World Rivers Day was established to promote awareness of how important these waterways are for a healthy ecosystem.

Florida is home to many waterways, each of them hosting their own local wildlife and plenty of outdoor recreation as well. 

On Sunday, September 24, our real estate agents will observe the holiday with a peaceful and relaxing outing on one of these great waterways near Northeast Florida and Central Florida.

• St. Johns River
  At 310 miles, St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida, but you don't have to travel the full length to have an enjoyable trip. It also has the distinction of being one of the few rivers that flows from south to north. Thanks to its role as a vital transportation corridor and the site of Jacksonville, St. Johns River was designated in 1998 as one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers. St. Johns is truly a "lazy" river, with a modest one-inch per-mile drop in elevation from the headwaters at Blue Cypress Lake to the mouth just east of Jacksonville. There are a number of launch spots along the way for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
  
  
• Shingle Creek Regional Park - 4266 W. Vine St., Kissimmee, FL 34741
  Shingle Creek Regional Park offers so much to do near Kissimmee homes for sale. In 1911, Judson and Molly Steffee moved from Kentucky into a residence near Shingle Creek, known as the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. After their original home burned, it was replaced by the homestead that remains on the site. The park's paddle launch isn't far from the family's hunting and fishing cabin along the creek bank. Hours are sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.
  
  
• Tomoka State Park - 2099 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
  Bring your binoculars and birdwatching guide along when you visit Tomoka State Park. As a segment of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, the park offers plentiful opportunities to spot more than 160 species of birds. The area has also been designated as a manatee sanctuary, and there are a number of other protected wildlife habitats. Paddlers can access the Halifax River, which is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Park hours are 8 a.m. - sunset, and the entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Plus, the park is close to many Ormond Beach homes for sale.
  
  
• The Econ River Wilderness Area - Seminole/Orange County line 
  Just a short drive south of Oviedo, you'll find the Econ River Wilderness Area, which offers fantastic wildlife viewing in Seminole County. There are plenty of things to do with roughly 3 miles of trails to explore in this area, which takes you along the west side of the Econlockhatchee River. Visit the trail from dawn to dusk, or sign up for a kayak tour to learn more about this Florida waterway.

For a full look at all the kayaking and paddling trails you can explore throughout Florida, check out this list provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 

Enjoy life surrounded by the natural beauty of Northeast and Central Florida. Contact us at Watson Realty Corp. for help buying or selling a home.