to paddle into the
Run |
Ranger
Wayne Takes the Run Water Temperature--always 72 F!
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Who's
Down There? |
Do
you see something on the log? |
We've
Got Company! |
Protection
for the Manatees at Blue Spring |
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Ranger
Wayne Goes Over a Few Questions on Land |
Rules
for Boaters |
Slow
Down!!
This "Footprint" or glassy area shows where Manatees
are present. |
"Look
at the Manatees!"
Blue Spring Manatee Fans Eagerly Watch from One of the Observation
Decks |
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Early
Settlers' Home at Blue Spring |
Didn't
See Any This Trip! But what should you NEVER do if you did?
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On
the Crystal River, Sirenia Project biologist Bob Bonde and Julie
Brophy in their wet suits, ready to slowly steer the Research
Boat out to the sanctuary. (Yes, those are rain drops on the water
surface--we got soaked!) |
As
we slowly head for the sanctuary, looking back you can see the
Crystal River NWR headquarters on the shore. This refuge is said
to provide habitat for 25% of the Manatees in the country.
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Bob
Bonde skippers the Research Boat out to the sanctuary so I can
accompany him for "in the water" research as he sketches
and photographs the Manatees. |
Bob's
sketch plate, used to draw scars of the Manatees he observes underwater
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Yes,
we even saw a Cow with her Calf! |
Didn't
get an underwater picture of me--but this is what it would have
looked like if we had. Next time! |
Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form
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