Is the class really free?

Yes; the session is offered at no charge but requires an RSVP to reserve your spot.

Do I need prior experience?

No—Don tailors instruction for beginners and experienced observers alike.

Bring water, sun protection, a notebook, and binoculars if you have them.

Will the class run in rain?

Light rain may shift the lesson under cover or to cloud-focused instruction; heavy storms may cancel or reschedule.

How family-friendly is this program?

Very family-friendly—activities are hands-on and accessible for older children with adult supervision.

Can I apply these skills elsewhere in Florida?

Yes—the observational principles taught are widely applicable across central Florida habitats.

Read the Sky: Nature’s Barometer Class with Don Philpott in Longwood

Nature’s Barometer Class with Don Philpott takes place in Longwood, Florida, where suburban parks meet the riparian edges of central Florida’s rivers and understory. This two-hour, complimentary session introduces travelers and locals to practical, time-tested ways to forecast weather by reading birds, clouds, plants, and other living indicators. Don Philpott, a master naturalist, author, and certified interpretive guide, combines storytelling with field science to teach observation techniques that anyone can use on the trail or before a paddle. The lesson is both humble and powerful: a handful of field signs often predicts short-term weather shifts more quickly than a phone app when you need immediate, site-specific insight. Participants examine cloud structure and movement to distinguish fair-weather cumulus from the tall, anvil-topped buildups that signal strong convection. Don demonstrates how the altitude and shape of cirrus and altostratus can reveal approaching systems, and he ties those signs to wind direction and changes in barometric feel. Bird behavior provides another chapter. The class looks for changes in flight patterns, flock density, and feeding urgency among species common to Seminole County. When swallows ride low over fields or shorebirds concentrate tightly on mudflats, Don explains what those patterns suggest about incoming rain or shifting pressure. Plant cues are just as telling: flower closing, leaf orientation, and sap flow rhythms are all observable signals that echo humidity and temperature trends. You’ll appreciate the tactile, low-tech approach: a pocket notebook, simple binoculars, and a curiosity that keeps your eyes moving between horizon and undergrowth. The experience is ideal for families, hikers planning day trips, paddlers launching from nearby springs, and photographers who want to anticipate light and storm windows. Because the class is free but RSVP is requested, sign up early — popular dates fill fast. The instruction honors both traditional lore and scientific reasoning, explaining classic rules like "red sky at night" and showing when they hold true locally. Longwood’s native live oaks, palmetto patches, and river corridor habitats form the classroom backdrop, giving participants an intimate look at the flora and fauna whose behavior communicates weather. For visitors staying in the Orlando area, this program offers a quick, meaningful way to deepen outdoor awareness while minimizing environmental impact. You leave with sharper observational skills and a practical toolkit: read cloud ceilings, notice bird cues, and use plant behavior to refine your short-term forecasts. That competence makes every subsequent hike, paddle, or campsite choice more confident and safe. Don often shares recommended local routes and simple field experiments you can repeat at home; he also points out seasonal bird species to watch and local plant indicators to track. Bring a refillable water bottle, sun protection, and an open mind to learn a outdoor skill.

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.