By Aloise Schmitt F
irst Coast families interested in learning about the environment can expand their knowledge by enjoying a tour of some of Florida’s most beautiful wildlife preserves with Ripple Effect
Ecotours. Ripple Effect, which conducts tours at several locations along the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, was established in 2007 by owner Chris Kelley in an effort to share his lifelong passion for natural science and educate others about Florida’s many ecosystems. “Tere’s no better way to do that than to immerse them in the beautiful natural element that we have here in Northeast Florida.”
Tour participants are guided by Chris or another of the company’s
four professional guides, all of whom are either master naturalist instructors from the University of Florida or have a degree in biology or environmental science. Along the way, travelers see all kinds of wildlife including marine mammals, birds and invertebrates. “You go out to some beach in the middle of a lagoon where there’s nobody for miles and miles, and all of a sudden all these little things start coming out, and the kids are amazed with it,” Chris says.
Ripple Effect guides consider the group’s skill level when mapping
out each tour route, so no kayaking experience is necessary. Some kayaks even have extra seats that allow children up to 80 pounds to accompany their parents on tours, making them appropriate for almost all ages. “Most of the kids do great on the kayak trips. Tey love it,” Chris says. Another option is to enjoy a tour from Ripple Effect’s new, eco-friendly boat, which operates on recycled vegetable oil and has no propeller, eliminating any risk to nearby marine life and habitats. “Te boat is the most unique vessel you’ll ever see,” Chris says. “We feel we set an ethical standard for the ecotourism community here. It’s something we really like sharing with people.”
Tours are also tailored for participants’ ages and interests. “We try
to make our tours as engaging as possible for the age groups we have,” says Brandon Mellin, another lead guide. Brandon likes to create a hands-on learning environment for the children on his tours. “I try to put some piece of nature in their hand,” he says. “I do my best to…
find something to make it real for them.” He finds that most participants are fascinated by what they learn on a tour, regardless of their age. “Tat’s what it’s all about to me, finding that connection and making it special for everyone.”
Lou Powell brought her 13-year-old twin godsons, Tanner and
Zachary, on a Ripple Effect tour during one of their vacations to the First Coast. She had experienced a tour already and felt it was something the boys simply could not miss. “It was one of the highlights of their vacation here. I think they are trying to decide now if they want to grow up and be an ecologist!” Lou attributes the positive feedback to their tour guide, Danny Lippi. “Danny’s passion is very contagious. He knows his stuff…and he just captures your attention.” She also says parents can be assured their children will be in good hands at Ripple Effect, where safety is taken very seriously.
Nancy Lesser began participating in ecotours shortly after she
and her husband David purchased a home in Palm Coast about five years ago. She says Ripple Effect stands out against the rest. “It was a completely different experience. We came away feeling so enriched from the entire experience, so after that, we went at every opportunity.” Nancy agrees with Lou that the Ripple Effect guides are what make the difference. “It’s lovely to see sights, but, honestly, if you don’t have somebody knowledgeable pointing things out to you, you miss 85 to 90 percent of what is right in front of your eyes.”
Lou and Nancy both say Ripple Effect is great for families
looking to experience nature in a safe, fun and educational environment. “Without question, I would recommend this as a family adventure,” Lou says. “I can’t recommend it highly enough.” Nancy says that the tours will open your eyes to the wonders that exist in Northeast Florida. “I don’t think you need to be a marine biologist to take away the beauty, the uniqueness of this area, and how ecologically sensitive it is. You can tell we’re huge fans. Tat’s no secret.”
For more information, visit
rippleeffectecotours.com.
Photos courtesy of Ripple Effect Ecotours
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