Do I need to pay to attend?

No, the event is free but organizers ask that you RSVP in advance to reserve a spot.

Don Philpott is president of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust, a master naturalist, certified interpretive guide and experienced author and broadcaster.

How long is the talk?

The session runs approximately two hours.

Is the event suitable for children?

It is suitable for curious teens and adults; check age restrictions with the organizer if bringing younger children.

Is there a meeting point or address provided?

Meeting point information was not specified in the listing; please check your RSVP confirmation or contact the organizer for exact directions.

Are any skills required to attend?

No technical skills are needed—just curiosity, and optional binoculars or a camera for wildlife spotting.

longwood-florida-fascinating-wildlife-talk-with-don-philpott

Longwood, Florida sits at the northern edge of Central Florida’s spring country, and here an evening with Don Philpott—Florida’s Fascinating Wildlife – Past and Present—offers a compact, richly informed entry point to the Wekiva region. In a roughly two-hour talk accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine, Philpott guides listeners from the state’s submerged origins and Pleistocene megafauna to the living assemblages that populate Wekiwa Springs State Park, Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, and Rock Springs Run State Reserve today.

The area’s defining features are obvious once you begin to look: karst limestone bedrock that feeds crystal-clear spring heads, long spring runs that carve shaded channels through hammock and floodplain, oxbow wetlands and a patchwork of temperate-to-subtropical habitats that support unusually high biodiversity. Expect to hear about prehistoric sea monsters and mammoths, and connect those stories to modern river otters, wading birds and gopher tortoises that make these parks prime wildlife-watching terrain.

Philpott brings institutional and on-the-ground authority to the talk. He is president of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust, a past board member of the Florida State Parks Foundation, and a practiced interpreter with credentials as a master naturalist and certified interpretive guide. His work spans writing, broadcasting and photography, and his local leadership gives the program direct ties to conservation projects protecting river corridors and spring heads.

This is a convivial, accessible program aimed at both residents and visitors. The event is free with RSVP; organizers request advance booking to manage space. The complimentary glass of wine creates a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and questions after the formal presentation. Small groups from local hiking, paddling and birding communities often attend, turning the talk into a springboard for follow-up outings on adjacent public lands.

Practical notes: the session runs about two hours, requires no technical skills and is suitable for curious adults and teens. Bring binoculars, a camera and a notebook to translate Philpott’s observations into field time on nearby trails and waterways; insect repellent and sturdy shoes are smart if you plan to step from the talk to a short site visit.

Why this program stands out: it pairs storytelling with stewardship. The talk situates Wekiwa Springs, Lower Wekiva and Rock Springs Run within a broader conservation narrative while offering tactical guidance—where to look for early-morning river otter activity, how karst geology shapes spring flow, and simple practices that minimize visitor impact. For travelers staying in the Longwood or greater Orlando area, the talk is a sharp, locally grounded primer before you head into the springs, runs and river corridors that make this part of Florida uniquely rich for wildlife.

About Wekiva Island

Wekiva Island is a riverfront recreation and rental destination in Longwood, Florida, offering cabana rentals, group spaces, guided paddle experiences, and seasonal family events. The property features multiple private and semi-private cabanas—Audubon Cabana, Otter Cabana, Barefoot Cabana, Cabana #1, Cabana #2, Cabana #3, Canoe Cabana, The Point, and The Beach Club—each with outdoor seating and amenities that include gas grills, coolers or beverage refrigerators, and direct water access where noted. The Beach Club is the largest rentable space and accommodates up to forty guests, while several cabanas serve groups of ten to twenty-five people.

Guided offerings include the Wekiva Island Paddle Adventure, which begins with a brief paddling lesson and proceeds with a guided tour on the Wekiva River; participants may have opportunities to swim in clear springs during suitable conditions. Seasonal and holiday programming includes family-friendly events such as Donuts with Santa, Breakfast With Santa, Ornament Decorating with Elves, and Stories with Mrs. Claus. One cabana—The Point—permits pop-up tents, a unique allowance on the island that supports small gatherings and customized setups.

Wekiva Island operates on the Wekiva River corridor and supports responsible recreation near local conservation partners. Rentals clearly list capacities and included amenities, while larger spaces provide picnic tables, fire pits, and direct water access for paddling and swimming. Visitors can reserve day rentals for private events, group outings, or relaxed beach-style days. The venue emphasizes convenience with stocked coolers or beverage refrigerators, upgraded privacy features, and on-site grills to support cooking and catering options.