Florida Master Naturalist-Guided Tours

Nature's secrets await to unfold for you!

Find and book a transformative educational experience in the heart of Wild Florida. This page offers tours operated by guides who have completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) developed by the University of Florida.

This calendar has experiences facilitated by Earth Kinship Nature School that beckon those hungry for an up-close encounter with Florida’s unparalleled natural wonders. There are a few reasons why upgrading to a Master Naturalist may be the best option for your ecotour experience:

- - - - More locations to choose from
      - Premium kayaks and longer paddles
      - Enhanced educational content
      - Team-building programs
      - Naturalist training
      - Nature therapy

Master Naturalist Lead Kayak Tours in St Johns, Flagler, Putnum, and Duval County

More than ecotours

Get Close, Experience Nature!

Ecotrekking

Embark on a journey into Florida’s Wild Heart. Book your exploration of coastal and inland habitats by both land and water.

Engage intimately with nature alongside a Florida Master Naturalist, delving into the study of the diverse plants and wildlife you’ll encounter, all while enjoying a delightfully fun and memorable experience along the way.

Overnight Camping

For the true adventurer and those looking to learn how to camp, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in the wild.

Experience primitive-minimalist camping with a trained naturalist and wilderness responder-certified guide. We invite you to discover Florida’s natural beauty under the stars and beside the fire. Whether it’s to learn about nocturnal wildlife or to simply share stories and a meal, this adventure is sure to create lasting memories.

Transformative educational experiences offered by Earth Kinship Nature School

November 29, 2023November 29, 2023

Horseback Riding Near St Augustine, FL

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit with Horseback Riding at the Florida Agricultural Museum.

Join the ranks of avid GeoTrippers who make horseback riding a cherished tradition at the Florida Agricultural Museum. Located just 1 minute away from I-95 exit for St. Augustine exit at US 1, this idyllic retreat invites you to embark on a horseback riding experience like no other.

Your Journey Awaits: Nestled within 460 acres of unspoiled beauty, our horseback riding trails wind through wooded landscapes, encircle a serene lake, and cross a wildlife bridge. With historic buildings and a Cracker Pioneer home set against the backdrop of heritage livestock, each ride is a captivating exploration of Florida’s rich agricultural heritage.

How to Seize the Reins:

- Book Online: Ensure your spot in the saddle by making an online reservation, granting you the flexibility to plan your adventure up to 24 hours in advance.
- Weekend Wanderers: Walk-ins are welcome on weekends for tours, offering a taste of our captivating surroundings. However, for the ultimate horseback riding experience, reservations are a must

Don’t merely dream of the wind in your hair and the rhythmic hoofbeats beneath you—reserve your horseback riding experience today. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, the Florida Agricultural Museum promises an enchanting journey through nature’s embrace. Let the trails call, and answer with a ride to remember.

Before or after a kayak trip at Princes Place Preserve with us, this is the ideal place to stop. Give us a call to arrange a horseback riding and kayaking adventure package for a truly legendary day in Old Florida.

If you’re seeking an authentic Florida agricultural experience, look no further than the Florida Agricultural Museum in Northern Flagler County. Nestled on 460 acres, this hidden gem offers not only captivating horseback riding adventures but also a range of activities that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Horseback Riding: A Real Florida Ag Experience

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature with a picturesque trail ride through wooded trails, around a serene lake, and over a wildlife bridge spanning the highway. The Florida Agricultural Museum boasts historic buildings and a Cracker Pioneer home with heritage livestock, creating an immersive environment for visitors.

Trail Ride Details:

- - Available every day except Mondays
  - Suitable for riders of all levels
  - Western tack provided unless English tack is requested in advance
  - Riders must be at least 8 years old
  - Weight limit: 250 pounds
  - Must be physically able to mount and dismount (a mounting block is provided)
  - Closed-toe shoes are a must

Booking Information:

- - Maximum of 6 people per ride
  - Online booking required
  - For last-minute bookings, contact the Barn Manager directly at (386) 365-6000 between 8 AM and 10 PM

Summer Horse Camps: Cultivating Young Riders

The Florida Agricultural Museum offers an engaging Horse Camp for children ages 8-16, focusing on horse safety, equine behavior, grooming, and basic riding skills. Limited enrollment ensures a quality experience, with options for rescheduling, gift certificates, or full refunds if needed.

Camp Details:

- Ideal for new riders
- Campers learn horse safety, equine behavior, grooming, and basic riding skills
- Limited enrollment; sign up early
- Cancellation flexibility with rescheduling, gift certificates, or full refunds

Camp preparation tips:

- Bring a case of water (refrigerator provided)
- Pack a non-refrigerated lunch
- Wear sunscreen and bring extra snacks for the hot days

The Florida Agricultural Museum: A Rich Heritage and More

Established in 1983, the Florida Agricultural Museum has been dedicated to preserving Florida’s agricultural past and is home to rare heritage livestock, including Florida Cracker cattle, horses, and sheep. The museum offers fascinating exhibits, guided tours of historical buildings, and animal tours featuring rare heritage Florida Cracker Livestock.

Museum Highlights:

- Black Cowboy Permanent Exhibit
- Historical Buildings dating from 1880 to 1920
- Tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Gift Shop open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Historic Buildings Tour and Animal Tours available

Tour Information:

- Historic Buildings Tour
- Animal Tours
- Tours led by knowledgeable guides

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking outdoor adventures, the Florida Agricultural Museum promises an unforgettable experience in Northern Flagler County. Book your horseback riding adventure and delve into the rich tapestry of Florida’s agricultural heritage.

GeoTrippin is kayaking and so much more to do in St Augustine.

February 4, 2023February 3, 2023

How to be an EcoTour Guide

There are several reasons someone might want to become an ecotour guide: love of the environment, desire to educate, love of adventure, opportunity, and fulfillment. If this sounds like you, below are 7 steps to consider when making your dream a reality.

To become an EcoTour Guide, you will need to follow these steps:

Acquire knowledge: To be an effective EcoTour Guide, you need to have a deep understanding of the local ecosystem, wildlife, plants, and cultural history. This may require formal education, self-study, or hands-on experience in the field.
Gain experience: Before you become an EcoTour Guide, you should gain experience leading groups in the outdoors, working with people of all ages, and communicating complex information in an engaging and accessible way.
Obtain certifications: Depending on your location and the type of tours you plan to lead, you may need to obtain certifications in areas such as first aid, wilderness survival, or boating safety.
Build relationships with local organizations: Partner with local conservation organizations, wildlife reserves, and other stakeholders to create sustainable and meaningful eco-tour experiences.
Develop tour offerings: Create a range of eco-tour offerings that are tailored to different interests, skill levels, and group sizes, and that showcase the best of your local ecosystem.
Promote your tours: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your eco-tours, such as using social media, search engine optimization, or referral marketing.
Continuously improve: Seek feedback from your clients and continually refine your tours to ensure that they are engaging, educational, and sustainable.

Note: The requirements for becoming an EcoTour Guide may vary depending on your location, so it is important to research the regulations and best practices in your area. Additionally, consider obtaining insurance and liability coverage to protect yourself and your clients while leading tours.

How do you know if being an EcoTour Guide is the right Career Choice?

Love of the environment: Ecotour guides often have a deep passion for nature and a desire to share that love with others. They enjoy showcasing the beauty and diversity of the local ecosystem and educating visitors about conservation and sustainability.

Desire to educate: Ecotour guides see their role as a way to educate and inspire others to care about the environment. They enjoy sharing their knowledge about wildlife, local history, and ecology with visitors.

Love of adventure: Many ecotour guides enjoy the thrill of exploring new places and experiencing new challenges. They see their role as a way to share their excitement for adventure with others.

Career opportunity: Ecotourism is a growing industry, and eco-tour guides can find meaningful and rewarding careers helping visitors discover and appreciate the natural world.

Personal fulfillment: Becoming an eco-tour guide can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and to connect with others who share a love of nature.

Overall, becoming an ecotour guide is a unique and rewarding experience that combines a love of nature, education, and adventure.

February 3, 2023February 3, 2023

7 Steps to Save Old Growth Trees

Follow these 7 steps to convince developers to preserve as many old growth trees as they can. When profit is the only motive, it can be hard for environmentally conscious folks to convince the powers that be. But no one can disagree that we all want a healthy and sustainable world.

Clearing old-growth trees is often seen as a short-sighted and unsustainable practice that undermines the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations. Instead, it is generally recommended that old-growth forests be protected and managed in a way that balances the needs of the ecosystem, the economy, and local communities.

To convince developers to preserve old growth trees when they clear land to build, you can take the following steps:

Educate them on the value of old growth trees: Highlight the ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value of old growth trees, and the impact that removing them can have on the environment and the community.
Present alternative building designs: Show them how they can incorporate the trees into their building design, or how they can clear the land in a way that minimizes the impact on the trees.
Provide incentives for preservation: Offer financial or other incentives for preserving old growth trees, such as tax credits, grants, or recognition for environmental stewardship.
Engage the local community: Build support for preserving old growth trees by involving the local community in the discussion and providing them with opportunities to voice their opinions.
Use media and social media: Highlight successful preservation efforts, and share stories and images of the value and importance of old growth trees to generate public interest and support.
Leverage local and national regulations: Advocate for stronger regulations that protect old growth trees and the environment, and inform developers of the legal requirements for preserving trees.
Partner with conservation organizations: Work with local and national conservation organizations to educate developers and the public on the importance of preserving old growth trees, and to provide resources and support for their preservation.

Developers may clear cut old-growth trees for a variety of reasons, including:

Cost: Clearing land for development often requires removing all trees and vegetation on the site. This can be less expensive and quicker than selectively removing only certain trees.
Development Design: Developers may want to start with a clean slate in order to build according to their desired design. This may include a certain tree or landscaping plan that requires the removal of existing trees.
Profit: Clearing and developing land can be highly profitable, and developers may prioritize this financial gain over environmental considerations.

While it is true that new trees can be replanted after the old-growth trees are cleared, this process often results in a loss of biodiversity and reduced ecological value. Newly planted trees also take many years, sometimes even decades, to reach maturity and provide the same ecosystem benefits as old-growth trees.

Therefore, it is important to consider the long-term impacts of clearing old-growth trees and to explore alternative development methods that prioritize conservation and sustainability.

Clearing old-growth trees is considered by many to be a highly destructive and unnecessary practice. Old-growth forests play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and preserving biodiversity. These forests provide habitat for numerous species, including some that are endangered, and are also critical for carbon sequestration and preventing soil erosion.

Furthermore, old-growth forests can take hundreds or even thousands of years to develop, and once they are gone, they cannot be easily replaced. This not only causes significant harm to the environment, but it also results in the loss of unique and irreplaceable natural resources.

So what?

How can the typical 99.9% of us fight elite profiteers who are stealing our natural resources?

How can a public good like land and its many resources be held for private gain? What time and money do we have to fight the development tsunami?

GeoTrippin’ is insane enough to think action without a profit plan is doable. Service to others should replace service to self as civilization’s driving principle.

January 18, 2023February 3, 2023

Tips for Becoming an EcoTour Guide

Do you enjoy spending time on the water exploring nature and talking to people? If so, a job as a kayak ecotour guide might be perfect for you.

Do you yearn for the path less traveled?

Its time to jump ship on your old career. Dive into the freedom being an ecotour guide affords the best story tellers. Whether by kayak or some other mode of transportation, the guides make or break the tour.

As a tour guide, you’ll need to be able to engage and educate your guests about the local ecosystem and wildlife. It is also important to be well rounded. Come to the table with stories about the local area as well as larger topics that impact the environments you are exploring. Stories can be from any discipline. Having a biology degree is not required. If you keep repeating science jargon and Latin, it can make it harder to be interesting.

Telling the right stories, your guests are sure to have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Story tellers read on. Start planning your next career today!

When kayaking in St. Augustine’s three-river inland coastal tidal basin, it is important to be able to engage guests about the area’s science, culture, and history. Have at least 6 story ideas packed with interesting information about wildlife, sea life, the estuary, and the research done here. There are many field experiments and long-term studies that can be found on our float plans. You’ll be able to captivate your guests with stories of St. Augustine’s history and ecology while they paddle through this beautiful landscape. You will also be able to educate guests with breaking stories and culturally relevant research coming out of the GTM Reserve and the world’s other players.

As a GeoTrippin Adventure Guide, we must always put a positive spin on the scary stories and reports that are spread by the mainstream media and other privately controlled news outlets. There is a global quagmire that can be solved with simple solutions that keep getting better on their own. Instead of using technology to make up for the loss of resources and services provided by natural habitats. We literally just need to “set it and forget it!” Restoring and building new habitats will literally save the planet from suffocating, drowning, burning, starving, water wars, acidic oceans, pollution, and all the other scary stuff.

The best news? The fish and wildlife service reports that in 2007, the US switched from net loss to a net gain of wetlands every year. Restoration efforts have been exponentially increasing since then. You are leading your guests through the very research reserve that contributed to some of the most inspiring and hopeful news about our climate and environment.

Every GeoTripper should leave your ecotour feeling inspired and uplifted. Even in the face of some heavy and heated topics, a GeoTrippin Guide speaks confidently with the knowing and overstanding that the Earth’s Ecosystems are resilient and will quickly heal on its own if we stop harming it.

March 1, 2022February 3, 2023

Get Close to Bioluminescent Cannibals

Comb Jellies Eat Each Other to Survive

You can see these voracious eaters up close, just like this family is doing in this video. (Actual Customers)

Some scientists refer to Bioluminescent Comb Jellies, like the ones seen in Guana Lake, as one of the most dangerous animals in the oceans. Even things more than twice their size aren’t safe from being eaten by this prehistoric predator.

Comb Jellies are voracious eaters. Even their own offspring are not safe. Check out this video of just that.

Call it the Comb Jelly Battle Dome.

Kayak out into Guana Lake at night to observe the bioluminescent Comb Jelly in its natural habitat.

Collect specimen of bioluminescent sea creatures to observe back on land. Watch as they begin to devour each other. Surprises are in store. The family featured also captured some shrimp for added family fun on this easy to get to location.