2026 LEEF Conference Field Trips

Registration

• Field Trip: Explore Apalachee Bay and Estuary from the FSU Marine Lab – $10.00
  Explore Apalachee Bay and Florida’s “Nature Coast” from the FSU Coastal Marine Laboratory (FSUCML). Join ecological educators from the FSU Office of STEM Teaching Activities (OSTA) on a boat trip from the FSUCML into the Bay to explore the varied and fascinating creatures that inhabit the seagrass beds, sandy bottom, and salt marshes and their habitats. Trips will also include macro- and micro-examination of live specimens back at the Lab.
  
  Transportation from the Wakulla Environmental Institute to FSUCML is provided.
  
  Fee-based: $10.00
  
  When: Friday, March 27th, 8:00 am -1:00 pm
  
  Deadline to Register: February 27, 2026
• Field Trip: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab – $10.00
  Sign up for this guided tour led by an extensively trained tour leader. This tour is approximately two hours in length. You will begin your adventure with a guided tour of the aquarium, then move outdoors to the Living Dock located in the estuarine waters of Dickerson Bay. There, the tour guide will demonstrate the fouling community species and intertidal zonation of barnacles and oysters. Participants get to experience hands-on specimen collection from the dock to be identified and viewed up close before being released.
  
  Gulf Specimen Marine Lab: 222 Clark Dr. Panacea, FL 32346
  
  Fee-based: $10.00
  
  When: Friday, March 27th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Field Trip: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Birding Tour – $5.00
  Discover one of Florida’s premier birding destinations with a guided adventure through St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge! From 1:00–4:00 pm, join legendary birder Don Morrow as you caravan down historic Lighthouse Road, where every bend brings new wonders. Together, you’ll explore coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and tidal flats—prime habitats for an incredible variety of birdlife.
  
  Expect to see wading birds, raptors, shorebirds, and maybe even a few surprises as Don shares his expert knowledge and sharp eye for spotting wildlife. Beyond the birds, soak in the stunning scenery that makes this refuge a national treasure, from wide-open skies to the iconic St. Marks Lighthouse standing tall against the Gulf backdrop.
  
  Whether you’re an experienced birder or brand-new to the hobby, this tour offers a perfect blend of education, exploration, and pure natural beauty. Bring your binoculars, your curiosity, and a sense of adventure—you won’t want to miss it!
  
  1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL 32355
  
  Fee-based: $5.00 (Proceeds benefit refuge)
  
  When: Friday, March 27th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Field Trip: Wakulla Springs River Boat Tours - 2:00 PM – $5.00
  Wakulla Springs River Boat Tours - Field Trip
  
  Step aboard for an unforgettable journey at Wakulla Springs! This guided river boat tour winds from the crystal-clear springs into the wild beauty of the Wakulla River. Along the way, expert naturalists will share fascinating stories about the area’s unique environment, rich history, and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. Keep your eyes peeled—you may spot alligators basking on the banks, majestic wading birds overhead, or even a gentle manatee gliding through the water. And for fans of classic cinema, this is the same river where scenes from The Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed!
  
  Each boat ride lasts about 45 minutes and is available rain or shine (except in severe weather). Seating is limited to just 10 spots per group, so be sure to reserve early.
  
  Park Entry Fee: Admission to Wakulla Springs State Park is $6 per carload (not included in the registration cost).
  
  Come ready for adventure—every tour offers something new, and you never know what wonders you might see!
  
  550 Wakulla Park Dr., Crawfordville, FL 32327
  
  Fee-based: $5.00
  
  When: Friday, March 27th (2 tour times available)
• Field Trip: Wakulla Springs River Boat Tours - 3:00 PM – $5.00
  Step aboard for an unforgettable journey at Wakulla Springs! This guided river boat tour winds from the crystal-clear springs into the wild beauty of the Wakulla River. Along the way, expert naturalists will share fascinating stories about the area’s unique environment, rich history, and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. Keep your eyes peeled—you may spot alligators basking on the banks, majestic wading birds overhead, or even a gentle manatee gliding through the water. And for fans of classic cinema, this is the same river where scenes from The Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed!
  
  Each boat ride lasts about 45 minutes and is available rain or shine (except in severe weather). Seating is limited to just 10 spots per group, so be sure to reserve early.
  
  Park Entry Fee: Admission to Wakulla Springs State Park is $6 per carload (not included in the registration cost).
  
  Come ready for adventure—every tour offers something new, and you never know what wonders you might see!
  
  550 Wakulla Park Dr., Crawfordville, FL 32327
  
  Fee-based: $5.00
  
  When: Friday, March 27th (2 tour times available)
• Field Trip:Waters of Wakulla – $10.00
  Want to learn more about Florida's fantastic freshwater springs? Join the Waters of Wakulla field trip. This driving tour begins in Tallahassee and ends at Wakulla Springs State Park with four stops in between. Each stop highlights the importance of a unique local water feature and explains the way the features relate to the Floridan Aquifer and Wakulla Springs, an International Geological Heritage Site.
  
  Participants will meet at the Wakulla Environmental Institute, and carpool to the first location where they will park near Cascades Park, Tallahassee and gather nearby with tour guide. This exciting field trip concludes with a boat tour on the beautiful Wakulla River.
  
  Note: Carpooling is required for this tour. Entry into Wakulla Springs State Park is additional $6 per car, this is not included in the registration and will need to paid at the park entrance.
  
  Fee-based: $10.00
  
  When: Friday, March 27th, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm