By Doug Alderson, Apalachicola Riverkeeper Outreach & Advocacy Director
A diverse array of participants have come together for RiverTrek 2020. The group includes schoolteachers, writers, outfitters, public defenders, directors of non-profit groups, and state government employees. Eight of the 13 who have signed on are new to the adventure: Dodie Alber and Courtenay Miller of Apalachicola; Bruce Ballister, Jennifer Humayun and Ryan Burk of Tallahassee; Greg Redmond of Missouri; Kim Munshower of Wakulla County; and Jo Ellen Pearman of St. George Island. Five RiverTrek veterans will help guide the trip: Jill Lingard of Tampa and Cameron Barton, Alex Reed, Harry Smith and Doug Alderson of Tallahassee.
“Understanding the environment of this unique ecosystem and the river’s health is critical,” says Cameron Barton, a science teacher at Maclay School in Tallahassee. “From the tupelo trees and their sweet honey, to the estuaries’ salinity threats, to the value of the hidden creeks and sloughs, to the stories held in the ancient bluffs…the river needs us to be conscientious caretakers.”
On the five-day RiverTrek from October 6 through 10, paddlers will kayak the entire 107-mile length of the river from Chattahoochee to Apalachicola. They will paddle more than 20 miles a day, braving heat and possibly rain, camping on sandbars and sharing group meals and stories. They will swim, laugh, and enjoy first-hand one of Florida’s most diverse and inspiring rivers. They will also be assisted by dedicated volunteers and staff with Apalachicola Riverkeeper, and they will learn about the river’s ecology from a host of guest speakers. A reception is being planned for their arrival in Apalachicola.
RiverTrek raises both awareness and funds to help protect and restore the Apalachicola River Basin. Individuals and businesses sponsor the paddlers in a “walk-a-thon” fashion, and all proceeds are donated to Apalachicola Riverkeeper. The 2019 RiverTrek group set a fundraising record, raising almost $63,000! Can the 2020 RiverTrek group be the best ever? They can only do it with your support. Fundraising begins July 1.
Check out this fun video featuring the entire 2020 RiverTrek team. Many thanks to Rough Cut Productions for their volunteer assistance with editing!