Eco Heritage boat tour this weekend

By MARCIA LANE

PALATKA – In Putnam County volunteers have been on the St. Johns River preparing for this weekend’s (April 6-7) Eco Heritage Boat Tour by the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

“We were out repairing damage to some of the Bartram Trail sign,” said Sam Carr, a member of the Bartram Committee that has helped people learn about the travels of 18^th century naturalists William and John Bartram along the river. “We had several signs damaged by Hurricane Matthew.”

Out replacing and repairing signs from Silver Springs to Palatka this week were Carol Foil, Bob Stender, Dean Campbell, Ken Mahaffey and Carr.

The Riverkeeper is out on the river with tour groups this weekend showing off the St. Johns during the two-day tour that goes from Palatka to Sanford and back. It’s the 45^th tour for the Riverkeeper organization, a non-profit serving as a full time advocate and watchdog for the river, its watershed and the public. Lisa Rinaman is chief advocate.

This tour is sold out. It’s a unique experience for an overnight guided tour.

Carr will be among the guides, who are telling people about the river’s history, ecology and past visitors such as the Bartrams.