Description

The Kayaks and Compasses field trip begins at Ramp Road, just west of Freedom 7. We begin with a safety tip and a familiarization with the equipment followed by a brief demonstration on how to paddle. Then we launch the boats and spend a few minutes paddling around to get the feel of the kayaks.

When everyone is comfortable with the boats we head to Crawford Island for the first part of the field trip. Once ashore the students have a few minutes to get a drink and then receive their booklets and compasses. The guide will explain some of the ecology of the area as students refresh themselves. The orienteering portion of the trip then begins.

Students will be given a trail to follow with stations along the way. At each station will be an opportunity to write in the booklets about what the students see, take pictures for photo-journals, and the guide will explain the landscape, some of the plants and any animals that are encountered. 

At the end of the trail the students return to the boats to launch and head into the maze of canals with stops along the way where the guide will explain issues facing the ecological health of the lagoon, the ecology of sea grass and mangroves, and how the activities of people affect the lagoon.

A map of the trip route is shown below.