January 7, 2010 - Grand Flotilla and Celebration at Grassy Waters Preserve (4PM)

Join the River of Grass Grand Flotilla!
Greet the core paddlers of the River of Grass Canoe Expedition on Thursday, January 7, as they culminate their six-day, 78 mile adventure!

To kick off 2010: The Year of the Everglades, a dozen men and women will set off on Saturday morning, January 2, 2010, from where the Kissimmee River flows into Lake Okeechobee, ending their journey on Thursday, January 7, at the Bingham Nature Pavilion at Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach.

You are invited to participate in one of two ways:
► Join the core paddlers (by canoe or kayak) for the final two hours of their expedition!
► Be part of the welcoming celebration on the "front porch" at Grassy Waters Preserve at 4 pm — Enjoy music, food, and fun as we await the arrival of the Core Paddlers and Grand Flotilla!

RSVP to kellyg344@aol.com by Dec. 31, 2009, if you plan to attend the Celebration only at Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Boulevard). Please park on the north side; trolleys will be available to transport you between parking and the porch.

If you plan to paddle in the Grand Flotilla (must be at least 18 years of age):

- You must register in advance (download and submit form to the right), the number of participating canoes and kayaks will be limited. Participation acceptance will be first come/first served; RSVP deadline is Dec. 18, 2009.

- Release Forms (download below) are required for all Grand Flotilla participants.
Return all completed forms via e-mail to shopler@wpb.org, or mail to:
Grand Flotilla, c/o Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, PO Box 2620, Palm Beach, FL 33480.

Plan to arrive at Grassy Waters by 11 am — park in the South Parking Lot, launch will be from that area at 12 noon.

The multi-purpose mission of the Expedition is...
...to draw attention to the invaluable role that the Everglades plays in the ecology of Florida
...to emphasize the need to conserve and respect this key resource
...to document the current state of its health and well-being
...to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Everglades Coalition Conference and the Florida Friends Conference, and to kick off The Year of the Everglades, a commitment to recognizing, protecting and respecting this most unique and crucial resource

Partners in the River of Grass Expedition and Grand Flotilla include the City of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Grassy Waters Preserve Foundation, Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, and Everglades Area Tours.

For more information call 561-805-TREE [8733].

DOWNLOAD FORMS HERE

Please download all forms and fact sheets. You must submit the following forms to the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation to be eligible for this event.

Fact Sheet PDF
Flotilla Registration Form PDF
Grassy Waters Preserve Waiver PDF
Art Marshall Foundation Waiver PDF
Medical Form PDF

Volunteer Opportunities throughout Expedition PDF