December 10–The RiverTrek campaign concluded last week with paddlers completing their wilderness immersion experience, spending four days camping and kayaking together with guest speakers visiting along the way. Adaptive planning and dedicated teamwork were the hallmarks of this year’s RiverTrek team.  The original October trip was postponed due to Hurricane Michael. Then December brought us 
three days of heavy rain throughout the ACF basin, resulting in flooding and unsafe kayaking conditions along much of the Apalachicola River. As such, the traditional route was modified.
The team base camped and day tripped along the lower Apalachicola River and creeks of the nearby Ochlockonee River. Discussions and presentations on the ecology (habitat, wildlife, climate change) and history and Apalachicola watershed occurred on the water and around the evening campfires. The team paddled in cool, sunny conditions. There were no needed swimming breaks to cool off during this year’s ‘Trek!  Several RiverTrek team members are planning a spring paddle and we expect a few to join us in October 2019, too.
Interested in kayaking and hiking around the Apalachicola watershed? Join one of our Eco-Educational Outings. Our 2019 trip schedule will be posted very soon!
Here is a gallery of trip photos. Many are also posted on our FB and Instagram pages.
Thank you again, 2018 RiverTrek Team and generous supporters. You collectively raised $58,000 for the on-going advocacy, collaborative research, outreach & education efforts of Apalachicola Riverkeeper. Together, we will continue to work for the protection and restoration of Apalachicola River and Bay.
Yes, of course you can still contribute to the 2018 Team efforts to thank them and support our work.
RiverTrek is a true team sport. The planning and execution of the campaign and the paddling trip is the result of hundreds of hours of volunteer time.
Special big thanks to:
Team Coordinator: Tommy Thompson
Team Captains & Planning Committee: Doug Alderson, Patrick Madden and Katie McCormick
Support Crew & Planning Committee: C.J. Weinmann, Mary Balthrop and Diane Hines
Motorboat & Shuttle Crew: Roy Ogles, Mike Shepherd and Rick Zelznak
Guest speaker, Michael Hill, retired FWC biologist who enlightened the group on restoration efforts and fisheries & habitat
Team member and forester, David Morse who shared his vast knowledge all along the way
Thank you, Uptown Café & Catering for providing a delicious, hot lasagna dinner (on an especially cold night).
Additionally, big appreciation for staff members Diane Hines and Susan Macken who kept the campaign moving positively.
Interested in applying for RiverTrek 2019? Please watch website and e-news Applications go out in March.
–Georgia Ackerman, Riverkeeper & Executive Director
