A special parks event of the Village of Palmetto Bay during its Earth Week programming proved so popular that it is being extended for additional months. The Family Mangrove- Kayak Adventure that took place on Sunday, Apr. 27, was termed a huge success.
According to Parks and Recreation Director Fanny Carmona-Gonzalez, within 24 hours after it was announced via social media, all four sessions were booked completely.
“This educational session brought to life the importance of the mangroves, flora and fauna around our coastlines,” Carmona-Gonzalez said. “Participants were provided the necessary tools to obtain an up-close encounter of our own local environmental resources. This was a familyoriented interpretive excursion where everyone had the opportunity to hands-on experience the beauty of the natural world around us.”
Operating out of the village’s Thalatta Estate with its ready access to the bay, the “eco-tours” by kayak where conducted by Voelly Burgos- Munoz of Nature Postings, an environmental educational organization based in South Florida. After initial training for proper kayak technique, participants, both adults and children, were taken on a three-hour excursion of the coastal area to explore nature and to learn more about how mangroves are an integral part of the ecosystem.
Kayaks, paddles, kayaking equipment and lifejackets are included in the tour, which is open to all levels, beginners to experienced kayakers. Besides the initial “adventure” on Apr. 27, more were planned for May 25, June 29 and July 27, each on a Sunday at 8 a.m. And Carmona- Gonzalez said that due to the popularity of the first event, the program has been extended.
“The following dates, Aug. 31, Sept. 28, Oct. 26 and Nov. 30, have been added and soon will be available for reservations,” Carmona- Gonzalez said. “Please know that only those registered will receive a confirmation email prior to excursion date.”
Thalatta Estate is located at 17301 Old Cutler Rd. in Palmetto Bay. Anyone interested in the free ecotour must register. For information call 305-259-1234 or visit the official website at <www.PalmettoBay- FL.gov>.
