HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May the seas be calm and the wind at your back as you immerse yourself in our incredible waterways this coming year.

A success story to start the year.  Initially, Jim Gissy, landowner of Gissy Rainbow River Ranch, explored the idea of building an eco-tourism resort on his riverfront property. An outpouring of community support and advocacy to keep the beloved land wild and undeveloped inspired Gissy to seek conservation alternatives instead. To accomplish this, Gissy worked with Conservation Florida to negotiate the sale of a conservation easement to the State of Florida through its Florida Forever program.

“We are so pleased to have conserved this special property and the scenic views it provides to those enjoying the Rainbow River,” Gissy said. “The property will never be a subdivision, or a shopping center – it will always be family land with no more than two more private homes.

Also in this issue…A Day on the Rainbow River, Loggerhead Musk Turtles, and How to Paddle the Rainbow River.

We look forward to seeing you outside soon.

Conservation Florida, a land trust that aims to save Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations, with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has secured permanent protection of the 135-acre Gissy Rainbow River Ranch in Dunnellon. The acquisition ensures that the largest last undeveloped piece of land along the Rainbow River stays this way, forever. [Read More…]

The easiest way to experience the Rainbow River — which has been a top Marion County attraction since the late 1880s — is to launch your journey from Dunnellon, where you can rent a canoe or kayak if you don’t own one. The 5.7-mile, gently winding waterway is lined by stately homes on the west bank and bordered by the wild greenery of the Rainbow River State Park on the east side. There are plenty of short tributaries to explore. On average, the Rainbow River is less than 10 feet deep, although there are places where it drops 25 feet. Close to the banks, it’s shallow enough to stand. Look out for big branches to jump from and a rope swing or two. [Read more…]

Photo credit: OcalaMarion.com

The Loggerhead Musk is found through much of the southeastern United States and much of Florida. Like all musk and mud turtles it is small, with an average carapace length of 6 inches. The carapace will have 3 keels and small black flecks scattered across the light brown/olive colored shell. The head is large and wide with large jaws for crushing mollusk shells, a favorte food. The head is light colored with dark markings and 2 barbels (fleshy whiskers) under the chin. These barbels are chemosynthetic and help locate food. … [Read More …]

How To: Paddle the Rainbow River

Click here for the article.

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